Rachel Verdi, MA, LPAT, ATR-BC

Hello and welcome to My Therapy Connection™! My name is Rachel and I am a Board Certified Licensed Professional Art Therapist. My early personal experience with grief and loss allowed me to see the benefits of creative arts therapy firsthand. I then specifically pursued this specialized training because I wanted to be able to help people that didn’t have the words to express themselves or didn’t have the comfort and confidence to share the words and feelings they have inside. This is often the case for children, and I have always had a soft spot in my heart for working with youth.  Many people will say that some children are too young for therapy, but I have worked with children as young as 2 and I believe therapy just has to look different for people at different stages of life. I will incorporate play, art, or anything creative to meet a child where he/she is at.

Though, since my career has taken me in many directions, I have also seen the amazing benefits that Art Therapy can provide to adults as well. I have seen how, even when a person has the words, sometimes it is not enough to help a person process through their trauma or troubles. When working with adults, I take an individualized approach, and will utilize verbal therapy, Art Therapy, or a combination of the two.

People often tell me they feel calm and relaxed in my presence. I would describe myself as patient and non-judgmental and I see myself as a guide to helping individuals see their strengths and gain better understanding of who they are and who they can be.

I have nearly 17 years of clinical experience working in many settings and with a wide variety of populations. I spent many years working with children and adults affected by domestic violence. I have also worked in child and adult inpatient and partial hospitalization, where I frequently encountered individuals struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and many other psychiatric disorders.  Additionally, I have worked with individuals affected by significant medical issues, children on the autism spectrum, and older adults within a day facility.

I earned my undergraduate degree from The College of New Jersey, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Fine Arts. I continued my education at George Washington University, where I obtained my graduate degree in Art Therapy. I have also received training in EMDR, yoga, and the DIR Floortime model. For couples, I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and The Gottman Method Levels 1 & 2.

As an individual, I am very family oriented and love to spend any free moments with my children, joining them in their interests and watching them proudly at their different activities.

If you have any questions about working together, please feel free to reach out and I will be happy provide you with more information.

I look forward to speaking with you soon!

NJ License #16LP00008800

Rachel’s Rate: $150

1514 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ 08085