about me

Credentials

Mary B. Safrai
M.S., Board Certified Art Therapist
New York State Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
Reiki Master

Approach

Creative arts therapies are an important component in a holistic approach to patient care. As an art therapist, I engage people by encouraging them in self-expression through a variety of forms and techniques. Creative expression allows patients to relate to loved ones and caregivers on terms other than illness. Art is— in its essence— healing.

Over the past six years, I have worked primarily with hospice and chronically ill patients and their families through my private practice and with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice and Palliative Care. I have published an article entitled Art Therapy in Hospice: A Catalyst for Insight and Healing which describes my work with  patients.

In addition, I work with dementia patients and conduct groups for Alzheimer patients. Other group activity includes  facilitating bereavement groups, training volunteers in the use of creative arts with patients, and speaking at workshops and community groups.

I have spoken about my work at the American Art Therapy Association Conference, the Expressive Therapies Summit, the Mailman School of Public Health – Columbia University, Marywood Symposium, Jewish Theological Seminary.  I am available to speak to organizations or groups about utilizing creative art therapies with patients.

My goal is to raise awareness about the positive impact creative arts therapies can have on patient outcomes from symptom reduction to quality of life. I have seen first hand how holistic modalities improve patients’ experiences with treatment and care. At this time, I am in the early stages of designing a research study to evaluate the effect of creative art therapy on patient outcomes as evidenced by patient satisfaction surveys.