Therapy+Creativity

Psychotherapy

Betsy Lazarus MA, ATR-BC, LCAT (NY), LPAT (NJ)
505 Northern Blvd. Suite 103
Great Neck, NY 11021

(516) 527-7905
BetsyLazarusLCAT@gmail.com

About

Hi, I'm Betsy
Welcome !

Embracing Emotional Wellness in a Changing World

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, prioritizing mental health

is more important than ever. You might feel weighed down by

anxiety, stress, or trauma, or find yourself struggling with depression, relationship challenges, or the overwhelming impact of global and community events. Perhaps you're navigating the journey to a more fulfilling life but feel stuck or uncertain.

If your child is grappling with fear, anger, sadness, or anxiety, you’re

not alone. These feelings are a natural response to life’s challenges,

and seeking support for your child is a powerful step forward.

Why Emotional Wellness Matters
Caring for your emotional well-being is integral to the health of

your body, mind, and soul. Emotional growth and healing is a journey

I’ve come to trust deeply through personal experience, ongoing

learning, and embracing my own evolution.
I’m here to guide you in building that trust within yourself.

A Creative Approach to Healing
My approach is creative and intuitive, designed to reach those places

where words alone cannot. Together, we’ll navigate the unfolding of

your life with clarity, confidence, and grace.

Let’s embark on this transformative journey toward

emotional wellness, healing, and growth.

Treatment

With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist and licensed creative arts therapist, I provide compassionate, tailored care for individuals of all ages. Scroll down to learn more about my background and approach.

Psychotherapy is a powerful way to navigate life’s challenges and build emotional resilience. I offer personalized care to individuals of all ages, drawing from a range of approaches to suit your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking traditional talk therapy, creative expression, or mindfulness-based techniques, I’m here to support you in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Creative Arts Therapy is one of the approaches available for those who wish to explore thoughts and emotions through a nonverbal medium. This process can help uncover insights, foster self-awareness, and build emotional resilience. Creative expression and verbal psychotherapy are a potent treatment for individuals of all ages seeking emotional stability and relief from depression and anxiety. It does not require any prior art experience, supports relaxation, expression, and communication.

Your therapy is always tailored to your preferences, and artmaking is entirely optional.

Together, we’ll create a safe, inclusive space where your thoughts and emotions are welcomed and explored. Guided by mindfulness, humanistic principles, and the transformative power of the arts, I’ll support your journey toward healing and growth.

Children and Adolescents face a range of emotional, social, and developmental challenges as they grow. Therapy can provide a safe, supportive space for them to process their experiences, build resilience, and gain tools to navigate life’s complexities.

Creating a trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation for all progress. Establishing this connection helps children feel seen, heard, and understood, which naturally encourages them to communicate their feelings, interests, and concerns.

Teenagers often benefit from therapy as they navigate the pressures of identity formation, academic challenges, peer relationships, and family dynamics. Therapy can provide a space for them to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. I use a collaborative approach, combining CBT, mindfulness practices, and creative expression, depending on their preferences and therapeutic goals. By fostering an environment of trust and respect, I help teens feel empowered to face life’s challenges and build the skills they need to thrive.

Therapy with youngsters is tailored to their unique needs, incorporating a range of approaches, including:
• Art Therapy: Artmaking provides a nonverbal way to explore emotions and foster self-expression, helping children work toward goals like improving emotional regulation, building self-esteem, and processing trauma or loss.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based approach helps children and teens identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and build problem-solving skills. CBT can be particularly effective in addressing anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Incorporating relaxation and grounding practices to help children and teens manage stress and stay present in the moment.

Each session is designed to meet your child or adolescent where they are, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.

Mindfulness is a powerful approach that helps you connect with the present moment through openness, curiosity, and acceptance. In psychotherapy, I incorporate mindfulness techniques such as guided imagery, relaxation, and imaginative exercises to help you realign with your purpose and overcome negative patterns.
This approach can empower you to reclaim your voice, find clarity, and move forward with confidence. In complementing other therapeutic methods, mindfulness offers tools to help you navigate life’s challenges with intention and resilience. As a lifelong practice, meditation can empower you to reclaim your voice, find clarity, and move forward with confidence.

Seniors and Their Loved Ones
Therapy can provide a compassionate and supportive space to address the unique challenges of aging, as well as the complexities of caregiving. Seniors may seek therapy for:
• Growth as an Elder: Finding meaning, purpose, and joy in this stage of life.
• Bereavement and Grief: Processing loss and honoring memories while navigating life’s transitions.
• Anxiety and Depression: Addressing emotional challenges that can arise with aging or life changes.
• Unresolved Relationships: Reflecting on and healing past or current relational dynamics.

For caregivers of loved ones with dementia, the demands can feel overwhelming. Therapy offers tools to manage caregiver stress, build emotional resilience, and create a balance between providing care and nurturing your own well-being.
Whether you are a senior looking for personal growth and support or a caregiver seeking guidance, we’ll work together to address your unique needs.

Why Therapy+Creativity?

Combining creative thinking with therapy transforms challenges into opportunities. This approach opens the door to fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and unexpected solutions that guide you toward healing and growth.

In our work together, you’ll learn to tap into your imagination, connect with your intuitive self, and unlock your natural capacity to overcome obstacles and thrive.

As Psychology Today puts it:
"Creativity encompasses the ability to discover new and original ideas, connections, and solutions to problems. It’s a part of our drive as humans—fostering resilience, sparking joy, and providing opportunities for self-actualization."

Through this creative approach, I’ll help you build resilience, uncover meaningful connections, and find solutions that lead to clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

Getting Started

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to make the process as comfortable as possible. Whether you’re seeking talk therapy or exploring other creative approaches, you’ll have options to engage in a way that feels most natural for you.

We’ll begin with a free phone consultation—no cost, no obligation. This is an opportunity for us to connect, for you to share your concerns, and for me to answer any questions you may have.

From there, we’ll schedule your first session, where we’ll start building a tailored approach designed to meet your needs, preferences, and goals.

Let's explore the possibilities together as we create a space for clarity, healing, and growth.

About Me

With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist and Creative Arts Therapist licensed in NY and NJ, I provide compassionate, collaborative, and results-driven, evidence-based therapy. My approach fosters meaningful connections and supports clients of all ages on their journey toward emotional well-being.

My Core Therapeutic Values

Empathy and Warmth: I create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and valued.

Trust and Professionalism: A foundation of trust ensures your concerns are met with care and expertise.

Collaboration: Therapy is a partnership—we’ll work together to identify goals and achieve them.

Personalized Care: Your therapy plan will be tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.

Optimism: I believe in the transformative power of therapy and will guide you with hope and confidence.

Adaptability: Whether through talk therapy, mindfulness, or creative arts, I adapt my approach to suit you.

As an artist who enjoys painting and daily meditation, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of creative expression and mindfulness. These practices inform my work and may become part of our sessions as we map out your wellness goals.

I accept Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Anthem EAP - Bank of America:

https://headway.co/providers/betsy-lazarus-rouse

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, M.A. in Creative Art Therapy, and Certification in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy by the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center.

I am a past president of the New York Art Therapy Association (NYATA) and have published art and writing in the Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).

Take the first step toward emotional wellness—let’s work together to create the life you envision.