Tiernee Schatz is a board-certified art therapist, nationally certified licensed professional counselor, certified clinical trauma professional and founder of Blue Pines Counseling. She cites art therapy as an evidence-supported practice that is very versatile and can be used to benefit people of all ages in many ways.

“Creating art in the context of therapy allows people to express themselves in a way that words aren’t able to, and to discover solutions to long-standing problems, reconnect to their intuition, and develop greater self-awareness and self-knowledge, as well as process traumas that may be impeding personal growth,” she explains.

Schatz asserts that one does not have to be an artist or skilled in art-making to benefit from art therapy. “Art therapy has very little do with what your creations look like and much more to do with the process of art-making and what you learn about yourself in that process.”

Through Blue Pines Counseling, Schatz weaves a variety of services into her repertoire to ensure a personalized and holistic experience. Her individual, nature-based art therapy is available to students at Sugar Maple Nature School, an outdoor-learning elementary school in Saukville, where Schatz had volunteered and offered early-intervention and prevention services to students. That experience served as the genesis for Blue Pines Counseling.

Traditional talk or art therapy for individuals and couples are available at Schatz’s Cedarburg office, with hybrid and virtual options. She also offers therapeutic art workshops that can be scheduled individually or in small groups. The workshops offer people the option to experience art therapy and learn if it’s a good fit for their emotional wellness goals.

During most art therapy sessions, Schatz guides clients through the process and observes with little to no interference or judgement. Upon completion, she asks clients about their feelings and the creative experience. Techniques are tailored to each client’s needs and goals.

Schatz will soon introduce lifestyle counseling and mental health herbal consultations. She strives to offer a personalized, holistic approach toward emotional healing. “Everyone’s healing and wellness journey is so different, and one approach rarely addresses the root cause. In collaboration with my clients, I draw from an array of approaches, allowing me to truly meet my clients where they are at with a personalized plan that may include traditional talk therapy, art therapy, nutritional psychiatry, lifestyle counseling, and herbs to address the whole person—mind, body and the authentic self.”