A&S
About Art and Soul Art Therapy
Art and Soul Art Therapy is a very small private psychotherapy practice on the Connecticut shoreline. Located at 141 Durham Road, Suite 19, in Madison, we are conveniently accessible at the junction of CT route 79 and interstate 95.
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We are Masters-level creative clinicians who approach life and therapy from different angles. We blend out-of-the-box thinking with the latest research in treatment techniques. We aim to provide the best of ourselves to our clients by keeping up on the latest research, collaborating with our clients' care teams across professions, and bringing creative and innovative new ideas to the therapy session.
In order to keep fresh, energized and passionate about our work, we each keep an intentionally light case load, thus affording us time for research, creative pursuits, and self care. As such, it is rare that any of our clinicians will see more than 20 clients a week, and those clients receive far more from us than a simple therapy session.
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Briana Benn-Mirandi, LPC, CLAT, ATR-BC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Licensed Art Therapist, Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist
Briana approaches life with a level of "joie de vivre" enjoyed by adults who have never fully "grown up". A founder of ConnectiCon, a multi-genre fan convention, Briana has seen both the industry- and fan sides of pop culture art forms such as animation, film, comics, and gaming. With a love of these art forms, her art styles of choice focus on illustration of a whimsical nature.
Briana's love of art is interwoven into her life, both personally and professionally as an art therapist. She has great success working with children, teens, young adults and creative people of all ages. Her aim is to move therapy as slowly or as quickly as the client is ready to move, in a comforting, supportive environment. She is most at home working with clients wrestling with anxiety, depression, anger issues, trauma, ADHD, and creatives who are in a career rut.
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Briana received her master's degree in art therapy from Albertus Magnus College in 2008, and before that, her bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Connecticut in 2003. She holds two licenses with the state of Connecticut; she is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Licensed Art Therapist. She is also a Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist through the Art Therapy Credentialing Board. She was trained in hypnotherapy by the Scottish Strategic Life Academy, and was trained in Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution by the Center for Authentic Living.
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Art and Soul Affiliated Therapists
Valerie Drake, LPC, ATR-BC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist
Compassionate and guided by both professional experience and an empathetic ear, Valerie utilizes a direct style of therapy, blending dry humor and witty commentary with clients as they process life challenges. She believes that all people are artists, whether they work with paint, fibers or concrete, and she strives to support her clients in mastering their crafts in life, both in and out of the therapy session. Valerie has expertise with a wide range of client populations, including veterans, LGBTQ, addiction, PTSD, and dual diagnoses.
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Valerie has earned her master's degree in art therapy from Albertus Magnus College, and prior to that, earned her bachelor's in psychology from Fordham University. She completed her internships at the VA where she later continued her career for 14 years before leaving the government environment to develop her work in private practice. Valerie trained in Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution by the Center for Authentic Living.
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Yvonne Gordon Moser, LPCA, ATR-P
Pre-Licensed Professional Counselor; Registered Art Therapist-Pending
Artist, Art Therapist, Indie Author and Founder of the Branford Art Center and YMG Wellness LLC, Yvonne Gordon Moser lives in Wallingford with her husband Kelley. She has enjoyed wearing many hats over the years. Art director, curator, teacher and art therapist.
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Yvonne currently works with clients from home offering individual and group art therapy. She received her BA in Fine Arts from Connecticut College in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Albertus Magnus in 2015.
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Yvonne is a dedicated mental health professional who began offering creative meditations in the mid 90’s for those recovering from substance use disorders (alcoholism and drug addiction). She realized how healing the process of creating was, and that it helped in other areas also. It seemed to be reducing stress, invoking calm, creating well-being and opening up the space so real progress could be made. That’s why she continues to today, almost 30 years later. This practice and discipline has helped build autonomy, self-confidence, awareness and self-esteem. Using Therapeutic Art techniques and talk therapy with those who experience physical and mental health challenges, Yvonne guides her clients with gentle wisdom. Having much life experience, she wishes to accompany you on your journey, and assist in your growth and healing. Yvonne has worked with clients of all ages and abilities.
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You can learn more about Yvonne at https://www.yvonnegordonmoserart.com/
Therapy Styles: Art Therapy, Talk Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Creative Meditation, Mindfulness, Online Teletherapy, Existential Therapy
Sarah Ferrigno, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Sarah received her masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy frpm Southern Connecticut State University. She has a passion for helping people of all ages use art as a means of expression and self-discovery. Sarah uses internal family systems therapy in order to help clients identify different aspects of themselves and explore their personal needs. Sarah works with individuals, couples, children and families in order to best assist what clients are wanting from therapy. In her free time Sarah loves playing videogames, spending time with animals and crafting with any materials she can find.
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Therapy Styles: Creative Arts Therapy, Talk Therapy, Biofeedback, Internal Family Systems, Family and Couples Therapy, Online TeletherapyBrief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution, EMDR
Tiffany Franceschi, LPCA
Associate Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiffany recevied her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph. She has a BA in Psychology and is pursuing her master’s to continue her passion of helping others navigate the challenges in their lives. She believes in fully accepting people where they are at and understanding people are the experts in their own lives. Tiffany loves to use humor and music to embrace self-expression and comfort.
Tiffany believes passionately in inclusion and has great compassion when working with children, the LGBTQI+ community, and embracing neurodiversity. Additionally, Tiffany aspires to advocate better mental health services to underserved communities and demographics.
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On her downtime, Tiffany decompresses at home with her three cats; Sophie, Princess, and Cannoli. She enjoys discovering and supporting small businesses throughout the state with friends and family. She seeks to one day complete a food tour throughout Japan.
