Maika Ton-Nu, MA, LGPAT, ATR-P
(They/Them)
Therapist
My Approach to Therapy
As a therapist, I'm committed to fostering personal growth, healing, and self-understanding. While I use a variety of therapeutic tools in my practice, I also recognize the potential of artistic expression as an additional means of exploration and understanding.
Creating a safe, open, and respectful space for dialogue is a cornerstone of my work. I incorporate a broad range of therapeutic approaches, including Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. By tailoring these methodologies to each individual client's needs, I'm able to support their unique experiences and stories.
My objective is to assist my clients in setting and achieving personal goals, enhancing self-awareness, establishing healthy boundaries, and cultivating resilience and mindfulness. Artistic expression, when it fits the client's needs and interests, can offer a valuable way to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, and foster further self-awareness.
Sessions with me can be fully talk therapy or a combination of talk therapy and art therapy. What that would look like is some sessions can consist of just us talking, while others can be art making and then talking about what came up while making the art. Some sessions could also start with us talking and then move into art making if you want another way of understanding what was being discussed. This is fully based on what you need for sessions and what you are comfortable with.
I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from children and adolescents to adults. My experience spans a variety of settings, including online therapy groups, community programs for adults with developmental disorders, and hospital environments. In all these contexts, my aim is to help my clients manage behavior, improve social skills, and build stronger coping mechanisms for life's challenges. Art can occasionally serve as a supportive tool in this multifaceted journey.
Education
George Washington University
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Towson University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Art + Design
Certifications
Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist (LGPAT)'
Registered Art Therapist – Provisional (ATR-P)
Fun Facts
I was the first person in my family to be born in the United States.
I started doing art when I was around 4 years old and never really stopped.
The first video game I ever played through to the end was Pokemon Pearl on the Nintendo DS.
Professional Links
Clinical supervision provided by MD Board Approved Supervisor, Mary Ellan Ruff