Colleen Siskar, LCAT, ATR-BC

Colleen Siskar is a New York State Licensed and Board Certified Registered Art Therapist. Previous to her art therapy credentialing, she holds her Professional Certification in Art Education for K-12 in New York State. She provides art therapy to families seeking a modality that goes beyond traditional talk therapy with a client centered approach. Engaging in art making is a way to build connection and improve communication for children that may be struggling with behavioral, social, emotional, and academic stressors. Art making provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to develop skills in a judgment free environment to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The process of art making and verbal interventions supports children and their families with a greater self awareness and insight to their inner worlds. This foundation provides opportunities for developing coping skills and establishing a strengthened sense of self. I provide parents and care givers with guidance and support with navigating challenging behaviors at home or in the school setting through skill development. Colleen first pursued her passion for teaching young minds as an art educator in the classroom and community settings. She identified with the need for supporting the social and emotional development, for the well being of children. She earned a Master's Degree in Art Therapy from New York University in 2014 and has provided school based art therapy programming for the NYC Public Schools through the NYU Art Therapy in Schools Program. Most recently she has partnered with Community Family Support Centers throughout WNY to provide individual, group therapy, and parent-child workshops. Colleen works with children and adolescents experiencing a range of challenges including anxiety, trauma, ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and grief and loss. She frequently supports children who struggle with emotional regulation, impulse control, and behaviors that may create difficulties at school or within the home. With her background as both a therapist and licensed educator, Colleen has particular expertise in understanding the education system and the intersection between emotional health and school functioning. She works collaboratively with parents to help them navigate school-related concerns, advocate for their child’s needs, and develop strategies to support their child’s emotional and behavioral growth at home and in the classroom. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care. By integrating art therapy into treatment, Colleen provides children with a safe and accessible way to express feelings, process experiences, and develop skills for managing difficult emotions. Colleen’s goal is to create a warm, supportive therapeutic environment where children feel understood and where families feel empowered to support their child’s development, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.