Contamination OCD can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, as intrusive thoughts about germs, dirt, or harmful substances take control. But recovery is possible. By taking small, manageable steps and focusing on your own readiness, you can gradually reduce the power of these fears. Whether through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or building self-compassion, there are effective strategies to help you move forward. The key is to approach treatment at your own pace and with kindness toward yourself. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can start your journey to recovery from contamination OCD, one step at a time.

Labyrinth Art and Wellness is a practice located in Maryland, and we are here to help you and your family overcome body-focused repetitive behaviors and OCD!

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like nail-biting, hair-pulling, and skin-picking are more common than most people realize—but because they’re rarely talked about, many who struggle with them feel ashamed or alone. BFRBs aren’t just “bad habits” or forms of self-harm; they’re compulsive behaviors often linked to anxiety, sensory needs, or neurological patterns.

In this blog, I break down common myths about BFRBs, explore how they impact both children and adults, and discuss effective treatment options like Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Art Therapy. Whether you experience a BFRB yourself or are a parent, partner, or friend of someone who does, understanding these behaviors can help break the cycle of shame and encourage healthier coping strategies.

If you or someone you love struggles with a BFRB, know this: you are not alone, and support is available. Read on to learn more about how to recognize, understand, and manage BFRBs with empathy and science-backed strategies. Labyrinth Art and Wellness is a practice located in Maryland, and we are here to help you and your family overcome body-focused repetitive behaviors!

Art has always been a tool for self-discovery, but when combined with therapy, it becomes a powerful pathway to healing and growth. In my practice as The Outdoor Art Therapist at Labyrinth Art and Wellness, I help individuals use creative expression to deepen self-awareness and foster mental wellness.

While much of my work is one-on-one, I believe community healing is just as vital—especially now. Art has the power to connect, empower, and create space for collective growth.

At Labyrinth Art and Wellness, my mission is to make art therapy accessible to more people in my local communities, demonstrating how creativity supports both mental and physical well-being. I collaborate across Maryland, including Towson, Harbor East, Lutherville, Roland Park, Baltimore, Columbia, Anne Arundel County, Clarksville, Catonsville, Bel Air, Phoenix, and Perry Hall, bringing therapeutic art experiences to those who need them most.

Found Poetry is more than just a creative activity; it’s a therapeutic tool that encourages self-expression, emotional processing, and cognitive healing. Whether you're looking to explore your emotions, express complex thoughts, or create meaningful art, Found Poetry offers a unique way to connect with yourself and others. In this post, I’ll share how I incorporate Found Poetry into my art therapy sessions, offer tips on using everyday materials like magazines and junk mail, and explain how this practice can help you express feelings that may be difficult to verbalize. Join me as we dive into how Found Poetry can support emotional well-being and creative growth!

Collage is more than just a fun artistic technique; it's a powerful therapeutic tool that promotes emotional healing, self-expression, and community connection. Whether you're looking to process trauma, explore your identity, or take part in collective activism, collage offers a safe space for non-verbal expression. In this post, I’ll share how I use collage in art therapy sessions with clients in Maryland, tips for collecting materials, and ways to tap into the power of both paper and digital collages. Join me as we explore how this creative practice can support emotional well-being and social justice! Labyrinth Art and Wellness is an art therapy practice dedicated to providing therapy for children and adults in Lutherville, Maryland.

In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to provide affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly in the face of increasing political and societal challenges. As a gender-affirming therapist in Towson, MD, I am committed to offering a safe, inclusive space where all clients, regardless of their identity, feel heard, respected, and supported. This blog explores the importance of affirmation in therapy and mental health care, emphasizing the need for validation, safety, and empowerment—especially for queer and marginalized communities. Whether you’re seeking therapy, support, or simply looking for a space to belong, it’s essential to find a provider who understands the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s work together to build resilience, foster healing, and protect the rights of those who need it most.

