Emily Michalski, LCAT, KAP, RYT

Art therapy for burnout, identity shifts, and the parts of you asking for care

Hi, I’m Emily, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in Rochester, New York.

I work with adults who look like they’re holding it all together on the outside, but inside feel overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, or stuck. Many of the people I support are navigating anxiety, identity questions, creative blocks, existential heaviness, or the exhaustion that comes from trying to keep functioning when everything feels like a lot.

My practice is a warm, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse adults, and I believe therapy should feel collaborative, human, and accessible. You do not need to be “good at art” to work with me. In fact, no art experience is required at all.

As a creative arts therapist, I blend talk therapy with art-making as a meaningful clinical tool. Depending on your needs, that might include drawing, painting, collage, clay, journaling, or other creative processes that help make room for feelings, patterns, and parts of yourself that can be hard to put into words. Sometimes talking is enough. Sometimes words need backup.

My approach is gentle, honest, and grounded in the idea that healing does not have to be polished to be real. Therapy can be a place to get curious, make a mess, reconnect with yourself, and build new ways of coping and relating.

In addition to individual therapy, I also offer group therapy, workplace wellness sessions, and professional consultation. My goal is to create a space where you can show up as you are and feel supported in moving toward a life that feels more connected, sustainable, and like your own.

If you’re looking for a therapist who values creativity, authenticity, and the messy middle of growth, I’d be honored to connect.