Gina Parks

My Bio

I have had a passion for art for as long as I can remember. At some point in my life I realized the important role that art plays in my life, it’s ability to help me cope with and process the difficulties of life and to further my growth and wellbeing. I chose to become an art therapist because it allows me to share the healing power of the art making process.

As an art therapist, I enjoy helping clients to discover and foster their own inner strengths. I believe that creative expression can be a powerful tool in the therapeutic process. Along with the use of art therapy, I also integrate more traditional talk therapy into my practice. I have training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, collaborative problem solving, play therapy, and motivational interviewing. I take a strength-based and client-centered approach to my work.

I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. My main focus is working with children, adolescents and families. I have an extensive background working with children and teens that have experienced sexual abuse. I also have led art therapy groups for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, worked with adolescent clients in a residential program for substance abuse, and helped children and teens in a crisis psychiatric care facility. My educational background includes a BA from Goucher College in fine art and a master’s degree in Art Therapy Counseling from Maylhurst Universty in 2014.

Please note I am currently supervised by Laura Anderson, LPC.