Mikey Anderson

Get to know me:

I am a Queer artist-art therapist who practices having spanned multiple age groups and communities. My work is grounded in relational-cultural theory with a social justice focus. I foster a collaborative, person-centered, and art-based therapeutic relationship through which participants can explore their concerns, intersectional identities, and cultural narratives.

What does affirmative psychotherapy mean to me?

LGBTQIA2S+ affirmative psychotherapy is an intersectional approach I incorporate into all aspects of my artist-art therapy practice to uplift the voices of the LGBTQIA2S+ participants I create art with. I believe it’s a therapist who honors LGBTQIA2S+ folx experiences and creates a safe therapeutic space for LGBTQIA2S+ folx to be their most authentic selves. I feel it challenges oppressive systems and promotes an awareness of the systemic oppression of many LGBTQIA2S+ confront living in our society. It’s a therapist who committees themself to learning and understanding the multiplicities of LGBTQIA2S+ experiences.

What populations do I work with? What is my level of expertise (friendly, knowledgeable, expert) for each of those populations?

I am most knowledgeable about working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults who identify within or are exploring LGBTQIA2S+ identities. I have authored a chapter “Queer Ethos in Art therapy” and speak at conferences advocating for the diverse needs of our LGBTQIA2S+ community in art therapy. I most often use my art therapy practice to develop arts-based therapeutic groups that are both intergenerational and cross-generational. These groups have been developed in schools, art centers, assisted living communities, and shelters.

What is my approach to healing?

My approach to healing is grounded in collective art-making. I intentionally create inclusive spaces that are communal, participatory, and open-ended. These healing spaces provide the opportunity for us to construct an alternative narrative that rejects the dominance of heteronormativity in our society and promotes LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy.

What issues am I most skilled at addressing as a mental health professional?

I am an LGBTQIA2S+ affirmative therapist who is most skilled in using art therapy modalities to practice from to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and identity development.

Education & License: Education: MA Art therapy & Counseling
Years in Practice: 1
School: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Year Graduated: 2019
License # and State: LPC, 178015917, IL
Training Experience: Art therapy

Office Information

Accessibility: Fully accessible. First floor. Teletherapy and in-person therapy sessions available
Gender Neutral Restrooms: Yes – single-stall

Finances

Fee Range: 150, sliding scale
Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, credit, and debit
Accepted Insurance Plans: BCBS