integrative therapeutic arts program (itap)
What is ITAP?
The Integrative Therapeutic Arts Program (ITAP) at BLOCK 134, established in 2014, is a creative resource for stress relief, self-discovery, and personal development. This unique healing modality harnesses the power of art materials and the creative process to inspire emotional exploration, self-expression, acceptance, healthy communication, and connection—to oneself and to others.
Led by trained facilitators, ITAP classes provide a safe, supportive environment that nurtures growth and resilience. Participants are guided in using the language of color and symbolism to explore emotions and tell their stories through acrylics, watercolor, oils, drawing, and other visual mediums. Each project is designed not only to cultivate creativity, but also to foster confidence, clarity, and healing.
As a community-based program, ITAP thrives because of the generosity of supporters. We rely on funding and donations from community members to keep these opportunities accessible. You can make a difference—sponsor an art class enrollment for a child, teen, or adult in our area by reaching out to block134community@gmail.com.
Art changes lives—your support helps make that possible.
Benefits of our Therapeutic Arts Program:
Promote self-expression, communication, and emotional well-being.
Relaxation and stress reduction.
Elevate self-awareness and self-esteem.
ncrease health coping skills.
Better ability to process grief and trauma.
Promote self-expression, self development and growth, elevated self-awareness and self-esteem
Relaxation and stress reduction
Elevate self-awareness and self-esteem
Increase health coping skills
Better ability to process grief and trauma
Use of the imagination to transform pain and tension
Instills a heightened sense of empowerment and overall improved emotional well-being
Offers focus to provide a sense of purpose and meaning
Builds Social skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, community building, and confidence
Encourages risk-taking in a safe setting
Who our program is for: (hint, it’s for Everyone! No previous art experience necessary!!)
Children, teens, adults, families
Individuals with special abilities
Students of any skill level
Individuals and groups
Patients experiencing and/or recovering from physical/emotional trauma
Those seeking stress management tools and integrative wellness modalities
We can tailor programs and workshops for private or public schools, special organizations, or establishments.
Contact us to discuss!
Recent Statistics About the Benefit of Therapeutic Arts in the Health Field
80% of healthcare institutions invest in the arts to benefit patients
50% of U.S hospitals have introduced art programs as a healing outlet
Art programs in hospitals have grown 12% since 2009
ITAP’s Mission
Our mission for the Integrative Therapeutic Arts Program is to improve the quality of lives for community members by promoting wellness and healing through the innately human creative process.
Student Testimonials
"A whole new world has opened up for me, thanks to these classes. Like many women, I find it hard to make room in my schedule for the things that I want to do. Now, Wednesday evenings are hallowed ground. For two and a half hours I get to paint and learn about the artist side of my being. What a gift to our region Silver Circle is, both for its classes and for the gallery that shows aspiring artists like me what is possible. I LOVE my classes, leave inspired and I might even change my life so I can pursue my art more seriously. It can change your life! Really!!!” - Sally
“I have always had a desire to try my hand at water color or any art for that matter...I am on the brink of retirement and decided that the time is now! I have only had a few lessons and I already feel like a new world is unfolding for me! I leave class feeling so relaxed, and excited at the same time! Thank you Karen!” - Mia
"The classes are structured so that you learn at your own individual level and pace, and the teachers are amazing, talented professionals that creative a supportive encouraging environment. The gallery itself offers inspiration and exposure to all different types of art and the student show offers us an opportunity to present our work to the public. Silver Circle is a wonderful place to learn and explore your creativity. I know for me it has open doors that I never thought possible." - Carolyn
“I found that art is not about being the most skilled artist. It was about the process. For the last five years I showed up every week. I had something to look forward to. I have a purpose. I met the best group of people who I now call my friends and family. I can’t say painting has changed me. Life changed and painting helped me find my true self again.”—Annie
“Karen was a soothing and caring presence. She is professional and clearly experienced. It was an honor to have her work with our patients. We received rave reviews and feedback from everyone who attended.”
