Associate art therapist
Emma Annable, LCAT-P (she/her)
- OCD & Overthinking
- Perfectionism
- People Pleasing
- Neurodivergence
- Burnout & Stress Management
- LGBTQIA+ Issues
- Complex Trauma
Pittsford location
Openings currently available
$100 self-pay rate
Trying to keep up with life when your mind is full of noise can be exhausting. You might lie awake replaying conversations from earlier that day, wondering if you said something wrong. Maybe you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, comparing your progress to others, or feeling like no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough. Whether it’s due to OCD, suspected autism or ADHD, or complex trauma rumination and intrusive thoughts can keep you from completing tasks, making confident decisions, staying present in relationships, or trying new things. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own, either. As someone who is neurodivergent themselves, I work with teens and young adults, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, who are navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, identity exploration, and the messy, nonlinear work of becoming themselves. Together, we’ll start to untangle the patterns, thoughts, and inner critics that are keeping you stuck so you can move toward a life that feels more like your own.
My approach is collaborative, affirming, and strengths-focused. I see therapy as a team effort, where we work together to identify your goals and move at a pace that feels right for you. Sessions often include a balance of structure and flexibility, incorporating creative expression and practical skill-building tools that feel realistic and sustainable. Using a multifaceted and integrative approach that blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness approaches, and art therapy I aim to help clients recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build practical coping strategies, increase tolerance for uncertainty, and reduce compulsive or avoidance behaviors. Whether we’re making art or simply talking, the goal is the same: to help you feel grounded, empowered, and more aligned with your values. This is a space where you don’t have to hide, shrink, or perform—where you get to be fully seen, just as you are. If you’re struggling with shame, self-criticism, and burnout and are looking for a way to move toward the life you want to live I’d be honored to support you on your journey. Together we can work towards feeling more connected, comfortable, and capable.
“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of the world but those who fight and win battles that others do not know anything about. ”
J. harnisch
Get To Know Emma!
Education & Training
I earned my master’s degree in creative arts therapy from Nazareth University and have been practicing art-based psychotherapy since 2025. I completed elective coursework in phototherapy, exploring how images and visual expression can support insight, emotional processing, and meaning-making. I also had the opportunity to learn from a professor who is a licensed play therapist, including observing sessions and engaging in coursework that explored the principles of play therapy and developmentally informed perspectives. My education emphasized trauma-informed care, with attention to how identity, culture, and systemic factors shape the therapeutic relationship. I carry these values and frameworks with me in my work, approaching therapy through a trauma-informed and neuro-affirming lens.
client focus
I work with clients ages 8 through adult, though I tend to gravitate toward adolescents and young adults. Many of the people I support are navigating anxiety-related concerns, including OCD, emotional dysregulation, and stress tied to identity, productivity, and transitions like school or early adulthood. I often work with individuals who are neurodivergent, who struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, and self-criticism, and who carry the lasting impact of family dynamics or early relational experiences. Many are also exploring their values, clarifying goals, and working to organize their life in ways that feel meaningful and manageable. My clients tend to be thoughtful and insightful yet feeling stuck, and respond well to a combination of structure and flexibility, as well as creative, relational, and values-oriented approaches that emphasize understanding and self-compassion over “fixing.”
Therapeutic approaches
I use a blend of therapy approaches and creative tools to meet clients where they are and support them in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and goals. My work draws heavily from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). With expressive arts, I use a mix of structured and open-ended activities. Clients might make art for relaxation and reflection, create projects to process difficult experiences, or build practical tools like a coping toolbox. This collaborative, flexible approach allows clients to better understand themselves, practice new skills, and find ways to live in alignment with what matters most.
areas of specialization
I primarily work with clients navigating anxiety, OCD, emotional dysregulation, and stress related to identity or life transitions, including school, college, or early adulthood. I also support neurodivergent clients, LGBTQ+ clients, and those affected by family dynamics or early relational experiences. Many of my clients are exploring their values, clarifying goals, and learning strategies to live more intentionally.
What does a session with you look like?
A typical session with me often begins with a brief check-in, either verbally or through a short creative exercise, to help clients settle into the space and identify what feels most important to focus on that day. Sessions are collaborative, with clients having autonomy over their healing journey and process. I tend to gravitate toward 2D art-making, like drawing, painting, and collage, but also sometimes incorporate clay. I'm always open to exploring new materials and creative approaches, especially if there's interest from the client. My style blends structure with flexibility to leave space for personal interpretation while also guiding the work to align with a client’s goals. I strive to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment, emphasizing that there is no “right” way to engage in art therapy; sometimes simply making art quietly or exploring feelings nonverbally is exactly what a client needs that week.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
As a therapist I offer a creative, collaborative, and reflective space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals. Clients who benefit most tend to be open to self-exploration, interested in values-based work, and seeking practical tools or strategies to manage anxiety, OCD, or stress. Sessions with me are flexible and personalized, blending creative expression, skill-building, and insight to meet each client’s unique needs. I work with each client to clarify what progress or success looks like, and then help them take actionable steps toward those goals. While the pace of therapy varies, progress can show up in shifted thought patterns, increased emotional regulation, new behaviors, or an improved sense of well-being. No matter what, the process is always tailored to support what matters most to you.
