Licensed Art Therapist
Kamryn Aaronson, LCAT (she/her)
- Neurodivergence
- Late-Diagnosis ASD or ADHD
- Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior
- Anxiety & Depression
- Complex Trauma
Pittsford location
Openings currently available
$125 self-pay rate
Navigating life in a way society deems acceptable is not only difficult but draining. Adjusting your lifestyle to reflect what others think is right can keep the peace, but at the expense of yourself. Add on neurodiversity, like ADHD or autism, and life can feel even trickier. It can feel like you’re the only person without the cheat codes to life. Maybe you struggle with executive functioning skills like organization and time management, or feel overwhelmed by tasks like grocery shopping. Life in general just seems to take more out of you than it does others.
What if I told you it was possible to live authentically? To live a life aligned with your values, even if you don’t know what they are yet? Through psychodynamic and ACT approaches, we can uncover the core of who you are, like what makes you feel fulfilled, successful, and accomplished. With a solution-focused approach, we can implement strategies for emotional and social success. Coping mechanisms come in all shapes and sizes, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Together, we can figure out how to make life work for you in a way that reflects your own needs and values.
I believe art making opens up avenues for personal expression as well as emotional exploration and processing. In session, we’ll utilize both directed and free art-making interventions to explore different aspects of art therapy. I am committed to helping you use art and creativity to cultivate a meaningful life. Additionally, I have both personal and professional experience with the treatment of body- focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) such as skin picking, hair pulling, and other obsessive-compulsive behaviors through art therapy and CBT approaches.
“A simple line painted with the brush can lead to freedom and happiness.” ”
J. Miro
Get To Know Kamryn!
Education & Training
I received my masters in creative arts therapy from Nazareth University in 2024. I’ve completed multiple trainings in gender affirming care and working with LGBTQ+ trauma survivors. I have additional education in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Womanist therapy, and SoulCollage®. Other trainings I’ve completed include storytelling in art therapy, black out poetry, and the interweave of art therapy, EMDR, and IFS. I am currently completing advanced training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
client focus
I work with all ages and abilities however the majority of my clients are part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum and are interested in exploring themselves and their lives through a neurodivergent lens. Many are late-diagnosed or un-diagnosed adults with autism, ADHD, or AuDHD.
Therapeutic approaches
As a therapist I am rather solution focused and like to help my clients formulate strategies for success. This approach is often done through values clarification, critical thinking & analysis, and visual tracking of information. Incorporating ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) into my practice allows clients to better understand their needs and how to best make sure they are met. I also like to use methods from IFS (Internal Family Systems) to help clients parse out different parts of self and conflicting beliefs.
areas of specialization
While I specialize in working with young and middle aged adults who are neurodiverse or suspect they have ADHD or autism, many clients also come to me with diagnoses or suspicions of anxiety, OCD, CPTSD, and ARFID.
What does a session with you look like?
A first session with me usually looks like us using pre-cut images to make “about me” collages. I use this as a way to encourage client’s verbalization of self and explore their engagement with art making. After this, sessions will be tailored more to conversations we’ve had in the past and the goals that have been generated for the future. Sometimes we’ll utilize “fun” art as a coping skill if grounding or relaxation is needed that day.
I always ask my clients at the start of the session if there is something specific they need out of that day’s meeting. This lets me know if there is something big on the client’s mind, what their mood is, and allows me to gauge how much control they may or may not want of the session. This is also a good opportunity for clients to let me know if there is a specific material or art supply they want to use. Checking in at the start also lets me know how much humor or personality a client might appreciate that day; as my sessions can sometimes still feel light-hearted while we’re exploring intense topics.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
Methods of tracking are often beneficial in showing clients progress in a visual way, as it can be used to compare data over time. Sometimes my clients who struggle with executive functioning will use punch cards or bingo boards to cross off checklist items and visually view their progress.
Progress may also look like fewer “doom piles” or things not put away in the home, decreased forgetfulness or time blindness, increased ability to initiate and complete tasks, more energy and desire to engage socially, or less revenge bedtime procrastination.
