Spotted Rabbit Studio | Rochester NY Art Therapy

Spotted Rabbit Creative Arts Therapy

LGBTQIA+ & Neurodivergent Trauma Therapy Monroe │ Pittsford │ Greece (coming soon)

Virtual Sessions Across New York
Spring & Summer 2026 Workshops & Groups

A Common Question We Hear

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is more than making art. It’s an evidence-based mental health practice used to support healing, improve emotional processing, and increase overall well-being for all ages, youth through adults.

Art therapists are trained in traditional “talk therapy”, as well as art-based psychotherapy techniques, and we use a combination of both within sessions. Research shows that through creative expression, folks can explore emotions, build coping skills, and access healing in ways that words alone cannot. As a somatic practice, art therapy also encourages real-time nervous system regulation.

You don’t have to have artistic skill to participate in art therapy! Many people doodle or crochet while they talk, which helps to reduce anxiety around discussing difficult topics.

Others engage in more directed projects, like depicting their depression as a monster, exploring family dynamics through a solar system illustration, or planning their future through a bridge drawing. At times, we may also use art making itself as an opportunity to heal – creating a memorial for a lost pet, sculpting a worry stone out of clay, or keeping a visual journal as a means of self-care. Art-making can also provide opportunities for folks to practice new skills right in session–using watercolor to challenge perfectionism or offering non-preferred materials to practice frustration tolerance or sensory integration. No matter what, each client’s journey with art therapy is different and based on their own personal needs and goals.

Overall, art therapy is a unique and powerful tool for improving mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, supporting trauma recovery, and enhancing quality of life.

Our Specialties

Spotted Rabbit therapists aren’t here to “fix” you. We live for empowering neurodivergents, LGBTQ+ folx, and those who have experienced emotional neglect and other trauma to be their most authentic selves and live a life aligned with their own personal values. We don’t work in a stale clinical space, or one that’s filled with positivity clichés. Our therapists are real people with similar lived experiences, who will treat you as an equal on your journey toward emotional wellness.

Area of Focus

Complex Trauma | PTSD
Childhood Emotional Neglect
Borderline Personality Disorder
Dissociative Disorders | DID

Neurodivergence
Autism | ADHD | OCD
Burnout | Depression | Anxiety
Chronic Pain & Illness

LGBTQIA+ Issues
Gender Transition | Sexual Identity
Non-Traditional Relationships
Disordered Eating & Body Image

Holistic & Person-Centered

No generic cookie-cutter approaches here. We see you as a whole person and tailor our eclectic approach to what YOU need.

How We Actually Help

We’re direct, action-oriented, and will call you out on your stuff. We explore how systems, environment, and relationships impact your mental health, all through a neurobiology lens. And we’ll give you concrete tools, not just head nodding.

Approaches

Creative Arts Therapy | Trauma Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Narrative Therapy | Existential Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Polyvagal Theory & Somatic Therapies
Feminist Therapy | Multi-Cultural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Individual Sessions

One-on-one time where we dig deep and get to the root of what’s holding you back. Art materials included!

Group Experiences

From art making to D&D, find your people in supportive group sessions doing the things you love. Connecting has never been easier.

In-Person & Online

Come do therapy with us, at our colorful Pittsford or Brighton studio. Or skip the drive and have therapy from the comfort of your safe space.

Our Team

Spotted Rabbit’s Licensed Creative Arts Therapists share your lived experiences, so we don’t just “get it”…we ARE it. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to say hello, we’d love to hear from you.

CIERA LACOUNT, LCAT

EMMA ANNABLE, LCAT-P

KYLE LANG, LCAT

EVELYN VARLAN, LCAT-P

SHAWN SHANNON-MISSAL, LCAT

KAMYRN AARONSON, LCAT

SYDNEY DLHOPOLSKY, LCAT-P

LYRAH WALLACE, LCAT

KIT SHULMAN, LCAT-P

SARAH MAYNARD, LCAT

SARAH BEREN, LCAT

Our Beliefs

Here at Spotted Rabbit we do therapy differently. As art therapists we’re trained in traditional talk therapy, as well as the therapeutic use of art-making. As people we bring our values of acceptance, authenticity, and compassion to work with us. We specialize in only the highest quality trauma-informed, strength-based care for neurodivergent individuals and the LGBTQIA+ community.

REAL

We won’t tell you to just think more positively. Your distress is valid and needs to be witnessed. And if you want to take off your shoes that’s okay too.

ACCEPTING

We value individuality and encourage each client to identify and work toward their own personal values and explore their own unique identity.

VALUES-BASED

We believe distress comes from living a life that is inauthentic and that does not provide sufficient meaning and purpose. We can help you change that.

RESPONSIVE

We have same week availability for new clients and our therapists return messages from new and established clients throughout the day.

TRAUMA-INFORMED

We recognize that trauma occurs from a wide range of experiences and that many mental health issues are rooted in dysfunctional family lives and traumatic childhood experiences.

ACCESSIBLE

Our space is fully ADA accessible and gender neutral. Telehealth is available for residents of NYS. Reduced rate options are available with our interns & associate level therapists.

SAFE

We know that mental health treatment can be a source of trauma. That’s why we work in an art studio, not a sterile medical facility and take confidentiality seriously.

say hello!

What Our Clients Have To Say

“So yes, if you are able to see them (Lyrah), you’ll be working with a therapist who truly understands neurodiversity, being queer and coming out in the modern world, and all the challenges that can present in professional settings, everyday personal struggles, and with families.”

“From the very beginning, Shawn created a safe and welcoming environment where my daughter felt comfortable expressing her emotions and thoughts. Her gentle and patient approach made it easy for my daughter to open up and explore her feelings through art.”

“Going to therapy at Spotted Rabbit Studio isn’t just good for my mental well-being, it has improved every aspect of my life. For the first time, after years of trying different therapists with different specializations and philosophies, I finally feel as though therapy is helping me unravel a lifetime of trauma and grief.”

“Working with Kit has been amazing, they are super supportive and the atmosphere feels like you are just in a comfortable creative space. I have learned so much about my self and my traumas and how to live a content life by working with Kit. I highly recommend giving this place a try, especially if talk therapy hasn’t been a favorite of yours in the past. I have found acceptance and kindness here, and would love to see others do the same!”

“Over the last year, I have worked through many things and Sarah has not only helped to provide a safe, comfortable environment do so, but also provided helpful solutions that work for me personally. I feel that Sarah genuinely wants to help/ guide and isn’t just listening to listen, which makes for a great experience.”

Our Blog

Childhood Emotional Neglect: What It Means For You As An Adult & Creative Art Therapy Benefits

Next Entries »

Spotted Rabbit Creative Arts Therapy

What Is Art Therapy?