Creative Therapy
w/ Amber Salik, AMFT*
Creative & culturally-sensitive therapy for teens, adults, partners & families.
In-person & telehealth sessions available for residents for CA.
*supervised by Rhonda Waller-Dang (LMFT #108744) at The Wellness Arts Collective
welcome
Hi! My name is Amber and I am currently a Registered Associate Marital and Family Therapist (#AMFT135666) and a professionally-trained Expressive Arts Therapist, working towards full certification.
I belong to a group practice - The Wellness Arts Collective - and am working under the supervision of Rhonda Waller-Dang (LMFT #108744). I offer in-person sessions for clients located in Los Angeles and virtual sessions for residents of California. You may read more about The Wellness Arts Collective here.
As a neurodivergent Black female therapist, I know just how creative you have to be to exist in a world that was not created with you in mind.
My work recognizes the systems that you are up against & leverages the healing powers of art, community and humor to help you process big emotions, facilitate deeper self-awareness, strengthen your relationships and navigate life’s transitions in creative, holistic ways.
Whether that’s physically engaging in art-making during our sessions or simply exploring new, creative ways of thinking, being & doing - together, we’ll find the tools to help you make sense of the gray areas & recognize the unique beauty & strength of all your parts & pieces.
Specialities & Areas of Focus
Who I Work With ~
Who I Work With ~
I specialize in working with young (12-35), BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or neurodiverse individuals, as well as partners and families looking to improve communication and intimacy. Majority of my clients can be described as creative, ambitious, sensitive, engaged and driven and may be looking for a more flexible, creative approach to traditional talk psychotherapy.
*Please note: As an associate, all therapy services (both in-person and virtual) are conducted at The Wellness Arts Collective, under the direct supervision of Rhonda Waller-Dang (LMFT #108744).
my approach
In our sessions, you can expect a supportive, non-judgmental environment where your voice is heard, and your experiences are validated. We will work together to establish your goals and create a framework for our work. Each session will be a mix of discussion, creative activities, and reflective exercises designed to help you explore and express your thoughts and feelings.
Multicultural Sensitivity
Inclusive, decolonizing, respectful
Client-Centered Therapy
Collaborative, tailored, and specific
Strengths-Based Focus
Building resilience and empathy
Creative Exploration
Art, writing, music, and movement
Holistic Healing
Mind, body and spirit care
Trauma-Informed Care
Safe, empowering, personalized
Innovative Techniques
Expressive arts, phototherapy, somatic
Empowerment and Growth
Personal insights for lasting change
Services & Offerings
Individual Therapy
Talk and/or expressive arts therapy for adolescents (12+) and adults to explore personal challenges, develop coping strategies & promote growth.
Couples & Families
Collaborative sessions aimed at improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships. Both in-person and telehealth options are available.
Workshops & Groups
Interactive and supportive group sessions focused on specific themes and topics for collective healing, learning, creative expression, community and personal development.
How I Work
My approach to therapy is as eclectic and diverse as my clientele.
I operate from an integrative, culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed and strength-based lens, to help you unpack your story, explore your parts and ease pain.
Frameworks
Narrative Therapy
… to help you explore, challenge & reframe your story, highlighting strengths and resilience, fostering empowerment.
Attachment Theory
...to help you understand & improve your connections by exploring early attachments & foundational relational experiences / bonds.
Parts Work / Internal Family Systems
… to help you map out your inner world & heal different parts of yourself for self-awareness, healing and inner peace.
Trauma-Informed ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy)
...to build mindfulness, self-compassion & flexibility, helping you to accept difficult emotions and commit to value-aligned actions.
Expressive Arts Therapy / Creative Expression
… ...which combines talk therapy with imagery, art making, metaphors, storytelling, movement & sound to explore emotions.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
...to offer a safe space to explore your emotions, build intimacy & develop healthier ways of relating to yourself & others.
Values & Principles
Empathy and Compassion
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel understood and supported. Empathy and compassion are at the heart of my practice, allowing for genuine connection and healing.
Cultural Humility
I honor and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of my clients. My approach is rooted in cultural humility, ensuring that therapy is inclusive and responsive to each client's unique experiences and identities.
Empowerment Through Creativity
I believe in the transformative power of creative expression. By encouraging clients to explore their creativity, I help them discover their inner strengths, build resilience, and foster personal growth.
What else can I expect?
In this space, you are free to show up as you are, to experiment, to grieve, to express your righteous anger, to decompress, to laugh, to dream and to embrace your truest self.
Working with me provides you with the space, tools and support to get you where you want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Our standard fee for a 50-minute individual session is $175; longer sessions are charged on a pro-rated basis. Groups and workshop fees vary and are made available with posted sign-up/registration information. Fees are payable at the time that services are rendered and we accept cash, check, and credit card. So that you and your therapist can work up until the end of your sessions together, credit cards are stored via a client portal and are billed the morning following your session; no "swiping" or payment during session is necessary. Cash and check are requested at the beginning of the session so we can work up to the end of the session without interruption.
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While we are not a contracted provider with any insurance company or managed care organization, we do provide clients monthly statements of payment along with a “super bill” which you may submit to your insurance carrier/the third-party of your choice to seek reimbursement of fees already paid. Most of our clients with out of network benefits are able to obtain some form of reimbursement with our super bill, without incident. The amount of reimbursement and the amount of any co-payments or deductible depends on the requirements of your specific insurance plan. You should be aware that insurance plans generally limit coverage to certain diagnosable mental conditions (i.e. your insurance may refuse payment of your claim without a diagnosis). Current and prospective clients are responsible for verifying and understanding the limits of their insurance coverage.
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I offer in-person sessions to clients located in Los Angeles and virtual therapy for California-based residents. All in-person sessions are held at my group practice, The Wellness Arts Collective, located in Glassell Park at 3519 Eagle Rock Blvd. Telehealth sessions are conducted via Simple Practice, a secure HIPPA-compliant platform.
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A processed-based approach to therapy is less about providing you with all the answers and solutions, but more about creating a space for you to explore & discover the answers that are already inside of you. You are the expert of your own life and your vision, but sometimes, the path can seem cloudy and distant. My job as your therapist is to help you move past the confusion, clear the haze, and offer a space where you can actually stop, reflect and discover the you that has been there all along. Together, let’s unpack the story of who you are and where you come from, so you can shift the narrative and move forward with clarity, peace and intention.
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Our sessions give you the opportunity to talk about any issue that is problematic for you. What you want to work on may change from week to week, or you may wish to delve deeply into one issue or area of your life over a long period of time. As your therapist, I will hold the space with confidentiality so that you can work at your own pace, in the direction that you want to follow.
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Sure, but like with anything in our work together, you always have a choice. You can try it, hate it, love it, never do it. An example of “homework” is try creating 5 intentional minutes in the morning for yourself. What do you notice? Was it easy, challenging?
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Life happens and it is also important for us to honor our time together. Barring an emergency, if an appointment is cancelled 24 hours or less, you’ll be charged for the full session fee.
How it Works
Life may not make sense right now, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own. I’d love to support you on your journey – to listen to you, ask questions, offer a helping hand, make some art and (hopefully) share a laugh or two.
Whether you are dealing with life transitions, grief, identity issues, or creative blocks, I am here to provide guidance, tools, and encouragement.
Together, we will work towards building a fulfilling and resilient life.