Are you and your partner seeking a creative way to enhance your relationship? Relationship art therapy offers couples a unique approach to counseling that fosters connection, self-expression, and emotional healing. In this post, we’ll explore what to expect during your first five sessions of relationship art therapy, where art becomes a powerful tool for building deeper understanding and communication. Whether you're working on strengthening your bond or navigating challenges, this creative process can guide you toward a more fulfilling partnership. Kristy Leone is an art therapist and counselor in Towson, Maryland and provides walk-and-talk therapy in Perry Hall, Maryland.

Choosing the right environment for art therapy can enhance your healing experience. Whether you prefer the serene landscapes of Perry Hall for an outdoor art therapy walk and talk, a structured setting in my Towson office, or the convenience of online sessions accessible to anyone in Maryland, each option offers unique benefits. No matter which location you choose, each setting is designed to support your journey toward healing and self-discovery through art therapy. This blog will highly the benefits of each to help you decide what you need! Led by Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC at Labyrinth Art and Wellness. kristy sees children, adults, and couples for art therapy across Maryland.

Clinical supervision is a vital component of professional growth for mental health counselors and art therapists. As a board-approved supervisor for LGPC and LGPAT, and a licensed therapist, I understand the importance of creating high-quality supervision spaces. Even after completing graduate education, therapists encounter complex challenges that necessitate ongoing support and guidance.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of clinical supervision, including enhanced skill development, ethical accountability, and emotional support. By fostering a collaborative environment, clinical supervision not only promotes individual therapist growth but also ultimately leads to improved client care.

Join us as we delve into why investing in clinical supervision is essential for both therapists and the clients they serve! If you’re seeking clinical supervision services as an ATR, ATR-P, ATR-BC, LGPC, or LGPAT in Maryland, feel free to reach out. I’m Kristy Leone, a licensed professional mental health counselor and art therapist, dedicated to helping clients facing OCD, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and autism.

In this blog, we delve into the importance of self-respect through a culturally informed lens, utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and parts work. Discover how art therapy can facilitate emotional expression and understanding. Learn practical strategies for acknowledging your true emotions, identifying your core values, and setting clear boundaries. Additionally, explore the benefits of walk-and-talk therapy in Towson, Maryland, as a way to foster connection and healing in a supportive environment. Embrace your full emotional experience and take steps toward a more authentic, fulfilling life.

As autumn arrives, it’s the perfect time to embrace change and reflection through outdoor art therapy. In Towson, Maryland, the vibrant colors and crisp air invite us to engage in creative activities that enhance mindfulness and emotional well-being. From leaf printing and nature collages to journaling in nature and creating mandalas, these activities not only celebrate the beauty of fall but also provide a therapeutic outlet for self-expression. Join me, the Outdoor Art Therapist Kristy, in exploring how the changing seasons can enrich our mental health and inspire personal growth at Labyrinth Art and Wellness!

Imagine deepening your connections while surrounded by the natural beauty of Maryland's parks and trails. Walk-and-talk therapy offers a unique approach to mental health, combining the therapeutic power of movement with open, honest conversations. Whether you're a therapist looking to enhance your practice or someone interested in exploring this transformative method, Maryland's stunning outdoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop. Discover how to start your journey in walk-and-talk therapy—learn about choosing safe locations, marketing your services, and creating meaningful experiences that foster trust and mindfulness. Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and watch as your relationships flourish with every stride. Labyrinth Art Wellness is located in Perry Hall, Maryland, founded by the Outdoor Art Therapist, Kristy Leone.

Creating a feelings card art deck may seem like a simple endeavor, but its impact on emotional exploration is profound. Once you have your deck, it opens up numerous possibilities. You can draw a card each day for daily reflection, helping you explore and understand your current emotional state. The cards can also serve as prompts for journaling, inspiring entries that delve into past experiences or current feelings.

Incorporating the deck into your mindfulness routine allows you to focus on and reflect upon different emotions, enhancing your practice. For therapeutic purposes, the deck can facilitate discussions, track emotional progress, and boost self-awareness during sessions. Sharing the cards with loved ones can aid in understanding and communicating each other’s feelings more deeply. Additionally, the deck can be a springboard for further creative projects, providing a foundation for artistic expression and deeper emotional exploration. This seemingly simple tool can transform how you engage with and understand your emotions, offering valuable insights and enhancing personal and therapeutic practices.

