CREATIVE ART HEALING AND COUNSELING
Cristina Pineros
Licensed Professional Counselor,
ATR-BC, LMHC.
I’m a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, and my path to this work began in the art classroom. Before I was a counselor, I was an art teacher for children and adults.
I saw more than unfinished projects or distracted behavior. I saw children and adults struggling to focus, to regulate big feelings, and to express what they didn’t yet have words for. I noticed the frustration behind their eyes, the anxiety hidden in quiet moments, and the incredible potential beneath restlessness. Art often became the bridge — a safe and natural way for them to communicate, process, and begin to feel understood.
I was drawn to this work because I wanted to support people through meaningful change. In my practice, I meet clients where they are and walk beside them as they cultivate resilience, heal, and build the skills to create a fulfilling next chapter.
Outside of my work as a counselor, I enjoy painting, spending time in nature, traveling, visiting museums and art galleries and staying connected with family and friends.
MY mission
To provide a safe space for you to engage in psychotherapy as a way to explore and understand yourself more deeply, discover clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being through creative expression and compassionate support.
BACKGROUND
EDUCATION
MFA in Fine Arts from Montclair State University
M.A. Counseling Psychology with Art Therapy Specialization from Caldwell University
TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS
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Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
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Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy-Externship (EFT)
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Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF- CBT)
MEMBERSHIPS/ ASSOCIATIONS
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Member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
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Member of the Florida Art Therapy Association (FATA)
COMMUNITY ART THERAPY EVENTS
ART CARES A community art therapy event in collaboration with the Bass Museum and FATA Florida Art Therapy Association.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Art therapist (providing in-home art therapy and developing treatment plans for neurodiverse children).
Former chair of the Multicultural Committee at Florida Art Therapy Association.
Art therapy/STEAM at CHAMPS with Honey Shine and Barry University -Independent contractor. (worked with Elementary and HS after school programs).
Mental Health Consultant for the Early Head Start Program with Miami Dade County and Barry University. (Worked with children focusing on the social, physical and emotional development of children from birth to 5 years of age.
Art therapist and psychotherapist at Trinitas Regional Medical Center/ RWJ Barnabas Health (worked with children, adolescents, adults and elderly with mental health challenges).
Art Therapy intern at Hackensack University Medical Center (worked with pediatric and cancer center patients).
QUALIFICATIONS
New Jersey State Licensed Professional Counselor LPC
Florida State Licensed Mental Health Counselor LMHC
Board Certified Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association. ATR-BC
CLIENTES
I support individuals of all ages in:
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Building focus and emotional regulation
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Processing anxiety, trauma, and life transitions
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Strengthening self-esteem and identity
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Developing healthy coping tools
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Finding connection through creativity
I believe that our body, emotions, and behaviors are deeply interconnected. When one part of us feels out of balance, it can affect every area of our lives. At times, we all need supportive resources to better understand ourselves, build awareness, and continue growing.