Lauren Bark, LCPAT, ATR-BC

Lauren Bark, LCPAT, ATR-BC

She/Her/Hers
Works with Children 10+ and Adults

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” 

– Georgia O’Keeffe

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me: I am an art therapist, and my focus is on trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach is generally creative, eclectic, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and trauma-informed. I help people engage in artistic self-expression and reflection to explore and regulate emotions, change unhelpful thinking patterns, resolve self-destructive behaviors, process trauma, gain insight, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood, outlook, and self-confidence. 

My impacting identities/roles that inform my work: I am a white woman, artist, empath, feminist, and mother. I strive to acknowledge my privilege and create a safe space for all.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Trauma survivors, sexual assault, abusive relationships and domestic violence, human trafficking, disordered eating, self-harm, anxiety, and depression.

I work best with clients who: Are ages 10+, and interested in virtual, individual therapy; ideally, they would be looking to incorporate creativity and self-expression through art making into their growth/therapy process. 

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Are looking for couples therapy or a highly structured therapy approach. 

What makes me unique: I think my characteristics as a therapist are pretty standard; I am open, patient, observant, warm, and genuine. The connections I make with my clients are unique and quite important to me. 

LEARNING AND GROWING

For six years, I was the art therapist at a non-profit agency where I supported individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. I have also worked at an outpatient mental health clinic for children and a residential treatment facility for adolescents; I interned on a trauma disorders unit at a psychiatric hospital. 

I currently participate in the Maryland Human Trafficking Clinician Collaborative through the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, Victim Service Subcommittee. This collaborative focuses on the implementation of trauma-informed and collaborative therapeutic services for survivors of human trafficking. 

Fun Facts/Resilience Building 

What resources me to build resilience: It is probably not surprising, but I enjoy making, talking about, and viewing art. I enjoy painting, pottery, collage, photography, and generally being creative/crafty… when I can find the time! 

Education

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a master’s degree in art therapy from Drexel University. I also studied visual art at the undergraduate level for three years. 

Certifications

I am a Maryland Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist (LCPAT) with national Board Certification (ATR-BC).

I am a Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists Approved Art Therapy Supervisor.

In 2021, I completed the Level I Certificate Program in Advanced Trauma Treatment through the Ferentz Institute.