Martha Dyer
 

 

Martha Dyer

Martha Dyer (MA, ATR - Registered Art Therapist, University of New Mexico, 1991) comes to the field of art therapy through the power of her own creative process as an artist. She believes art therapy can offer new ways to see, understand, and accept even chronic issues. Her style of work allows for free expression and the development of a trusting, therapeutic relationship from which change and healing can unfold.

Martha has 25 years of experience as an artist and arts educator, and 17 years of experience as and art therapist. She brings years of informed skill to addressing issues of trauma and loss, personal growth, creative block, anxiety, stress management, and identity.

Martha has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  She has been co-leading a DBT skills group that combines art therapy techniques with DBT called Visual and Experiential DBT. This group is ongoing and accepting clients. She also has extensive training in areas related to special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and Acquired Brain Injury.

Martha is and active member of several community organizations including the Durham Art Guild, and is the current president of the North Carolina Art Therapy Association. She is a practicing artist and can be seen exhibiting her paintings and mixed media in galleries and cafes throughout North Carolina. You can see some of her artwork and artwork created in art therapy groups here.

When Martha isn’t practicing art therapy you can find her in her art studio, playing percussion in her band, or walking in the forest with her dog.

Her favorite new quote comes from Ellen Langer- “Where we are is where we’ve never been. ”

Frequently asked questions about Art Therapy


Martha Dyer
Do I need to be an artist to do art therapy?
No, art therapy is for everyone. The goal is expression, with the emphasis on the creative process rather than on technique or skill. In fact, you don’t even need to know how to draw a straight line!

Is an art therapist a “real” therapist?
Yes, art therapists are required to take similar coursework to many other mental health professionals. They are also required to have a Masters degree and do hundreds of hours of supervised work with clients before they can practice art therapy.

What is a typical session like?
Though each session will vary based on the needs of the client, a typical session will begin with some introduction and sharing (perhaps about the week). Then there will be time for a creative process, perhaps based on the issues that came up in the talking. Then, there will be time for sharing and ending the session. Sometimes there is more time for art, sometimes less…depending on the needs of the client.

What kinds of materials might I use in a session?
You will use what you are comfortable with and you will have guidance from the art therapist in choosing materials. Some materials may include-picture cut outs from magazines, photographs from home, clay, sand, paint, and drawing materials like pastels or pencils.

Can an art therapist be my primary therapist?
Absolutely, Art Therapists are qualified professionals that have similar training to many other mental health professionals.

I already have a therapist. Can I still do art therapy?
Yes, art therapy can bring new vision and insight into your work with your therapist.

Can I claim art therapy services on my health insurance?
The National Art Therapy Association (AATA) is working to change this policy, but at this time you cannot claim art therapy services on most health insurance plans.

What are your fees?
I have an affordable sliding scale fee that includes the cost of all art materials used during the session

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Where are you located?

Martha's office

906 Broad Street
Durham, NC 27705

From the Durham Freeway take the Swift Ave Exit 14. Turn right at the ramp and go across the railroad tracks and continue straight for 3 lights. After the third light look for the building with the unusual siding on your right called Health Associates. There is parking on street and behind building.

Google map

 

Quick Facts

Martha Dyer, MA, ATR
906 Broad Street
Durham, NC 27705
919 -286-7688 ext 3
Martha.arttherapy@gmail.com


Cost:
affordable rates


Areas of Special Interest:
  • Transition
  • Trauma and loss
  • Stress management
  • Personal growth
  • Depression
  • Creative block
  • Coping with chronic illness and disability
  • PTSD
  • Gay, bisexual, transgender issues
  • Substance abuse
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Eating disorders

Groups/workshops: