From our initial Zoom meeting to determine whether I would be extended the opportunity to intern with Aubrey Baptista, MA, LCMHC, QS, ATR-BC, I knew immediately that this experience was going to be both meaningful and exciting. Aubrey’s sincere smile, vibrant personality, and eagerness to help others greatly impacted my desire to intern at Kindred. As her intern, I was warmly greeted each day and extended hospitality and invitations to learn and grow both personally and professionally. As for Aubrey’s clients, they are treated with kindness and acceptance balanced with directness and firmness; all of which are required for attaining therapeutic outcomes. Indeed, if you are looking for a counselor who will challenge you, hold you accountable, while gently assisting you with reaching your therapy goals — look no further than Aubrey Baptista.
Article written by; Sharon Y. Hill Department of Counseling, Montreat College
Aubrey is the owner and CEO of Kindred Art Therapy and Counseling PLLC; a private practice located in the city of Hendersonville, NC. Aubrey specializes in DBT and Art Therapy to help individuals ages ten and older experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, trauma, and other mental disorders. Aubrey offers online and in-person Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Family Art Therapy, and Counseling Supervision. Based upon my observations of her at work, allow me to tell you what it is like to be in session with Aubrey…
To begin, Aubrey conducts client sessions online from her home office, as well as from her private practice located at 2009 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC, 28791. Both spaces are personable and welcoming. Each office is complete with beautiful imagery, pieces of art created by Aubrey herself, and every type of art supply one might desire to create a personal masterpiece. As such, clients are encouraged to come in, sit down, get comfortable and create art, all while discussing yesterday’s challenges, today’s hopes, and tomorrow’s possibilities. Aubrey’s use of DBT in conjunction with art therapy provides for a more conversational type of therapy, wherein counselor and client are on level ground and in healthy alliance, sometimes sitting at the table together creating individual pieces of art.
And, for the client who is at a loss for words who is currently experiencing painful family circumstances, I have observed Aubrey’s effective use of presence during this client’s art therapy sessions. With this, she sits quietly with the client, drawing attention to the sound of the paint brush, the motion of the strokes, the color palette, and the emerging images. For me, this truly was a sight to see and experience!
I have also watched as Aubrey assisted a client with effective grounding techniques who was on the verge of a panic attack in the middle of a session. She was able to help the client to calm down, re-center, and even continue the session! Whether talk therapy or art therapy, I have come to appreciate her approach in assisting each client with arriving at their own solutions in a manner that is both encouraging and empowering. I can honestly say that I have witnessed clients leaving each session with more hope, skills, and solutions than when they came in. Oh! And let me not forget Teddy, Aubrey’s sweet and furry pup whom she shares with clients who may need a little extra love or support!
All these qualities, in conjunction with unconditional positive regard, compassion, client-centeredness, and ethical professionalism are only some of what makes Aubrey Baptista and Kindred special and unique. This is evident in that her clients continue to show up, on-time, week after week. Some have also referred their friends and family who have recently completed intake sessions. Indeed, Kindred Art Therapy and Counseling, PLLC is not only maintaining clientele, but is also growing with each passing week.
Lastly, I can easily see the therapeutic bond between Aubrey and each of her clients, as most everyone readily dives right in for therapy; without hesitation, reservation, or needing to be prodded. As I carefully observe clients’ free and honest verbal and/or artistic expression without fear of judgement or criticism, I simultaneously observe Aubrey challenge clients with statements such as “I’m curious…” or “let me play devil’s advocate to that”. She seems authentically interested in her clients’ lives; that is, to want the best life possible for each of them. Likewise, her knowledge and expertise help her to provide relevant and timely psychoeducation, support, networking, and helpful resources. Moreover, if Aubrey does not have an immediate answer, she is promptly connecting, consulting, or seeking supervision to help clients access the best alternative or supplementary service available
In conclusion, Aubrey Baptista at Kindred Art Therapy and Counseling PLLC is an outstanding clinician providing effective mental health services in a safe space and supportive environment. Whether you prefer to process with talk therapy or contemplatively express during art therapy, Aubrey Baptista is an ally who will be genuinely interested in you and your experience, with an enthusiastic and effective approach to therapy.
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