Sara Bonnick, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist believes that art and therapy can deepen our connection to ourselves and the world around us.  

Her approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Sara believes that clients are the experts of their own lives, and she is enthusiastic about safely guiding clients to a place of connection, understanding, healing, and discovery. 

Alongside traditional talk therapy, Sara encourages clients to utilize art therapy as a method for expressing, regulating, and processing their thoughts and feelings. She will bring principles of mindfulness and emotion-focused therapy into sessions to help clients to explore the role of emotions in their lives and develop new tools to communicate their emotions more effectively. 

As Sara’s career as a therapist evolves, she’d developed a deep passion for supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Identifying as a Queer practitioner, Sara believes that she can be an asset to supporting and understanding the special considerations of this population. She continues to acknowledge the negative history surrounding the perception of LGBTQIA+ individuals as deviant in mental health, as well as the opposition they’ve faced when seeking mental health support. 

We sat down with Sara to discover more about her background in the mental health field and approach to working with adult clients online in Massachusetts and in-person from our Franklin office.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I’ve always been a very curious person, fascinated by how humans seek out experiences that help us feel less alone and more understood in the world. Art and therapy have served as vehicles for connection and discovery throughout my life. 

I think that when we’re making art, our minds are able to wander, express freely, and discover new insights that encourage growth and foster a sense of belonging. At the same time, therapy creates a safe space for us to reconnect with our own needs, feelings, and experiences, helping us to feel more connected to ourselves and the world around us. 

I double majored in psychology and studio art in college; I couldn’t have one without the other. 

As art therapy became more expansive and understood as a therapeutic modality, it sort of found its way to me. I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy.

What have your previous experiences working in mental health involved?

In my previous experience working in residential and inpatient settings I provided treatment to at-risk youth who exhibited an acute range of behavioral and mental health symptomologies. I was able to build a strong set of clinical skills that have been invaluable to my career as a practitioner. 

Working with clients of all ages and orientations also really expanded my understanding of individual needs, the importance of a support system, and cultural competence. I gained more curiosity, flexibility, and compassion. 

Professionally, I chose to make the transition to working as an outpatient clinician to use my clinical skills with a more diverse population. I was excited to work with clients that share a mutual investment in treatment and be able to build more authentic clinical relationships with these clients.

How would you describe your style and approach to therapy?

The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of all the counseling work we do together. 

I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives, and I’ll always meet the client where they’re at with an emphasis on curiosity, sincerity, and validation. 

In conjunction with traditional talk therapy, I’ll encourage clients to utilize art therapy for expressing, regulating, and processing their emotions. 

I think that we need something to transcend our typical ways of thinking and experiencing our emotions. Art therapy pushes the process of self discovery, as well as the therapeutic relationship a step further. 

When we make art, we’re able to access a “flow state.” We become more present and observant of our internal experiences. When clients are able to share that experience with their therapist, conversations and insights may become more organic, flowing, and authentic.

Who might benefit from art therapy?

Art is accessible for everyone. Anyone can participate in art therapy and I think that more people are engaging in it than they realize, in terms of how they express themselves and regulate their emotions. 

I also believe that we shouldn’t have to break the bank to make art! If we have a pencil and a piece of paper, that’s all we need to get started. 

That being said, I’ll never force art therapy on anyone. If someone wants to try it and they discover that they feel less alone, more curious about themselves, and more playful through the process, that’s a pretty good day for me.

What mental health conditions and life challenges do you offer treatment for?

I’m here to support adult clients who may be struggling with:

• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Gender Identity
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career
• Trauma
• Pregnancy/Post-Partum
• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Anger Management
• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Health/Medical Problems
• Self-Injurious Behaviors/Self-harm
• Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD/ADD)
• LGBTQIA+
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia/Binge Eating)  
• Adjustment Disorder

What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?

I’m honored to get to be with people, from a whole-hearted place, as they begin their journey of self-discovery. 

I love witnessing people move from a place of self-judgment and sometimes, self-inflicted shame to a place of wonderment and admiration for themselves. It’s a really astounding experience.

Start working with Sara Bonnick, LMHC, ATR today:

Sara Bonnick, LMHC, ATR invites you to reach out and discover if she’s a potential fit for your therapy journey. She is available for appointments with adult clients online or in-person from our Franklin office.  

To schedule an appointment with Sara, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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