Margaret M. Van Rijssen, ATR, MA

Art Therapist

Ms. Margaret M. Van Rijssen is an Art Therapist in Boulder, CO with special training and skill in using art to diagnose and help patients navigate their psychological disorders. As an Art Therapist, Margaret M. Van Rijssen, ATR, MA performs psychotherapy by teaching patients to use various art forms to express their feelings. Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through creative art-making and applied psychological theory within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Art Therapists include ADHD, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and addiction. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Art Therapists include drawing, painting, embroidering, weaving, collage-making, and sculpting.

An individual who uses art to achieve the therapeutic goals of symptom relief, emotional integration, and recovery from or adjustment to illness or disability. (2) An art therapist uses a form of treatment that enables patients with mental or physical disabilities to use art as a way of expressing and dealing with feelings and inner conflicts. (3) An individual who uses arts modalities and creative processes during intentional intervention in therapeutic, rehabilitative, community, or educational settings to foster health, communication, and expression; promote the integration of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning; enhance self-awareness; and facilitate change.