Meet Kim Welch of Creative Heart Counseling in Auburn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Welch.

Kim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey towards becoming an art therapist truly began as a child. I remember in the fifth grade instead of going to recess, I would spend time in the Special Education preschool class helping children with arts and crafts. This experience as a young girl ignited a passion for helping and an innate trust in the power of art making. As someone who was passionate about self-expression through art but never fully confident in my “skills” as an artist, I chose to do an undergraduate double major in fine art and psychology. This led me to discover expressive art therapy as a profession which was all the confirmation I needed to pursue my master’s degree at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. After a variety of post-graduate jobs in various settings within the mental health field, I felt ready to follow my dreams of opening my own art therapy business. Thus Creative Heart Counseling was born and continues to grow!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The decision to get my master’s degree directly out of undergraduate school meant continued effort towards a dream that I had not yet completely formed but still trusted fully. The necessary focus required to complete the program placed strain on my relationships and finances. But my unwavering support system allowed me to sustain my attention where it needed to be in order to learn and practice the skills necessary to become an effective art therapist. It is an ongoing, living process that allows me to provide my clients with the best possible support while they grow and heal. Navigating the systems involved in running my own business has also brought along many challenges that continue to give me a lot of opportunities for my own growth and learning.

Please tell us about Creative Heart Counseling.
Creative Heart Counseling is a small therapy business where I offer individual and group therapy sessions, workshops, and consultations. I specialize in using art therapy when working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. In addition, I have a specialization working with individuals on the autism spectrum; I also offer art therapy in the school setting. When I first started the process of creating my business, I worked hard to consider what would set me apart from others. Since art therapy is in its adolescence as a profession in the mental health field, I realized quickly that my passion and training in this area sets me apart. As I integrate evidence-based practices into my work through the lens of an art therapist, I feel confident that I am offering quality therapy services to best meet my client’s needs. There is no art experience required to participate in an art therapy session as it only requires a willingness to use art materials in a new and more meaningful way. I am proud to be in the business of helping others to heal through expressive art therapy and I believe wholeheartedly that Creative Heart Counseling provides people of all ages and abilities opportunities for self-expression, skill development and holistic healing.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
This is a really hard question for me to answer because as my sisters, cousins and I like to say, “We had the best ‘free range’ childhood ever!” As a child I was encouraged to be free of worry, to go on excursions in nature, to get dirty and explore self-expression through art, music, drama, dance and movement. My cousins and I were together every weekend playing from dawn to dusk and late into the nights, always using our active imaginations to make every moment an adventure.

Contact Info:

• Address: 489 Washington St. Auburn MA
• Phone: 5088685195
• Email: kim.welch.lmhc@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeheartcounseling/

Image Credit:
Head Shot – Bridget B Photography

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