Lauren Jones
Lauren Jones is a Master’s level Mental Health and Art Therapist. Lauren has 10 years experience in the mental health field where she worked at a variety of different settings including inpatient, school-based and outpatient. She has experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and grief.
Lauren’s primary modality is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy. She provides a variety of materials including paints, clay, pastels, collage, crayons and markers. As an Art Therapist, Lauren creates art alongside clients to enhance the therapeutic process. She also follows a humanistic approach and believes that a healthy, therapeutic relationship is essential to promote growth and change. Currently, Lauren offers individual counseling with adolescents and adults ranging from ages 14 and up. She also offers couples and family sessions. Lauren believes that art therapy can also assist with couples and families by discovering their dynamic using a creative spin.
Education and Experience
Lauren received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Lauren then obtained a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling at Seton Hill University.
In the past, Lauren has experience working at an inpatient hospital setting. She then shifted into mental health outpatient where she conducted art therapy groups and provided individual therapy at a non-profit agency. During her internship for graduate school, Lauren practiced School Based – Art Therapy within the Yough School District. She also has a background working in private practice utilizing Art Therapy techniques and other modalities with individuals, couples and families.
Personally, Lauren found that art-making took her to a relaxed state of mind which inspired her to pursue the field of Art Therapy. Lauren feels that the first step of participating in Art Therapy is to recognize that you don’t need to be a skilled artist to participate in this creative, therapeutic process. Lauren encourages others to trust the creative process and be open to exploring different mediums that could assist in exploring emotions and feelings in a safe space.
Lauren is currently working on completing the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist. She also has future plans to pursue an EMDR Certification.
Hobbies and Interests
Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, their newborn Son and their other furry son, a Golden Retriever. She also has a Calico Cat named Callie that loves Temptation Treats. In her free time, Lauren likes to exercise and spend time outdoors with friends and family. She also loves exploring different restaurants and trying new cuisines. Lauren practices self care by making art, practicing yoga and listening to all kinds of music. During the pandemic, she created a mental health podcast called “Refuse to Sink”. The podcast consists of different mental health topics and interviewed individuals who shared their stories around refusing to sink. Lauren is always open to learning new mental health concepts and finding ways to promote relaxation within the mind and body.
How To Get Started
If you would like to get started with Lauren, you can make an appointment at 412-856-WELL or contact us here.