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Therapy Styles: Creative Arts Therapy, Talk Therapy, Play Therapy, Online Teletherapy, Mindfulness, Person-Centered Therapy, Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution
Ciara Alford, LMFTA
Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Connecticut and Kansas)
Following her dream career, Ciara received her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Connecticut State University. They have always believed that art is just another way for someone to connect with themselves and express things beyond what words can say. She loves to work with any age and meet them where they are at to start working on building a better connection within themselves and in the relationships around them. They take a systemic approach to help clients with any areas of their life they want to focus on. Ciara can work with couples, families, individuals, and children.
Ciara always brings her bubbly and compassionate personality into the room to help build a strong alliance with clients. She loves using music and colors to help herself express emotions and in her downtime like to spend time playing video games with her friends. They also like to bake to help make new friends and bring smiles to people's faces. She is excited to be able to work with new communities and embrace the new experiences that lie ahead.
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Therapy Styles: Creative Arts Therapy, Talk Therapy, Biofeedback, Internal Family Systems, Family and Couples Therapy, Online Teletherapy, Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution
Maxine Carrion, LPC-A, ATR-P
Art Therapist and Associate Licensed Professional Counselor
Maxine earned her master’s degree in Art Therapy from Albertus Magnus College in 2023, and before that, her BA in art from Marywood University. She holds her Professional Counselor Associate License in the state of Connecticut while working towards earning enough clinical hours to qualify for her Art Therapist License. Maxine joined Art and Soul Art Therapy as an intern in the spring of 2022, then following graduation stayed within private practice.
Prior to clinical work, Maxine was a preschool teacher, a girl scout leader, and camp counselor. Having many years under her belt of working with children and teens, Maxine is passionate about bringing clarity, joy, and guidance to younger generations. Maxine carries a humanistic approach with clients where each treatment plan is formulated to fit the individual’s wants and needs for their comfort and success. While working with young clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, and even sibling-rivalry, Maxine also works with children of divorced parents, self-harm, and other traumatic backgrounds. Maxine brings a “big sister” approach to younger clients while maintaining a professional relationship. This approach provides comfort when starting therapy as well as connection, trust, and safety.
Being a child at heart Maxine keeps a little faith, trust, and pixie dust stored away for some magical moments and memories for all her clients. She believes that you are never too old for a classic Disney film or the lessons that they can bring. With recent Disney films broadening their cultural backgrounds, this allows for meaningful connections to all as well as providing a cushion where difficult conversations can be presented in a safe, and sometimes musical, manner.
In her free time, Maxine enjoys going to the park with her daughter, snuggling with her
two cats, spending quality time with her husband, attending weekly family dinners, and catching up on whatever show she is currently binge watching at the time. One day she hopes to branch into Medical Art Therapy for pediatric patients.
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Therapy Styles: Art Therapy, Talk Therapy, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Online Teletherapy, Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution
Shalyn Moran, MFT Candidate
Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student
Shalyn is a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University. Shalyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University. Shalyn approaches life with warmth, positivity, humor and humility. She believes that with respect, vulnerability, authenticity and openness- change and progress is possible. Shalyn feels that accessing emotions can help aid people in discovering what truly matters to them in life. She aims to provide a safe and comfortable space for individuals to find deeper understanding of their own thoughts, emotions and behaviors to enhance their overall life satisfaction..
Shalyn enjoys working with children, teens, couples and individuals and those who identify with the LGBTQIA2+ community to enhance quality of relationship with self and others. Shalyn is passionate about bringing people closer to love as well as enhancing self-love. She is training to specialize in communication issues and grief counseling. Outside of work she can be found seeing the world, enjoying nature and adoring her two dogs Moose and Rocco.
Therapy Styles: Talk Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Online Teletherapy, Couples and Family Therapy, Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution, Biofeedback, Online Teletherapy
Owen Wilson CMHC Candidate
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student
Owen is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at New England College. Owen earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Health at Eastern Connecticut State University. His passion for mental health stems from various facets; within this work he draws from multiple evidence-based practices to ensure that everyone has a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs. One of his driving forces is to eliminate the stigma surrounding seeking mental health services.
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Owen enjoys working with adolescents and young adults who may be facing maturational life changes and wants to give his clients a safe space to be themselves. He believes in creative techniques to help gauge his client’s in understanding how they feel and why they may be feeling that way.
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In his free time, Owen loves listening to music, playing sports, riding his dirt bike, and playing video games.
Therapy Styles: Talk Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Online Teletherapy, Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution, Biofeedback, Online Teletherapy
Rachael Tilton, MFT Candidate
Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student
Rachael is a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University. Rachael earned their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Hartford with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Rachael believes in meeting people where they are at and encourages them to be their most authentic selves. They take a non-judgmental approach to all situations and encourages people to explore their values, beliefs, and feelings in order to better understand themselves and their boundaries.
Rachael enjoys working with children, couples, polycules, families, and individuals of all ages. They take a systemic approach to help clients work on showing up for themselves in all areas of their lives. They love to work with anyone in LGBTQIA+ community to help them create a safe space to explore and validate their identities.
In their free time, Rachael relaxes by playing board games and video games. They enjoy casual games, cozy games, and role playing games. Rachael has played Dungeons and Dragons since they were 8 years old and loves the sense of community and togetherness playing with friends and strangers brings.
Therapy Styles: Talk Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Online Teletherapy, Couples and Family Therapy, Brief Solution-Oriented Trauma Resolution, Biofeedback, Online Teletherapy