Virginia Perry, APCC & Art Therapist (ATR-P)

Virginia Perry, APCC & Art Therapist (ATR-P)

I offer creative, affirming, and integrative therapy experiences, grounded in extensive training and learning as well as my own personal experiences. With my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Expressive Therapies, I specialize in bringing Art Therapy into the healing space, along with expertise in dreamwork, body-based awareness, mindfulness, writing, and more. 

I grew up in Santa Barbara and have called it home for much of my life. My experiences as a childbirth educator, full-spectrum doula, peer counselor, activist, writer, artist, and mom to three adult children have brought me a deep understanding of the nature of suffering, trauma, and disconnection…and the many ways back to wholeness. For over 25 years, I've educated, supported, and counseled expectant and new families as they transition from pre-conception, through pregnancy and birth, and into parenthood. Working with those people who have had difficult reproductive or postpartum experiences is a particular interest of mine, as is providing support to birth workers, healthcare providers, activists, and others who face burnout or vicarious trauma. I’m a Certified “Morning Altars” Teacher offering nature-based therapy experiences integrating ritual, creativity, and mindfulness.

When I was a counselor and art therapist trainee, I worked in nonprofit agencies providing support to marginalized, disabled, unhoused, and low-income folks, sex workers, and victims of sex trafficking. I now work in private practice in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, offering art therapy to adults and couples with a broad range of concerns. My priority is offering support that is trauma-aware, collaborative, individualized, compassionate, anti-oppressive, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive.