Art Therapy in Naperville

When words aren't enough.

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression—such as drawing, painting, collage, or other visual media—as a way to explore emotions, experiences, and patterns that may be difficult to put into words. You don’t need to be “artistic” to benefit; the focus is not on the final product, but on the process and what it reveals.

At Tailwinds, art therapy is offered as a structured approach that complements traditional talk therapy. It can be especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their emotions, or for those who find that words alone don’t fully capture what they’re experiencing. It can also be used as a therapeutic approach for younger clients who lack the expressive language abilities to fully articulate their mental and emotional landscape.

What Services Are Available via Telehealth?

Most of our therapy services are available through secure video sessions, including:

Individual therapy for adults, teens, and children (depending on age and developmental needs)

Couples counseling and parent consultation

Group therapy

Some components of psychological and neuropsychological assessments (such as intakes, interviews, and feedback sessions)

Note: For younger children or more complex evaluations, we may recommend a hybrid or in-person model to ensure quality of care.

A woman holding up a paper smiling face while smiling herself
A child doing learning disability testing in Naperville

How Does Art Therapy Work?

In art therapy sessions, creative activities are integrated intentionally into the therapeutic process. A therapist may invite you to create images that represent emotions, relationships, memories, or internal conflicts, and then work with you to reflect on what emerges.

Art becomes another way to communicate—one that can bypass self-censorship, reduce defensiveness, and access deeper emotional material. Sessions always include thoughtful discussion and meaning-making, grounding the creative work in therapeutic goals.

How Does It Work?

Most of our therapy services are available through secure video sessions, including:

Step 1

Schedule Online

Use our easy scheduling portal to book your first appointment — no phone calls or extensive paperwork required.

Step 2

Join Your Secure Session

You’ll receive a secure, private link for your session. You do not need to download any additional software or apps. Simply click to join at the time of your session.

Step 3

Get Support That Fits Your Life

Work with your therapist just like you would in person, with all the same warmth, skill, and professionalism you’d expect from a member of your Tailwinds team.

A girl giving a woman a high-five during an autism evaluation in Naperville
A colorful picture of silhouettes

Art Therapy in Action: Real-Life Examples

What Art Therapy Can Help With

Anxiety and worry

Depression and low mood

Child and teen communication

Longstanding feelings that are hard to describe

Identity questions and life transitions

Histories of trauma

A young girl sitting and thinking in front of a laptop
An adult woman wearing an excited expression while sitting at her laptop engaging in teletherapy in Naperville

What to Expect

Art therapy sessions at Tailwinds are structured, collaborative, and goal-oriented. Your therapist will explain the purpose of each activity, adapt the approach to your comfort level, and integrate creative work with conversation and evidence-based treatment strategies.

You’re always in control of what you create and share. There’s no pressure to perform, no expectation of artistic skill—just curiosity, support, and a different way in.

A Creative Path Toward Healing

Art therapy offers space to explore, express, and understand yourself in ways that words sometimes can’t reach. Whether used on its own or alongside other therapeutic approaches, it can open new pathways toward insight, regulation, and change.