Sydney Melnick, MPS, ATR, ADHD-CCSP ✷
Art Therapist
ADHD Clinical Provider
About Sydney.
HQ: New Jersey , USA
Client Range: ADHD Clinical Services- Worldwide
Art Therapy- New Jersey ONLY
Client Age: Adults (18+)
Accepting New Clients? Yes
Sessions Offered: Virtually + In Person
I’m Sydney, an East Coast based Art Therapist and Neurodivergent Mentor. I am honored to be able to combine my lifelong fascination with the creative process, interest in the unusual, and love for the creative space into my deep work with clients. I also understand and provide unique support for the paradox of being highly creative as well as neurodivergent, especially in the areas of ADHD and learning disorders.
Both my art therapy work and neurodivergent mentoring utilize experiential creative interventions to tap into the wellspring of nonverbal communication as a way to further explore each individual’s authentic self as well as to inform meaningful goal setting. The creative processes woven into my clinical work also serve as a vehicle for moving through creative block in addition to challenging negative cognitions around one’s creative and/or neurodivergent self.
I revel in my work with individuals willing to dig deep and be open to taking creative risks in our sessions. As someone with a learning disability who is also visually and spatially gifted, I also find richness in integrating this lived experience into my work with clients. If this feels like your vibe, I’d love to connect for an initial session.
Superwell Specialties.
Creative-Specific Support
I work closely with individuals as they navigate creative block, building a creative space, and/or discern what is next on their creative path. I focus on the creative process and how that can tap into nonverbal communication to provide deeper access to one’s story, authentic self and creative goals. As a materials-minded therapist and mentor, I encourage the use of tactile creative materials, often found around one’s home, to integrate the benefits of a sensory experience into our work.
I hold a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts and have experience providing creative support in partial hospitalization programs for substance use, for young children and for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Neurodivergent-Specific Support (other than giftedness)
As an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Professional, I offer assessment for areas of executive functioning support and use experiential approaches to devise goals and strengthen executive functioning skills. I will often incorporate voice dialogue + creative interventions to challenge unhelpful cognitions and narratives surrounding neurodivergence as well as build trust in self and clarity on defining authentic next steps.
Other Areas of Specialization:
Career support + exploration for creative and/or neurodivergent individuals
Fun Stuff.
How do your clients describe you?
Quirky, conversational, relaxed. I have also heard that clients feel “at home” in my space and presence.
What is one of your quirks/special talents?
I am a half-marathon runner who loves to watch UFC MMA.
What are your creative outlets?
Ask me about my junk journaling habit! I am also a fan of antiquing.
What are your favorite books?
I find great inspiration from film directors and musicians (especially Patti Smith, David Lynch and David Bowie) so am very into autobiographical books on the lives of this flavor of creatives. I also inhale true crime books and podcasts.
What would you do with $10M USD?
Open a free open studio for people to explore creativity and create in community with others
Professional Stuff.
Education and/or Training institute
Master's Professional Studies in Art Therapy, School of Visual Arts, NYC (2018)
Professional Licenses and/or Certifications:
Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
ADHD Certified Clinical Services Professional (ADHD-CCSP)
Certified in Mindfulness
Modalities:
Individuals
Groups
