Associate art therapist
Emma Annable, LCAT-P (she/her)

- OCD & anxiety
- neurodivergence
- LGBTQIA+ issues
- complex trauma
- life transitions
Openings currently available @ Pittsford. Please contact for availability.
$100 self-pay rate.
It’s hard to be your authentic self when everyone around you invalidates your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, questioning or telling you what to do and how to feel. To keep the peace you’ve probably tried all sorts of ways to please these people, yet you never really seem to gain their acceptance for more than a few moments. You still feel judged and now, in addition, you’re feeling more and more distant from who you really are, assuming you even know what that is anymore. Self-doubt and self-criticism are developed over time, as we listen to the world around us tell us we aren’t good enough. Despite this, I believe we really do have the answers inside of us, if only we’d stop seeking external permission and acceptance from others and focus on what our own heart and mind are saying. I can help you to feel more empowered, to express yourself more authentically, and to be kinder and gentler to yourself all while living a value-focused life.
In the therapeutic setting, I believe strongly in the mindset of art-as-therapy, that the act of creating itself is therapeutic. I employ a combination of person-centered and CBT approaches within the context of art making and talking, in order to help you tap into what you already know but might be fearful or anxious to explore. Finding your own answers and solutions to challenges will ultimately result in the most deep and enduring healing. I also know that this takes practice, and I make an effort to truly listen to you, helping you feel heard and understood. I want you to feel valid, and while I am not the ultimate authority on how you see yourself, I can help you see what it looks like to feel accepted for who you truly are at any given moment, no matter the challenges you have faced. I work to meet you where you are in your journey, teach you ways to cope in the moment, and begin to gently move forward and explore your deeper self, so that you can live more authentically and meaningfully.
“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.