In the labyrinth of our inner world, there lies a part of us that is both timeless and tender: the inner child. This part of ourselves carries the echoes of our earliest experiences, dreams, and unmet needs. Healing this inner child can be a profound journey, one that often intersects beautifully with art therapy! Healing the inner child through art therapy is a deeply personal journey. It invites us to reconnect with a part of ourselves that may have been forgotten or neglected, offering a path to healing and wholeness. By embracing creativity and self-expression, we open doors to transformation and rediscovery, paving the way for a more integrated and fulfilling life.

Junk journaling is a deeply therapeutic art form that enriches mental health through its diverse materials and creative process. Essential supplies like varied papers, art mediums, and found objects stimulate tactile and visual exploration, aiding emotional expression and introspection. Benefits include stress relief, mindfulness, and emotional healing by providing a safe outlet for self-expression and reflection. Collecting materials can involve thrifting for vintage papers, gathering natural elements, and exploring online resources for digital prints. Crafting a journal entry involves reflection, intuitive material selection, and creative expression through writing or drawing, fostering a transformative journey towards improved mental well-being through artistic exploration.

There is such beauty and significance of friendships. In therapy, I often find myself exploring romantic relationships, family dynamics, and workplace interactions, yet I've come to realize that the bonds we forge with friends are just as pivotal for our well-being.

Take a moment to reflect with me: What qualities do you cherish most in a friend? Who are those friends you find yourself missing dearly right now? Let's explore a list of creative ways to stay connected—whether it's virtual coffee chats, sharing a journal, or engaging in virtual game nights. Which of these ideas resonates with you the most?

Join me on a journey of exploration and appreciation for the friendships that enrich our lives. Together, let's nurture these connections, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the joy of companionship! After all, in the tapestry of life, friendships are threads that weave warmth, support, and memories that last a lifetime!

Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC is an art therapist and mental health therapist in Perry Hall Maryland and provides walk and talk therapy for children, teens, and adults in Baltimore County.

Dreams are profound reflections of our subconscious minds, revealing rich symbolism and emotions that offer deep insights into our inner worlds. As a licensed art therapist and mental health counselor in Maryland, I specialize in guiding clients through the exploration and interpretation of their dreams, including the processing of nightmares.

Art therapy, known for promoting emotional expression and self-reflection, complements traditional therapeutic approaches by offering unique insights through creative expression and symbolic representation. This process not only enhances self-awareness and emotional processing but also fosters improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety. Through art therapy, we create a safe space for clients to explore and transform unsettling narratives into tangible artworks, empowering them to reframe their experiences and find emotional relief.

I am deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate the profound landscapes of their dreams and nightmares. My goal is to empower clients to find meaning, healing, and resilience through the transformative process of art therapy at Labyrinth Art and Wellness.

Insomnia can feel like an endless night of frustration and fatigue, but there’s a creative ally in the battle for better sleep: art therapy. Beyond the myths that insomnia is untreatable, art therapy offers a unique pathway to relaxation and emotional balance, essential for reclaiming restful nights. Through guided art exercises, individuals with insomnia can unwind emotional knots, reduce stress levels, and cultivate a peaceful bedtime routine. From mandala coloring to mindful painting, these therapeutic practices foster a serene mental state conducive to falling asleep naturally. Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC specializes in sleep disorders at Labyrinth Art and Wellness!

Discover how art therapy can offer unique insights into sleep disorders from a licensed art therapist's perspective. Gain practical tips and creative strategies to improve sleep quality and manage conditions like insomnia, nightmares, and sleep anxiety effectively. Process dreams and overcome nightmares with Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC at Labyrinth Art and Wellness!

Discover how to unlock the full potential of your therapy sessions with expert tips and insights. Learn practical strategies to overcome mental blocks and enhance your therapy journey. Delve into the neuroscience behind why we sometimes freeze or struggle to articulate ourselves in therapy, supported by current research. Download our free PDF guide and empower yourself to navigate these challenges effectively, fostering deeper insights and meaningful progress in your personal growth and healing with Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC at Labyrinth Art and Wellness!