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SOUTH PORTLAND

Expressive Arts Therapy for Self-Understanding

facilitated by Cheyne West LCPC-C

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Sometimes words aren’t enough. Whether you’re carrying grief, trauma, anxiety, or simply the weight of change, expressive arts can open a different doorway to self-understanding. Through art, movement, and creative practice, you can explore feelings that are hard to name, gain deeper insight, and find new ways to release and restore balance.

“When words are not enough, art speaks.”
— Unknown

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A blank, light brown piece of paper with visible creases and wrinkles.

“Art is a wound turned into light.”
— Georges Braque

Creative expression can open doors that talking alone sometimes can’t. In this group, art, movement, and sound become tools for exploring feelings, loosening what feels stuck, and reconnecting with yourself.

It isn’t about being “good” at art; it’s about finding safe, pressure-free ways to express what you’re carrying — grief, anxiety, transition, or the weight of everyday life. Through guided exploration and shared reflection, we discover fresh insight, soften what hurts, and make room to breathe a little easier together.

Expressive Arts Therapy Groups

Five Sessions Beginning Sept 17, 2025

Wednesday evening ~ 5:30pm -7pm
with Cheyne West LCPC-C

Heart Stone Counseling ~ Carriage House
967 Broadway South Portland, ME

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What to expect

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  • Wednesday 5:30 - 7:00 pm 

    Offered in 5 session series

  • The group is designed for adults of all ages and backgrounds who are open to a range of expressive modalities as a means to gain insight and understanding.

  • The group provides the materials you will need each week. Participants are asked to bring a journal to group.

Cost for Five Sessions

$113 x 2

Option 1: Two Installments

You will be charged 113.00 after you have been accepted into the group and 113.00 before the 3rd session.

$215

Option 2: Pay in advance

Save $10.00 by paying for all five sessions in advance.

spots are limited

♥

spots are limited ♥

Themes covered

Week 1: Big scribble (Markers, pastels, pencils)

Week 2: Peaceful Place (Collage)

Week 3: Body Scan (Markets, pencils)

Week 4: Container (Markets, paint, crayons)

Week 5: Self Portrait (Water color, pastels, pencils)

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Cheyne West LCPC-C

Expressive Arts Therapist

Cheyne’s background is rooted in movement, creativity, and the arts. After earning her degree in dance from the University of California, Santa Barbara, she continued to deepen her belief in the healing potential of expressive arts. Since moving to Maine, she has expanded her training through yoga and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy from Lesley University. Cheyne integrates movement, art, music, drama, nature, and mindfulness into her work, helping clients cultivate self-compassion, insight, and healing.

Get Started

  • 1. Express Your Interest

    Complete the form below to let us know you’d like to join the group. If you prefer, you may also call us at 207-613-2470. New participants will receive a brief questionnaire to help us get to know you.

  • 2. Review & Connection

    Our group facilitator will review your questionnaire. If any follow-up is needed, we’ll reach out to touch base before confirming your spot.

  • 3. Confirmation & Registration

    Once you are accepted into the group, you’ll receive a welcome letter. Your registration is complete once payment is made (options for full or split payments are available).

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • We can accept HSA/ FSA, debit, credit and checks. We are not using insurance for groups.

  • Depending on where you are in your healing process, this group might not be a good fit for you if you are inclined towards certain types of self-harm or suicidal ideation when feeling emotionally activated. If you experience internal stimuli such as voices or hallucinations, this group won’t be a good fit. If you struggle to notice others’ emotional experience or group dynamics, individual therapy might be a better fit.

  • In registering, you are reserving one of the limited spots in the group. To get the most out of the group, you should plan to attend all five scheduled dates. We understand that things come up; however, we are unable to provide refunds for missed sessions.

  • The minimum number of participants is four and the maximum number is eight.

  • This is a personal decision. Some people are interested in spacing out (i.e., going from weekly to biweekly) individual therapy while participating in the group. Some people want to continue to do both. Some people take a pause of their individual sessions altogether while attending group.

Testimonials