GENNA RIGGI
Owner & Founder of Artlighten LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
& Licensed and Board Certified Art Therapist
MAAT, LPC, ATR-BC, CLAT, LMHC-QS, MHC
My Journey
From the time that I was a small child, art became my compass. It has offered me insight, direction, and meaning. Art, in its many forms, has enlightened me. In using this compass, I’ve realized that I am the only captain of my ship. What influences my direction are my experiences, values, insight and thoughts. This determines how I navigate through my interactions between myself and with others. Using my creativity brings light to my travels.
I earned my BFA in Printmaking and my MA in Art Therapy. I am licensed in the State of CT as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a Licensed Art Therapist (CLAT), and a Board Certified & Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC). I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor (LMHC-QS) in the state of Florida, and a Mental Health Counselor (MHC) in the state of Hawaii.
My approach is holistic and eclectic. I encourage the use of mindfulness to establish insight, connection, and balance, so that you will cultivate emotional resilience within your life. I ground these principles by using Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic modalities, while integrating other schools of psychology as it fits with your unique process. What is most valuable to me is delivering effective therapy by establishing trust through a safe and comfortable environment that promotes self-expression, growth and wellness.
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
Rumi
A BIT ABOUT THERAPY
Your Journey
Art Therapy is process oriented, and your unique journey of healing belongs to YOU. I invite you to use art as a new creative language, at your pace. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. In fact, you are the expert here because you decide when and how your story creatively unfolds. The art materials and how you use them become your voice. As your therapist, it is my role to guide you with unfamiliar techniques and mediums. We process your work together, both visually and verbally.
The act of artmaking itself can be therapeutic, or art can serve as a new discovery of language and meaning. It is with my expertise that you, your child, or your family are guided toward resolving conflict so that your difficult emotions no longer inhibit growth of your self concept and wellness. You can gain control over what has been challenging you and holding you back.
There are many art materials available for use during a typical art therapy session. Art Therapists are trained extensively in the use of art materials so that you may use them in a safe and healing manner. You will have access to an art studio with many different materials including, but not limited to: pencils, pastels, watercolor, acrylic, oil, collage, air cry clay and various 3D materials. Art materials allow you to expand your emotional knowledge so that your communication can become more functional. The physical characteristics of art materials become relatable to emotions and act as catalysts of change and growth.
I look forward to experiencing how art can enlighten you.
INDIVIDUAL
We offer individual sessions for children, adolescents, teens and adults, and we determine frequency together.
FAMILY & COUPLES THERAPY
We offer couple and family sessions, based on need, typically complementary to individual work.
GROUP THERAPY
Groups develop based on need or requests from specified populations. (parent, teen, cancer, anxiety, gender, etc.)
CONTACT ME
FAQS
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES AND/OR SUPER-BILLS?
Yes. A sliding scale is offered on an as needed basis. If you choose to use out-of-network benefits, you will be provided with a super-bill, which will be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement.
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE?
The initial intake and assessment is 60-90 minutes. Individual, couples, and family counseling sessions are 45-60 minutes. Groups sessions are 60 minutes.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Yes. We currently accept Husky, Anthem, Cigna, Connecticare and Humana Tricare. Other art workshops are cash only.
WHAT AGES DO YOU WORK WITH?
All ages. The youngest can be 3. There is no limit on tapping into creativity.
DO YOU OFFER A FREE CONSULTATION?
Yes. Consultations are an approximate 15 minute phone conversation. When you contact Artlighten LLC, you will be asked a few questions about the services that you are looking for. We will discuss your insurance and/or self-pay fees, the services we offer, and we will explore our schedules. You will have a chance to ask questions.
CAN I LEAVE WHILE MY CHILD IN SESSION WITH YOU?
It is not recommended. We require you to stay in the waiting area for the duration of your child's session.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?
Both Connecticut and Florida.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY INITIAL SESSION?
Please bring your insurance card and driver's license. If you are a parent or guardian, please bring the insurance card and other documentation for him/her.