We Are Louisville Expressive Therapies
Co-Founder, Creative Director, Art Therapist, Counselor
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Theresa Adamchik, ATR-BC, LPAT-S, LPCC-S
Theresa is a Licensed Professional Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and an approved LPAT/LPCC supervisor. She received her Masters of Education with a concentration in Art Therapy and Counseling from the University of Louisville in 2006 and a Bachelors of Fine Arts, Cum Laude, from the University of Louisville in 2002. She has over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. She is one of the co-founders of Louisville Expressive Therapies. During her time with LET, Theresa has worked 1:1 with a variety of children and adults as well as led numerous groups and Expressive Therapy workshops around the Metro Louisville area. She is currently paneled with most of the major insurance companies and sees individual clients across the lifespan, specializing in those with neurological diversity, such as ASD, ID/DD, brain injury, and trauma. Theresa has stayed up to date with the latest training in the field, including mindfulness meditation, anxiety, depression, trauma and somatic methods. She uses an integrative approach in her work, combining traditional counseling techniques with intuitive methods and targeted expressive art therapy interventions. Other training and interests include Shinrin Yoku (or Forest bathing), Equine-assisted therapy, drumming and Shamanic Journeys, and Qi Gong. Most importantly, she loves spending time with family and working on her own artwork. You can buy prints of her original artwork here, Theresa Adamchik Art (fineartamerica.com)
Payment: Private Pay, Anthem, Caresource, Aetna, United, Humana, Medicaid
Co-Founder, Executive Director, Music Therapist, Counselor, EMDR
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Emily Ibershoff, MT-BC, LPCC
Emily is a Board Certified Music Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University in 2005 and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from University of Louisville in 2011. Emily became a licensed supervisor in 2019 receiving her LPCC-S. Throughout her training and career, Emily has enjoyed helping people face challenges and recognize their own unique strengths. Emily has 15 years experience working with people with cognitive differences and mental health needs. After completing her Mental Health Counseling degree in 2011, Emily began to specialize in using music therapy and counseling with psychiatric and recovery focused populations. Emily has worked at both The Brook Hospital and Norton Hospital providing music therapy and counseling services. Through LET, Emily has established music therapy groups at Landmark Recovery, VOA Freedom House, and UofL Peace Hospital adult units. Emily offers individual expressive therapy and counseling at LET and specializes in working with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety/depression, life adjustment/transitional issues, relationship stress, job transition/stress, substance abuse/recovery, and negative self-talk/low self-esteem. She is trained in EMDR and uses mindfulness theory, expressive techniques, and cognitive reframing in her practice. Emily is welcoming of culturally diverse clients and is affirming of LGBTQIA+, polyamory and relationship anarchy. Emily is a supervisor for LET music therapy interns and is currently accepting LPCA supervisees as well.
Payment: Private Pay, Anthem, Caresource, Aetna, United, Humana, Medicaid
Counselor and Expressive Therapist
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Akhilah Cherry, MA, LPCA, NCC
Akhilah received her Bachelors in Sociology from Simmons College of Kentucky in 2019, and Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2022. She is licensed as an LPCA in Kentucky, NCC Certified, and in the process of earning clock hours from the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Art Therapy Institute to become an Expressive Arts Coach-Educator.
Over the past few years, she has gained experience counseling clients of all ages (youth and adult), as well as individuals with various mental health differences. Her approach to psychotherapy is person centered, while utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and various expressive arts mediums.
Payment: Private Pay, Anthem, Medicaid plans
Art Therapist
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Deborah Zimlich, LPAT
Deborah is a Registered Art therapist and a Licensed Professional Art Therapist. She received her Masters of Education with a concentration in Art Therapy and Counseling from the University of Louisville in 2019 and a Bachelors of Arts from Bellarmine University in 2017. Deborah has been serving clients in private practice for over three years and also has experience working in inpatient and school settings. As an art therapist, Deborah strives to provide a warm environment where clients feel secure to explore social and emotional concerns. She has experience working with clients of all ages but specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. Deborah practices from an integrative approach focused on meeting clients where they are and incorporating creative interventions whenever possible. She strives to stay up to date on trainings within the field and has a passion for working with body image healing.
Payment: Private Pay, Medicaid plans
Counselor
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Jessica Thomas, LPCA
Jessica is a clinical therapist with experience helping children, teens, and adults navigate life's challenges. She believes that every person has the potential to grow and is here to provide clients with compassion, support, and perspective. Jessica utilizes CBT, person-centered approaches, and gentle challenging as needed. Contact Jessica to get started on your journey as she assists you in making progress towards your unique goals.
