Working in Clark County: Erica Sawyer, counselor and art therapistSubscriber Exclusive

By Lyndsey Hewitt, Columbian Staff writer, news assistant

Published: April 10, 2021, 5:00am

3 Photos

Erica Sawyer shows one of her paintings that was inspired by Greece. Sawyer, 43, is an art therapist. She emphasizes that art therapy is not about making beautiful works of art. "Typical art-making during a counseling session might be more like quick drawings and sketches, collages with cut-out magazine images or mixed media, or small paintings of a more basic nature," she said. "I want it to be clear that art therapy isn't about being artistic or making beautiful art and that tapping into the creative process is accessible to anyone." (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian) Photo Gallery

Art therapy is an incredibly powerful healing tool, according to Erica Sawyer.

But during the COVID-19 pandemic – when many have suffered social isolation and even emotional devastation from losing a loved one – it’s a tough tool to access for a myriad of reasons, according to Sawyer, a local registered art therapist and licensed mental health counselor.

Thank you for reading The Columbian.

Subscribe for only $99/year to get unlimited access.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber?

Support local journalism

Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.

Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.

Featured Realtor

Columbian Homes featured real estate agent

View Listings

Support local journalism

Related Stories