No Words Needed: An Art Therapy Group
No Words Needed: An Art Therapy Group is led by Haley Rittenhouse, LPC-MHSP, ATR-BC, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and was created for children and teens who may have a lot going on internally but do not always want—or know how—to put those experiences into words.
Sometimes traditional conversation can feel like too much. A child may know they are feeling something without being able to name it, explain it, or talk about it directly. Other times, they may simply feel more comfortable expressing themselves through creativity than through conversation. This group gives participants permission to communicate in a different way.
Sometimes there’s a lot to express—and no desire, need, or easy way to put it into words.
No Words Needed is an art therapy group centered on nonverbal expression, creativity, regulation, and connection. There is no pressure to talk, explain artwork, participate verbally, or find the “right” words.
Using a variety of art therapy techniques and creative mediums, participants are invited to express and explore their inner world in ways that feel safe, natural, and authentic. This may include painting, drawing, collage, clay, mixed media, sensory-based art, movement, symbolism, texture, and other expressive experiences.
The focus is not on artistic ability or creating a “perfect” piece of art. Instead, the creative process becomes a pathway for exploring emotions, experiences, identity, relationships, stress, sensory needs, self-expression, regulation, and connection.
Participants can create alongside others in a quiet, supportive therapeutic environment where connection does not depend on conversation and where the artwork itself can become part of the communication.
The group is designed to honor different communication styles, personalities, sensory needs, and levels of comfort. A participant may want to create quietly beside someone else, communicate through artwork, observe before joining, or gradually interact with others through shared creative experiences. All of those ways of participating are welcome.
Because the group is facilitated by a licensed mental health therapist and board-certified art therapist, the creative process is intentionally supported through a therapeutic lens that considers emotional safety, regulation, development, communication, and each participant’s individual needs.
Group Details
Facilitator: Haley Rittenhouse, LPC-MHSP, ATR-BC
Cost: $100 per session
Location: The Therapeutic Studio
1325 West Main Street, Suite 106
Franklin, TN
No art experience is necessary.
No sharing or explaining is required.
No pressure to speak.
No words are needed.
For some children and teens, removing the expectation to talk can create more room for authentic expression, connection, confidence, emotional regulation, and self-discovery.
Come as you are. Make what you need to make. Let the art speak.