Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Sanders.
Hi Desiree, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Desiree Sanders, and I am a Board-Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and lifelong student of life who embraces many roles—mother, artist, daughter, friend, community advocator, etc. My evolution from artist to mental health professional and community advocate has been a deeply enriching, challenging, and purpose-driven journey—both inspiring and humbling. Throughout my childhood, creative expression and using my imagination came naturally to me. From an early age, creativity has been an important and meaningful part of my life. I recall excelling in elementary art classes, where my teachers encouraged me to showcase my work; ironically, I often felt disappointed, as I wanted to keep my art close due to the deep personal connection I had with it.
Both in my studies and personal life, engaging in creativity became a safe haven—a way to fulfill a deep need to create meaning with joy. My artwork became a space where I could use my imagination to transmute my emotions and internal experiences. Throughout my education, I continued to refine my artistic skills. When choosing a career path, I knew art had to be part of it, even though I doubted my ability to succeed as a traditional artist. While I recognized my skills were modest, I couldn’t imagine a life without creativity. Combining my passion for art with my desire to support individuals facing mental health challenges led me to pursue a career as an Art Therapist. That connection has remained with me and ultimately guided me toward becoming an art therapist, where I now support others in using creativity and imagination as powerful tools for healing and mental wellness. Art is less about technical ability or visual perfection and more about the act of using imagination and creativity to express oneself and construct meaning—an instinctive and essential part of being human.
My journey to this work has not been without challenges; it has been shaped by both choice and a calling, rooted in a deep commitment to my own healing, growth, building community, and helping other heal. Through navigating personal experiences, including trauma and mental health struggles, I have cultivated a passion for helping others find purpose, healing, resilience, beauty, and joy in their lives. I recognize that part of my personal growth has come from witnessing the healing journeys of others and the profound beauty of the human spirit and capacity of our imagination. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bare witness, support, and inspire others. As I continue to grow both professionally and personally, I am committed to supporting my community in engaging with their creativity. As artists, we also share a responsibility to create with ecological awareness. To support a more conscious, community-centered approach, I engage locally to promote ecological art through the use of sustainable materials.
I continue to learn from my clients and from life each day, drawing inspiration even in life’s challenges and returning to one of the most powerful tools I possess—my imagination. Through imagination, I envision new possibilities for living and believe deeply in the capacity of creativity to transform both individuals and communities. Today, I remain dedicated to honoring our shared humanity and inspiring others to embrace authenticity, creativity, and collective healing. I continue to allow this calling to expand and support my community to prompt the importance of imagination, mental health, ecological responsibility and our shared humanness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the most inspiring aspects of my work as a therapist is witnessing the beauty of the human spirit as individuals overcome challenges such as mental health struggles, loss and grief, deep-seated trauma, and unhealthy relationships. As a fellow human who has also experienced struggles with mental health and trauma, I bring both professional and personal understanding to my work.
At times, others have doubted my ability to fulfill my dream to be an Art Therapist. I have faced trauma and mental health issues yet remained committed to therapy, my healing, and creativity by continually reconnecting with my imagination and inner resilience to reshape my story. In my professional journey, I encountered significant challenges, including a lack of support, financial stress, and uncertainty about my career path. These experiences required me to rely on my intuition, resourcefulness and belief in my ability and aspirations to move work towards my dream. Through these realities, my purpose became clear: to offer others the support and inspiration I once needed when navigating life’s challenges. While many lessons came through difficulty, they continue to deepen my patience and trust in the unfolding process of growth and journey to make one’s dreams a reality.
It is through my dedication to overcoming these obstacles that I have been able to live into my own vision of success—one that is not defined by society, but by authenticity, creativity, and purpose. I have reimagined what success means for me, and I now strive to live a life that reflects those values. I am committed to continuously growing, living authentically, and expressing creativity in ways that inspire others and contribute to a more hopeful and expansive world. I believe deeply that nothing is impossible when we are guided by our spirit and imagination.
We’ve been impressed with Whole heART THERAPY, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a Board-Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor at Whole heART Therapy, I provide psychotherapy and art therapy for adolescents and adults struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, complex trauma, life transitions, and grief. I take a collaborative, holistic approach that integrates evidence-based practices with somatic and art-based interventions to support healing, growth, and meaningful connection. https://www.wholehearttherapycommunity.com/
Instagram- #creativeconsciouscollective
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to aspiring art therapists is to practice with integrity by engaging in your own therapeutic work and prioritizing self-care. Many enter this field shaped by personal challenges, making ongoing self-reflection essential. Additionally, trust your judgment—there is no single formula for success, whether in private practice or within a clinical setting. As artists, we have a responsibility to nurture creativity and support authentic self-expression, while also fostering greater human consciousness and ecological responsibility.
Pricing:
- 135
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wholeheartcommunity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholehearttherapy_ds?igsh=MWx3c3h0YTVoeXZ6eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/100089756778736
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/desiree-a-sanders-langhorne-pa/1083757
