Dr. Rowena Talusan-Dunn

Clinical Art Therapist
Working in Pleasantville, New York

I am an art therapist and use the art process to encourage clients as an alternative approach to "talk therapy" should the client choose.

Participating with the art process allows us to engage our senses, thereby acting as a vessel for insight, inspiration, and change.  Art therapy relies on creative expression, inner imagery, and sensory engagement to foster growth and emotional processing.  I offer various art materials to enhance areas of self-expression, relaxation and positive coping mechanisms, as well as improve self-focus and productivity.  Your sessions will be tailored to meet the needs of your specific action plan to accomplish your intended goals.

You are important, start the path to self-understanding and acceptance today!  

Finding the right match of your therapeutic team is the most important thing.

You’ll know when you feel that connection, with whom you can explore your vulnerability and understand what best serves you to be your authentic self!

In this constantly moving world, it’s difficult to make time for self-care. I'm here to support you along your path in a safe and nurturing environment.

I provide a person-centered approach to therapy to find the best action plan for you.  My practice stems from the visual arts with work on the manipulative process of art materials and process-oriented explorations.  Your treatment plan will be a combination of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral exercises, art therapy and talk therapy to create personal goals, build motivation and accomplish successful follow through. 

With over 20 years of experience, I have an extensive background supporting families living with autism, and students diagnosed with autism within public school and private sector settings.

EXPERIENCE

I have completed comprehensive research in the area of Art Therapy and Autism and School Art Therapy Program Development.  I also have expertise in art therapy programming, graduate art therapy supervision and local parent support groups.

In addition, I have 22 years experience providing therapeutic interventions for stress management, family counseling, women's issues and group experiential art-making.

Credentials & Education

Education

MPS Art Therapy and Creativity Development – Pratt Institute – 2003

PhD Expressive Arts Therapies – Lesley University – 2012

Additional Trainings

Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.- ATR #04-179 – 2002
NYS Board of Education- Permanent Teaching Certificate Special Education K-12 – 2003

Associations

American Art Therapy Association

AATA Chapter: Northeastern Professional: New York

Client Reviews

  • “Dr. Rowena not only helped me understand my goals as a parent and achieve them but I connected to my daughter with ASD and that was the greatest gift I could have asked for! ”

    — NICK C.

  • “Knowing how attached parents can be to their children is one of the things that makes Dr. Rowena so awesome. She had a person-centered plan that highlighted all the love and commitment I’d put into my family. In the end, I was very satisfied and felt that I could let go more easily.”

    — MARIA P.

  • “Dr. Rowena is simply amazing!! My daughter was so blessed to have her as her art therapist all through her elementary school years. She not only tapped into and nourished Kristen’s natural art talent, she taught her to love art and to use it to express herself and cope with challenges. Dr. Rowena is simply the best!!”

    — CHRISTINE H.

  • “Dr Rowena worked with my daughter through Art Therapy in her Elementary years . She is a very dedicated and caring individual who takes pride in what she does . My daughter has grown as an artist with the help of Dr Rowena. She encourages parental involvement and always keeps parents informed.”

    — BRUNA T.