Episode Summary

Welcome to the art room today! In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, host Janeen Herskovitz welcomes Kelly DeSousa, a skilled art therapist from Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they explore the transformative power of art therapy, its methodologies, and its unique support for the neurodivergent population.

This heartfelt episode is a celebration of art’s healing potential and its role in fostering connection and self-expression, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their creativity and explore the transformative power of art in their lives.

Key Topics

• What is Art Therapy?
  Kelly explains that art therapy is a master’s level mental health profession that uses art and creativity as the main part of the healing process, similar to talk therapy.


• Neurodivergent Support:
  The studio specializes in working with creative, highly sensitive individuals, including those who are neurodivergent.


• Art as Self-Care:
  The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity as a mindfulness practice and a form of self-care, encouraging listeners to reconnect with their creative selves.


• Creating Art at Home:
  Practical advice is provided for parents and caregivers on how to nurture creativity in neurodivergent children, including the importance of shared art-making experiences.


• Art as Resistance:
  The episode touches on the role of art in affirming humanity and serving as a form of resistance in a world that can feel cruel and unkind.

Meet Kelly

Kelly DeSousa, MS, ATR-BC, E-RYT 200
Co-Owner, Administrative Director, Board Certified Art Therapist, Certified Yoga Instructor

Kelly has been practicing art therapy for over a decade and has been in the field of arts and medicine since 2006. Kelly specializes in working with individuals with anxiety, chronic illness, disabilities, rare diseases, agoraphobia, and trauma. Kelly provides specialized care for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals of all ages and genders. Kelly’s approach is rooted in mindfulness and somatic psychotherapy. Her support focuses on accessing the body and the senses through intuitive art-making, intentional movement, breath work, and guided visualization.

Links

• Indigo Art Therapy Studio: https://www.indigoarttherapy.com


• American Art Therapy Association: https://arttherapy.org

Special Offer:

Indigo Arts and Wellness program launches in August 2025! 

Save 10% off when you use the code BLUEPRINT