Lisa Srok is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and a Registered Provisional Art Therapist (ATR-P) in Baltimore County, MD. She holds an MA in art therapy with an emphasis on counseling and a BFA in painting and drawing. Lisa's professional work and personal inspirations are rooted in embracing the intersectionality of identity, exploring new perspectives, and finding meaningful connections.Her integrative theoretical orientation is built on a humanistic, client-centered approach. Lisa has clinical experience with treatment planning, and developing individualized art therapy directives based on knowledge of psychopathology, clinical mental health counseling principles, addiction theories, and expressive art therapy methods. Lisa has served diverse clients and vulnerable populations such as adults with disordered substance use, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. For her Master's thesis, Lisa conducted qualitative research to evaluate the professional experience of credentialed art therapists using art therapy as treatment for nonbinary people with disordered substance use. She has six years of personal recovery and is dedicated to serving others on their own personal growth journey by holding space, offering support, and promoting the therapeutic value of creative expression. ______________________________________________Professional Identity & Personal Reflection______________________________________________"Art serves as an autobiographical fragment, a representation of self. Art-making functions as a window to a temporary moment in an ever-changing reality. Art therapy is the process of picking up the pieces of life and discovering how they fit together. Through contemplation and confidential exploration of personal creations, individuals are provided an opportunity to find meaning, identify truth, and self-reflect. My visual investigation has led me down a path of personal revelations. Upon consideration of my work, I experienced a depth of understanding that only exists when I actively engage with my art. I found solace in solitude, and strength in silence. I learned how to hold space. The dialogue of discovery between myself and my art is an ongoing excavation of identity. My voice does not just tell a story, it fosters connection.Art is the truest form of self-validation. It is where we are understood, and where we find meaning. When we need to understand ourselves, our creations contain the explanation."