Holly Garces, MA

Art Therapist

Welcome to Art Therapy-

Meet Holly.

Holly believes that healing can happen in ways that words alone cannot always reach.

She combines traditional talk therapy with the creative process of art-making, helping clients explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences through color, line, shape, and image. Whether someone has been carrying difficult emotions for years or is navigating a recent life challenge, Holly creates a welcoming space where curiosity, creativity, and self-expression become pathways toward healing.

With a lifelong love of art and a passion for helping others discover new perspectives, Holly is committed to helping clients access strengths, insights, and possibilities that may have previously felt out of reach.

She believes art therapy can benefit individuals across the lifespan and is appropriate for virtually any mental health concern or life challenge, whether short-term or ongoing.

My Approach to Therapy

Holly believes that healing begins with feeling safe enough to explore your inner world without fear of judgment. She develops a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel supported, respected, and free to move at their own pace.

While traditional talk therapy remains an important part of her work, Holly thoughtfully integrates art therapy techniques to help clients express experiences that may be difficult to put into words. Sometimes our thoughts and emotions are held in images, sensations, or memories that language alone cannot fully capture. The creative process offers another way to understand ourselves, uncover patterns, and discover new possibilities for healing.

Importantly, art therapy is not about artistic ability. You do not need formal art training or even consider yourself "creative" to benefit. The focus is never on producing a beautiful piece of artwork, but on using the creative process as a way to increase self-awareness, process emotions, and foster personal growth. Research suggests that engaging in art-making can bypass some of the barriers that make difficult experiences hard to verbalize, allowing for meaningful expression and healing in ways that traditional conversation alone may not achieve.

Holly also incorporates mindfulness practices into therapy, helping clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences with greater compassion and acceptance. Together, these approaches support clients in building insight, resilience, and lasting emotional well-being.

Clinical Interests

Holly works with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions and adjustment

  • Stress management

  • Self-esteem and identity development

  • Emotional expression and regulation

  • Mindfulness and self-awareness

  • Personal growth and self-discovery

  • Creative expression for emotional healing

Credentials

  • MS Art Therapy

    -Mount Mary University

  • Member:

    -Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)

    -American Art Therapy Association (AATB)

    -Michigan Association of Art Therapy (MAAT)

A Little More About My Work

Holly believes that creativity is a deeply human way of making sense of our experiences. Whether through painting, drawing, collage, or other creative media, the artistic process can help clients communicate, process, and heal in ways that often feel both natural and empowering.

Her hope is that every client leaves therapy feeling more connected to themselves, more confident in their ability to navigate life's challenges, and more open to the possibilities that emerge through healing and creative exploration.