Payment: Private pay, Anthem, Medicaid Plans
Art Therapist, Counselor
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Amy Turner, LPCC, LPATA, ATR-BC
Amy is a therapist, advocate, and educator. She believes in partnering with clients, working through whatever they are bringing into session that day. Her background is in trauma, particularly sexual and domestic violence. Outside of therapy, she can be found being active (Muay Thai, Olympic Lifting, and Yoga are her faves), reading multiple books at a time, starting many projects (thanks ADHD). She's a Kentucky native, but has lived around the world. She's now in Louisville, with her cat, Chuck.
Payment: Private Pay, Anthem, Medicaid Plans
WHAT WE DO
Louisville Expressive Therapies offers personalized individual and group sessions to address clients' needs and treatment goals. We also contract with community agencies such as day programs, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and after school programs.
Expressive Therapy
Expressive Therapy is the therapeutic use of expressive and creative modalities (Art, Music, Poetry, Drama, Storytelling, Movement / Dance, etc.) to address various Mental Health issues and to promote personal growth and wellness. Expressive Therapies are sometimes referred to as Creative Arts Therapies and include both Art and Music Therapies in addition to several other therapeutic practices. Expressive Therapists are Healthcare Professionals with formal training in Psychotherapy, Human Development, and Clinical Practice in addition to the Arts.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges, and by those seeking personal development. Through the creation and reflection on the products and processes of making art, people can increase awareness of self and others; cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life affirming pleasures of making art.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is the therapeutic use of music to effect positive change in an individual's life. Music therapy utilizes the creative processes inherent in music making and in listening to music, in addition to the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client, to facilitate this change. Music therapy can enhance overall growth and wellness as well as address specific needs related to physical, emotional, sensory, cognitive, and social functioning.
Frequent Questions
What is a typical therapy session like?
Therapy is highly individualized, so interventions and experiences will differ based on the client's needs and interests. Our therapists work from a person-centered approach, utilizing the client's strengths to reach desired treatment goals. The therapist and the client will work together to find creative interventions and experiences that are appropriate and beneficial for the client.
Some experiences that one might have in an Art Therapy session include:
2D design (including painting, drawing, and collage/scrapbooking)
3D design (including clay and sculpture)
Play therapy/games
Guided relaxation
Sand tray therapy
Photography/digital arts
MARI/Mandala making
Fiber arts/Quilt making
Some experiences that one might have in a Music Therapy session include:
Improvising (playing/exploring) on musical instruments
Playing in a drum circle
Song writing
Discussing song lyrics
Musical games/play
Moving to music
Guided relaxation
Singing
Chanting and meditation (toning)
What is your payment policy?
Louisville Expressive Therapies is set up for Private Pay and many Insurance Policies, including those from: Medicaid, Caresource, Aetna, United, and Humana. If your insurance is not accepted, private pay is available at various price points including discounted sessions with student interns. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards at your convenience. Fees vary depending on the service and the needs of the client. Please contact us for more information regarding fees.
How do I get started?
If you are an individual interested in receiving services, the first step is to contact a therapist. An informal meeting will be held over the phone (at no change) to discuss fees, payment policy, privacy policy, informed consent, and any questions you might have. The first session will be an assessment session during which the therapist will learn more about you and your specific needs and goals. Based on this assessment, an individualized plan will be developed and further sessions can be scheduled. If you are an organization or facility wanting to provide services (individual/group therapy or workshops), please contact Emily Ibershoff.
Who Have We Partnered With?
Since 2010, we have partnered with the following community organizations:
- Our Lady of Peace Hospital
- Mariposa Place
- Hazelwood Center and Bingham Gardens
- Bliss House
- Maryhurst
- Treyton Oaks Towers
- Forest Hills Commons
- Centerstone
- Gilda's Club
- Home of the Innocents
- New Leaf
-Critically Loved.org
-Friends School
But I have no prior experience making art or music! Can I benefit from Expressive Therapies?
Yes! You don't need any prior experience with making art or music to benefit from Art or Music Therapy. The benefits are gained by participating in the process of art and/or music-making with guidance and support from the therapist, and from discussion with the therapist before, during, and after the session. The emphasis is on the therapeutic process and not the artistic or musical product. We believe that everyone has the potential for creativity and self-expression, not just the trained "artists" and "musicians" of the world. In Art Therapy it's OK to color outside of the lines, and to paint the sky any color you want. In Music Therapy you are encouraged to use your voice and the instruments to express yourself in whatever way feels natural to you. There is no right or wrong way to make art or music in the therapeutic context.