Meet Lisa Headings a 2020 graduate of our Certificate Training Program. 

We are excited to feature her as our monthly Alumni Spotlight! 

We think you will be inspired by her work as an Expressive Arts Therapist!

Lisa Headings

MA, NCC, *Oregon Registered Associate

Portland, OR

https://www.expressyourpath.com/

From an early age, creativity was the thread running through every part of Lisa's life. Whether she was painting, acting, writing, or playing an instrument, she was always chasing ways to express herself. Though she originally planned to become an art therapist, life had other ideas, leading her down a few unexpected paths before she arrived at her chosen destination.

While working as a teaching assistant, Lisa couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming stress on her colleagues—and herself. She found herself more drawn to exploring emotional well-being than the daily grind of academics. At the same time, stepping away from her own creative outlets left her feeling like something essential was missing. That’s when she discovered expressive arts therapy—a field that wove together all her passions and felt like coming home. Walking into the expressive arts studio for the first time, she likened the feeling to meeting an old friend she’d always known.

Now, Lisa uses her unique blend of playfulness, creativity, and encouragement to help others let go of rigid “shoulds” and embrace who they truly are. Her approach is all about celebrating strengths, cheering on wins, and encouraging curiosity and play—because sometimes giving yourself permission to be a little silly is exactly what’s needed.

When she’s not helping clients rediscover their joy, you can find her knitting, sewing, or happily exploring Portland’s art supply stores. Her work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves love, joy, and the freedom to be themselves—just as they are.

Lisa, what drew you to the field of Expressive Arts, or motivated you to get Expressive Arts training?

I grew up with creativity as my playground. Dance, music, writing, acting, and art were ever present. I loved (and still love) using creative exploration to both ground me and also as a way to explore and expand. I wasn’t aware at that time that I was intuitively using the arts to help regulate my system and work through challenges, but looking back, I can see that creativity has played that role for me since childhood. In my work in schools before I became a therapist, I got to witness places where people did and did not have access to the Arts and I definitely noticed a difference. People very often see the Arts as something that is extracurricular. In my view, it is necessary in school and in life in general. I feel like EXA honors and encourages that.
 

Storm Before the Calm: Spring 2019. 

Reflecting on next steps after graduating from my mental health program.

As you began to immerse yourself in this work, were there any unexpected gifts or surprises?

I love the word "immerse" in this question as it gives me the image of being wrapped up in coziness. One thing that always seems to delight me is how the simplest of processes can sometimes feel the most transformative. It can be a reminder to just slow down and be in the moment. 

How are you currently implementing expressive arts in your personal and/or professional life?

I have a small practice where I see clients in Oregon virtually. My main focus is on helping women navigate through the mid-life/perimenopausal years. There is so much opportunity for self-discovery and redefining of self at that point in a woman's life. It is a great privilege to support a woman as she finds the courage to cast off old expectations and truly step into her own.
 

The Path: Fall 2019. 

Entering into newness.

What are your goals in this work, or how do you envision your involvement with EXA unfolding in the future?

Aaah, I have such big dreams of helping more and more people. Since cloning myself is currently not a viable option, I have come up with a few plans that are in motion. One is to start offering longer intensive therapy options for clients who wish to focus on deep work that can be more difficult to accomplish in a standard 50-minute weekly session. I also will be adding workshops and e-books as options soon. Not everyone needs deep, intensive therapy and that is okay. Expressive arts can still enrich your life. My goal is to create multiple kinds of options so that people are met where they're at on their journey.

How has EXA enriched or expanded your career path (if applicable)?

This is more than my career path. EXA is a lens through which I navigate life. I really can't imagine doing anything else right now. Well, I guess I *can* imagine it, but I don't want to. EXA has offered me the chance to be the most me I've ever been able to be. It gives me the tools to create joy as an act of rebellion against darkness. My passion is to use it to help others nurture and develop their  truest versions of themselves too.
 

Seeds of Opportunity: Spring 2019. 

Tree of inspiration, reflecting on personal power and strength.

What is your current personal practice and how does it enrich your life?

My personal EXA practice is always changing and evolving. I often have several processes going on that I can go between, depending on my mood or needs on a given day. Sometimes it's movement to get my gears going or shake off a heavy emotion. Other times, it might be spending some mindful moments exploring various fiberworks. Lately, one thing that I've been drawn to is playing with some new watercolors and a dip pen and ink. There is something so satisfying about watching the watercolors flow and mix together on a page. I also try to challenge myself to view life through an EXA lens and seek out opportunities for creativity where I might not otherwise. Being curious and playful and purposefully adding joy to life helps enrich my life and I hope that extends out to others as well.
 

What do you wish you could tell the world about Expressive Arts?

Hmmm, being an intermodal experience, I probably wouldn't just tell them. I'd want to invite them on a journey to show them and have them experience it. If there was one thing I could tell them, it would be that somewhere inside of them is an artist who is waiting to come out and play. Expressive Arts is for them.

 

Internship Journey: Spring 2020. 

Reflection on wide-eyed innocence and bravery.

What are you currently offering, and what are the ways that people can work with you?

I currently offer one-on-one virtual therapy to adults in Oregon and I will be adding workshops very soon. People interested in working with me or getting added to my email list can get in touch through my website.

Anything else you would like to say? 

dear one who reads this
you are already enough
my haiku gift to you
 

Professional links - Learn more about Lisa

 Website: 

https://www.expressyourpath.com

Instagram:

@expressyourpath
 

Facebook:

@ExpressYourPath

Watch for our Alumni Spotlight on the 15th of each month. We feature graduates of our Certificate Training Program - Expressive Arts Facilitators, Therapists, and Educators. We hope this series will inspire you, help spread the work of our alumni, and demonstrate the scope of practice of the expressive arts field. 

To see past Alumni Spotlight features & our Alumni Directory visit the link below.

www.expressiveartsflorida.com/art-professional-links

For more information about our Certificate Training Program, Professional Development, and Workshops - both online and in-person, visit us at www.expressiveartsflorida.com

Tamara Teeter Knapp 

MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE®

Kathleen Horne 

MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT®