associate art therapist
Evelyn Varlan (she/her)
- neurodivergence
- LGBTQ+ issues
- OCD & anxiety
- complex trauma
- couples therapy
Openings currently available @ Pittsford and Brighton. Please contact for availability.
$100 self-pay rate.
From a young age, we are taught to conform and adhere to the rules and expectations placed on us by others. While this guidance is provided to help us fit into the society we occupy, for many of us this only highlights the ways we stand out. As someone who is neurodivergent and part of the LGBTQIA+ community I know what it’s like to feel out of place. To be asked to make yourself smaller so as not to inconvenience others. To feel like you are only one small mistake away from catastrophe. To have anxiety so intense you think you’ll explode. I know first hand how early life experiences can lead to depression, poor self-image and the belief we need to hide who really are. As your therapist, I won’t shy away from difficult conversations. When you’re ready we can dig deep to not only evaluate why we believe what we do but explore how to think more helpfully about ourselves, others, and the world. Whether you struggle with negative self-talk, rumination, or catastrophizing worst-case scenarios, cultivating a greater sense of self-acceptance is the first step toward feeling better.
Seeking help can be intimidating. To alleviate this, I cultivate a welcoming and conversational therapeutic environment, working alongside you to tailor goals to your specific needs. In my practice, I utilize psychotherapy modalities rooted in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and existential therapy. Through these approaches, you’ll develop a stronger sense of direction, a more positive sense of self, and improved psychological well-being. I am a firm believer that we are experts in our own story; It is not my role to inform you on who you are or what you should aspire to be. My role is to provide insight, support, and the tools necessary for you to live a fulfilling life in accordance with your values. I also believe in using art as a means for self-expression and exploration. Art can access the parts of ourselves that aren’t always readily apparent, acting as a reflection of our innermost selves and giving us a voice when we otherwise may not have one. I am a firm believer in art-as-therapy, utilizing the act of creation to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Through our work together, you can expect to engage in deep self-reflection and challenge unhelpful beliefs in order to find improved confidence and emotional awareness, reduce intrusive thoughts, and maintain healthier relationship patterns.
“It felt good to say those things out loud. It was a relief to free them from my head and expose them to the light.”
D. Adam
Get To Know Evelyn!
Education & Training
I have a bachelor’s in fine arts from Alfred University, where I specialized in ceramics and photography. I graduated from Nazareth University in 2025 with a MS in creative arts therapy.
client focus
I work with children ages 8 and older, teens, and adults. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, especially on relationship concerns, folks with OCD, and neurodivergent individuals.
Therapeutic approaches
Throughout my practice, I utilize a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and existensial therapy. ACT is an approach that focuses on the relationship between our thoughts and feelings, encouraging us to accept difficult thoughts rather than trying to suppress them. This approach also emphasizes the importance of values, using them to guide future actions and goals. Existential therapy is an approach that is focused on the clients lived-experiences, and encourages clients to create their own meaning in life. Alongside these approaches, I am a firm advocate of trauma-informed care, cultivating a therapeutic environment that feels safe and empowering.
areas of specialization
As a therapist, my main areas of focus include clients who struggle with anxiety, poor self-image, unhealthy or adverse relationships, and/or Queer issues. I work with many anxiety disorders including distressing intrusive thoughts, catastrophizing (jumping to the worst case scenario), phobias, OCD, and social anxiety. When working with clients who struggle with their self-image, I help identify and reinforce the client’s strengths to promote growth and self-acceptance. I also work with individual clients or couples who have experienced challenging or unhealthy relationship dynamics, working to establish healthy boundaries and stronger communication. Lastly, I specialize in LGBTQIA+ issues, including couples work, Queer identity formation, internalized-homophobia, and outsider trauma.
What does a session with you look like?
A session with me typically has 3 phases: check-in, art making, and closing/reflecting. My sessions are open-ended and conversational to let you open up at your own pace and focus on whatever you want to talk about that day. I tend to give art directives that are influenced by your media and subject preferences. I am a strong proponent of the art-as-therapy approach which focuses on art making itself as a healing activity.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
Clients will know therapy is working when they begin to notice a boost in their self-confidence or an increase in their sense of competency, possibly contributing to a more positive worldview. This confidence may also manifest in clients seeking new opportunities or forging new social connections. Those with a history of relationship issues may notice stronger communication skills or identify themselves establishing interpersonal boundaries. Additionally, clients who struggle with intrusive thoughts may experience less distress from their thoughts, and will more frequently use tools and techniques to manage their anxiety symptoms. Overall clients will find themselves with greater body awareness, making it easer to self-regulate anxiety before it flares up.