Hi there, I'm Rikkia!

My approach to therapy is collaborative and strength-based. I believe you are the source of your own happiness, and I'm here to help facilitate that journey back to yourself. As an artist at heart, I utilize art modalities such as movement, poetry, journaling, and sound to support healing.

My focus

I love to work with mothers struggling with mental health and addiction, as well as young adults working through identity and career choices.

My approach

I utilize EMDR, meditation, somatic theories, solution-based brief therapy, cognitive behavioral theories, and attachment theories. These modalities help reprocess traumatic memories and build secure connections. I believe intimate attachments are the hub around which life revolves, drawing strength and joy from these bonds.

My communication style

When you work with me, it's like working with an old friend. I create an intimate relationship based on mutual respect, kindness, and joy.

My journey to mental healthcare

I am an artist first. I felt the transformative power of the arts to bring about conversation and change, which led me to study Expressive Arts Therapy. I'm interested in the brain-body connection and how creative expression facilitates healing.

My goals for you

Goals are curated collaboratively with each client, with frequent check-ins. I like to envision the end goal first—what would your life or situation look like? Then we work back from there and forward again to get where you need to be, paced according to your individual needs.

Our first session

Let's sit down and chat. I will answer questions you have about me and get to know where you are coming from. I often use visual art to access your social relationships and supports. We may draw a picture or engage in a visual thought process.

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American
Non-denominational

Expertise

Specialties

Borderline Personality

Coping Skills

Depression

Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

Racial Identity

Substance Use

Women's Issues

+ 12 more

Treatment approaches

Art Therapy

EMDR

Somatic

Dance/Movement Therapy

Dialectical (DBT)

Expressive Arts

Motivational Interviewing

Narrative

+ 8 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Immune-Disorders

Racial Justice

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Single Mother

+ 5 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Ascension-SmartHealth
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 48 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Masters of Arts (MA) in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions

3190 Whitney Ave Building 5, Hamden, CT 06518

View map →

Rikkia BenYehudah