Katherine

Katherine Liaw

Art Therapist

“As a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, I help individuals navigate cultural conflicts, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem through art with young and working adults. My supportive, client-centered approach fosters healing and growth in a safe, culturally sensitive space.”

About Me

I invite young and working adults to explore challenging experiences like anxiety, grief, or cultural conflicts. Making art in our sessions offers a unique, non-verbal way to navigate trauma and build self-esteem. My supportive approach creates a safe, culturally sensitive space. This is ideal for those seeking a gentle path to understand their inner world and find new ways forward.

Approach

Sessions often begin with a simple creative prompt that opens nonverbal expression and shifts toward noticing patterns tied to culture, faith, and stress. In Forest Hills and online, primarily in English, I keep a relaxed pace—short structured exercises followed by reflection and gentle verbal processing. I blend psychodynamic listening with CBT-informed skill building, using imagery, metaphor, and process art to help you name feelings, practice grounding, and try new responses between meetings. This approach fits young and working adults looking for steady, culturally mindful progress.
Contact Katherine

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Art Therapy

    A form of therapy that uses visual art-making (drawing, painting, sculpture) as a means of expression and emotional processing.

    Learn more about Art Therapy
  • Conflict Management

    Structured approaches to resolving disputes and improving communication between people in conflict, whether in relationships, families, or workplaces.

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling

    Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.

  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.

    Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Stress Management

    Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.

    Learn more about Stress Management
  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Elderly
  • Groups
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • Cross-Cultural

    The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.

  • Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem
  • Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling

    Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.

  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma
  • Young Adult Issues

    The unique psychological challenges of emerging adulthood (18–25), including identity formation, independence, relationship navigation, and finding direction.

    Learn more about Young Adult Issues

Professional Title:

  • Art Therapist

    A therapist who uses drawing, painting, and other art forms to help clients express and process emotions. No artistic ability needed.

Credentials

Registrations

New York State Education Department; Office of the Professions

Creative Arts Therapist

Qualifications

Hofstra University

Service Areas

Dayspring Mental Health Counseling, PLLC

In-person & Online

Forest Hills, New York

United States