“Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change – it can not only move us, it makes us move.”―Ossie Davis
What happened to my happy child?
From those precious early moments seeing their first smile, hearing them giggle with their whole belly, and holding their hand as they learn something new, you knew you were always going to be there for them no matter what.
To experience childhood through adult eyes, you feel the full range of emotions with your kid—joy, sadness, frustration, worry—and you want to make it better for them. To give them the tools they need to handle problems, big or small. As they grow, you may recognize struggles that are all too familiar:
“It has to be this way, or else I can’t handle it.”
“If one thing is wrong, the whole day is ruined. I can’t cope.”
“I’ll never be able to do it…I’m always going to feel this way.”
“I’m too scared to try something new or meet new people…and if I just avoid what worries me, my problems will go away".”
“The worst version of what could happen will happen.”
Endless “What if” scenarios…
Isolating, panicking, irritability, or rejecting help…
Relief is possible.
Sometimes it’s easy to tell if a child or teen is experiencing anxiety, and other times it’s not that simple. You try to help, but you don’t have all the tools (somehow they forgot THAT chapter in the parent handbook).
Imagine how it would feel to have an outlet for your child that feels safe, welcoming, and is designed to support multiple methods of expression.
How it would feel for your child to feel seen and to be celebrated for their individual strengths, creativity, and quirks.
To have someone in their corner with the knowledge and skills to share her calm instead of joining their chaos.
Let me help your child understand how anxiety operates and learn skills that will be useful for them throughout their lifetime.
Heather Ziegenmeyer, MA LPC ATR-BC
Licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist
About me
I was that kid who came home from school and spent hours making artwork alone in my room. I was in a constant cycle of worry about my homework, social life, and feeling like I wasn’t good enough. I was always trying to be perfect, live up to the expectations I placed on myself, and prove to others that I was worthy. Sound familiar?
Following what made me happiest, I went to school for art at the University of Michigan. I took classes that brought art workshops to youth in detention centers. I discovered a way of connecting with others that was meaningful and real. I fell in love with helping others in the same way that I unknowingly helped myself: through art. I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, and I completed my graduate program in counseling and art therapy at Wayne State University in the heart of Detroit.
With my counseling training and love for helping others through art, I moved to Philly and began a decade-long career working as a master’s level art therapist. I enjoy working with children and teens, particularly those who are neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, creative, and/or “quirky”. I celebrate being weird, being yourself, and practicing self acceptance and patience—hard days and all. Opening my private practice in 2022 was a dream come true. I wish 12-year-old Heather could see me today, but she’d probably freak.
I am now happily retired from perfectionism, living with my husband and pets and focusing on family. In my free time, I love growing and learning about tropical plants, cooking new dishes, and doing puzzles.