“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe ”

— Muhammad Ali

My approach to therapy:

I believe in the inherent healing power of art and creative expression. My goal is to foster an environment in which my participants feel safe to be messy, silly, raw with emotion… themselves!!

I utilize a person-centered approach in session, meaning I follow the participant’s lead and integrate therapeutic strategies into the art-based or play-based activity they choose. I also draw insight from DBT, feminist, and Polyvagel theories. Strategies I offer in session vary and depend on the participant’s identified support needs and goals.  

When working with individuals exploring their relationship with substances, I take a harm reduction approach. My harm reduction strategies include: psychoeducation about how substances affect the body and brain, reducing risk for disease transmission and bodily harm, promoting empowered decision making, and connecting participants and their families with community resources.

Many individuals have historically been excluded from therapeutic spaces and/or have been directly harmed by the field of psychology and therapy practices. Through an intersectional lens, I strive to recognize this issue and grow my awareness of ongoing concerns; keeping in mind that all humans are worthy of health, safety, and peace.

Sarah Daentl

Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor

MS, ATR, LPC

Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) certificate holder

My experience with art-making:

I’ve been drawn to art-making and creative pursuits since a young age. My explorations began with drawing on walls I was asked not to draw on, and creating collages in my room with old photos and magazine clippings. In this life, I’ve been a storyteller, creative writer, photographer, painter, printmaker, and sculptor. In retrospect, my constant creative endeavors served as a powerful antidote to the stresses and anxieties of frequent moves, ambiguous grief, and the natural hardships of being a teenager. 

As a young adult, I’ve fine tuned my artistry. In my free time, I engage mostly with painting, printmaking, mixed-media collage, and fiber arts. I also enjoy spending time outside, running with my dog, weightlifting, learning about astrology, and cooking new recipes I find on instagram.

Individuals I serve:

While pursuing my education, I supported folks from both rural and urban communities, adults engaging in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for substance use concerns, and with survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault. I often provided art-making and play opportunities to survivors and their children as a means for fostering felt-safety and community in the shelter setting. 

Since joining the team at Creative Forces, I have gained knowledge and experience working with neurodiverse individuals, children in kinship and foster care placements, and teens. I serve participants ages 5 and older. The participants I serve often are seeking support for emotion regulation, attachment, complex trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression.