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LICENSED art therapisT & clinical coordinator

Kacy Madigan, LCAT, ATR-BC, CASAC  (she/her)

• LGBTQIA+ Issues
• Neurodivergence
• Life Transitions
• Parenting
• Substance Use
• Relationship Dynamics
• Developmental Trauma

Pittsford location
Openings currently available
$125 self-pay rate

Connect with Kacy!

Alchemy is the process of transmuting lead into gold. As an art therapist, I see my work as a psychological alchemist, teaching you how to transform your past “lead” (trauma, feeling alone, or destructive relationship patterns) into “gold” (insight, healing, and growth). Whether you are struggling to transition into a new phase of life, feeling invisible, or seeking hope in moments of loss in a rapidly changing world, I am your guide. I specialize in a wide range of issues affecting teens, adults, and older adults, with an overall focus on helping you live more authentically, build healthy relationships with others, and quiet the self-criticism that keeps you stuck in unhelpful patterns. I don’t just have training and experience in treating these issues; I’ve lived through them myself and come out the other side. Things like being a child of divorce, navigating LGBTQIA+ and blended family relationships, and healing multi-generational trauma. 

In my repertoire, I use evidence-based, trauma-informed therapeutic practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness to help you cope with intense emotions. For deeper trauma work, I utilize Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and an object relations perspective to help you understand how trauma has impacted you and your functioning, especially your ability to regulate your emotions and connect in healthy ways with yourself and others. I also use an intuitive eating and body acceptance approach and particularly enjoy incorporating exploration of spiritual practices like astrology, archetypes, and love languages. Art therapy brings all these pieces together to promote healing – the expansive modalities of visual art making serving as a conduit for the subconscious. 

As your therapist, I am here to meet you at this moment, wherever you are. I have a deep belief that you can create your own inner peace. I delight in utilizing the unlimited possibilities of art making and spiritual practices as a central force to ground, center, and guide therapeutic intentions. I will encourage you to challenge yourself symbolically through art making and mindfulness to explore uncharted facets of yourself that can lead to transformation and healing. Over time, you’ll be able to identify and tap into resilience as a way to manage environmental and relationship stressors. Using a strengths-based perspective, you’ll be better able to navigate life’s challenging moments with both preparation and compassion.

“Anyone who says you can’t see a thought simply doesn’t know art.”

Wynetka Ann Reynolds

Get To Know Kacy!

Education & Training

I obtained my Master’s at Long Island University, CW Post in 2016 in a program that melded traditional art therapy courses with mental health counseling. I also completed an Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling (CASAC). In addition to formal mental health training, I have 20-plus years of extensive training in the realms of metaphysics, astrology, sound healing, Pranayama (breath work), Chakra work, Reiki, Course in Miracles, Law of Attraction, Ho’oponopono, The Four Agreements, Sacred Contracts, and Archetypal work.

CLIENT FOCUS

I work with a wide variety of folks ranging in age from teens to older adults. I have experience working with individuals with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. I am particularly drawn to work with clients who are neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, OCD), struggle with body or gender dysphoria, and those identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Therapeutic approaches

In my repertoire, I use traditional and trauma-focused therapeutic practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), gestalt therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I work from an object relations, attachment, and family systems perspective to assist clients in navigating early childhood trauma with caregivers and their family of origin. I also use an intuitive eating and body acceptance approach and particularly enjoy incorporating exploration of intuitive spiritual practices like astrology, archetypes, and love languages. 

areas of specialization

Overall, I specialize in working with individuals who are feeling stagnant and/or who are seeking guidance and hope. Family issues and relationship conflicts underpin a lot of my work with clients, and I also help couples navigate infertility, cope with the loss of a child, and strengthen their parenting skills. I enjoy working with clients who are going through a phase of life changes, including puberty, marriage, career shifts, and the empty nest, as well as exploring sexual and gender identity. Lastly, I work with clients who have chronic health/pain conditions, are experiencing a spiritual or religious crisis, or are looking for guidance as they process grief and themes of death and mortality. 

What does a session with you look like?

I utilize a balance of both directed and open-ended modalities of art in sessions. I generally begin with more structured directives to identify your goals in therapy and explore your main obstacles. Once you feel comfortable, we will work at your desired pace and expression needs, whether that is focusing on the intricate details of a clay creation, tapping into the subconscious mind through neurographic art, or delving into uncharted art mediums. 

How do I know if we’re a good fit?

Progress and results depend on where you are and where you want to be. Like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, there is no rushing the process. Within the first few months, there will be clear signs of growth, change, and insight. I’m a firm believer that we cannot heal what we do not acknowledge.

Some of the first signs that therapy is working will be an improved ability to view your relationship to emotions, thoughts, and behaviors with an enlightened perspective. From here, you’ll start to notice shifts in your actions – you’ll have the ability to identify and maintain healthy boundaries, you will build a generous toolbox of positive coping skills you pull from regularly, and you’ll manage stressful events with more self-compassion. 

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