At Inspired Healing Therapy, we believe that healing can take many forms and sometimes, it begins beyond words.
This month, we’re highlighting Jessi (Jessica) van der Laan, LLC, ATR-P, a provisionally registered art therapist who brings a creative, authentic, and open-minded approach to her work with clients.
Jessi has been with Inspired Healing Therapy since October 2024, and her path into therapy is one that many clients resonate with.
Finding Therapy Through Art
Jessi’s journey into becoming an art therapist began with her own experience.
During college, she found that traditional talk therapy didn’t fully meet her needs, but expressing herself through art helped her process emotions in a way that felt more natural and accessible.
That experience led her to pursue art therapy with the hope of helping others find similar pathways toward healing.
“I wanted to be able to help people through art the way that art helped me.” - Jessi
Today, Jessi supports clients in exploring their experiences through both creative expression and conversation, meeting each person where they are.
If you’re curious about how creative approaches can support healing, you can also read more here:
→ The Benefits of Creative Arts Therapies Alongside Talk Therapy
Who Jessi Works With
Jessi enjoys working with a wide range of clients, and especially connects with:
teens
young adults
older adults
Her work often focuses on:
anxiety
depression
life transitions
mindfulness and stress
She uses a person-centered approach, incorporating elements of CBT alongside art therapy (obviously!) to support each client’s unique needs.
A Creative Approach to Therapy
As an art therapist, Jessi offers clients the opportunity to explore their thoughts and emotions in non-traditional ways, including:
painting
drawing
collage
writing
This can help make therapy feel less intimidating and more accessible, especially for those who may feel unsure about where to start or how to put their feelings into words.
You can learn more about our creative therapy services here:
→ Creative Arts Therapies at Inspired Healing Therapy
What Clients Often Experience
Clients who work with Jessi often share that they leave sessions feeling:
less stressed
less anxious
more grounded
Her approach emphasizes curiosity, expression, and emotional safety, allowing space for both exploration and reflection.
Creating a Safe Space
What does creating a safe space mean to you?
“To me, creating a safe space means meeting someone where they are at, being non-judgmental, providing the support they need in the moment. If you need to talk for an hour about how hard work has been, go for it. If you need an hour to sit in comforting silence while you internally process the events of the week, do it. If you need to sit and talk about the silly little things that made you laugh this week because you did not have anyone else to talk to, I am here for you.”
Jessi offers a space where clients can show up fully as themselves.
The Heart Behind Her Work
One of the most meaningful parts of Jessi’s work is being able to support clients through both:
the harder moments in life
and the milestones and growth that follow
She is guided by the belief that:
Everyone moves through life at their own pace and it’s okay to be in a different place than others.
A Bit More About Jessi
Because therapists are humans too 💛
Outside of sessions, Jessi enjoys:
diamond art
hand building with clay
reading (currently loving books by Freida McFadden)
watching a movie or TV show
Fun fact: She bought her first car using mostly $1 bills!
For Those Considering Therapy
If you’re feeling nervous about starting therapy, Jessi shares:
“You are already doing the hardest thing by looking for someone who you feel will work best for you! Keep that momentum going and book the appointment - the only thing scarier than doing it is living with the ‘what if’ of not doing it.”
Connect With Jessi
Jessi is currently accepting new clients and offers a supportive space for those looking to explore therapy through both creative and traditional approaches.
You can learn more about Jessi and the rest of our team here:
→ Meet Our Therapists
Or reach out to get started:
→ Contact Inspired Healing Therapy
