The Center: Art, Play & Traditional Therapy
our therapists
Michele D. Rattigan, MA, ATR-BC, NCC, LPC
Registered, Board Certified Art Psychotherapist & Licensed Professional Counselor NJ #PC-0380Phone: 609-230-5817
Email: artishealing@msn.com
Michele Rattigan is located at the Art, Play and Traditional Therapy, Salem County satellite office.
Office address:
117 South Main Street, 2nd floor
Woodstown, NJ 08098
Most insurance accepted
Michele Rattigan is an artist, art therapist, guest lecturer, national presenter, student supervisor, ATR and LPC supervisor, and clinical instructor of art therapy. She received her Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Painting & Drawing and Certificate of Concentration in Art Therapy from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA in 1994. In 1996 she graduated from MCP-Hahnemann University (now Drexel University) with her Master's of Art in Art Therapy.
Michele has over 10 years experience providing individual and group psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. She assists individuals struggling with life transitions, loss issues, general mental health concerns, depression & anxiety, stress, and other specialized issues including, but not limited to, the following:
- Unresolved trauma
- Post-partum depression and anxiety
- Disordered eating and body image issues
- Self-harming behaviors
- Dissociative disorders
Michele believes that creativity is the ultimate coping tool and that all humans have the capacity to be creative. She describes art therapy as another form of communication and expression where an issue, feeling, or thought may be relayed more easily or with more truthfulness through the means of creating two- or three-dimensional art rather than through the art of conversation alone. Images and creativity are powerful tools to assist us in expression, understanding, problem-solving, and healing. Through being open to and experiencing the art making process, we can expand our minds; envision a new perspective; work through and let go of negative thoughts, feelings, and memories; and reconnect with our lost Self.
During art therapy sessions, the participant creates his or her own art with guidance and support from Michele. Clients may also choose to engage in their own art making and journaling outside of the session time and bring in their art to discuss and review in therapy.
Art therapy participants do not need previous art training, nor do they need to possess "artistic talent" or skills. There is no "right" way to create art in art therapy, and what a participant creates or chooses not to create is an important expression: a reflection of his or her true self at that moment in time.
Participant feedback:
"Creating art gets to the heart of the matter faster than just talking." -P.A.
"After drawing, I left here feeling relieved." -D.C.
"I don't like to talk. The art can help me find the words." - Q.P.