--Tracey Hall, MSN, NP, OCN, St. Vincent's Cancer & Wellness Center
“It has powerful effects on body, mind and spirit. In brief, deep engagement with the arts is not just an effective prescription for stress reduction and emotional reparation; it is a pathway to inner peace.”
-Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Therapeutic Arts FAQs
Get to know our ITAP program!
Is Expressive Art only for artists, or children?
No! You don’t need any art experience to benefit from expressive therapeutic arts, and sessions will always be customized to match the needs and interests of the individual or group. This means it can be used for all ages.
Is an ITAP session like an art class?
No. The goal of expressive therapeutic arts is to use art in a therapeutic capacity rather than teach art technique. The facilitator will guide participants in using materials in order to allow them the freedom to express themselves creatively. Participants typically get more comfortable using materials over time, but this isn’t the goal.
Will the Facilitator be able to know secrets about me just by looking at my art?
While Facilitators do have training in interpreting art on different levels, this understanding allows them to ask questions rather than supply answers. The meaning of an art piece is highly subjective and relative to the artist. It may even change over time.
Will the facilitator just watch me in silence while I make art?
Facilitators can vary in their individual approach to a session, but the idea that one will observe silently is generally an outmoded concept. Your facilitator will engage with you in different ways, depending on your preference and comfort. Sometimes facilitators may create art alongside you, or engage with you in conversation during some or all of the time. If the participants prefer, some light music might be used to help create a comfortable, creative atmosphere.
Is Expressive Art and Art Therapy the same thing?
No, art therapy is a clinical practice (similar to a mental health counselor or therapist) who is a licensed and credentialed art therapist. Expressive Arts, while it requires trained facilitators with experience in health and wellness coaching and client management, and the use of art and the creative medium as a healing modality, are not licensed practitioners. Their training is used for recreational purposes only.
The expressive art experience is customizable to meet your specific needs, so don’t hesitate to contact us today with any questions you have.
ITAP facilitators
Concetta codding
All her life, Concetta Codding has been drawn towards something greater than herself. Concetta attended Rhode Island College for her undergraduate degree in Special Education and Elementary Education and for her first Masters degree in Special Education K-12 and English as a Second Language. Concetta is currently in her second Masters program at Lesley University, studying Expressive Arts Therapy and is on her way to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Concetta studied in Connecticut and received her 200-Hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2017. She traveled to Peru in July 2018 for her 300 hour Yoga Teacher training. She is currently a certified 500 hour Yoga Teacher (eRYT-500). She has also studied in India, following the footsteps of her teacher, Ram Dass. Since her first training, she has been locally leading classes in the hope of teaching how to breathe, meditate, flow and ultimately heal. Concetta also facilitates immersive 200-hr YTTs, advanced Yoga Teacher trainings, meditation courses, and retreats, both locally and internationally.
She received her Reiki 1 certificate in 2017 and Reiki 2 & 3 in Sedona, Arizona in 2018. She studied to become an Ayurvedic Health Advisor through Hale Pule in 2020. She founded the New England Meditation Group and has been trying to spread the Sacred practice of Meditation throughout Connecticut and the surrounding states.
While working with Concetta, she invites participants into a safe space to connect to one’s inner world, and make deeper connections with like-hearted people. Concetta infuses her offerings with a tranquil and loving energy.
To find out more about Concetta, please visit her here:
Instagram: @concettacodding
carly sage,
Carly Sage, MS, INHC, FDNP, IHP, AADP, NANP is the founder of Block 134, Silver Circle Gallery, and Sage Health. She is a Clinical Functional Nutritionist and Integrative Quantum Health Practitioner who takes a whole-body, evidence-based approach to healing. Rather than masking symptoms, Carly focuses on uncovering and addressing root causes to restore health at its source.
Through her SAGE Health practice, Carly blends functional nutrition, integrative medicine, and quantum healing to support transformation across all five levels of the human experience—physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual. She combines food-as-medicine, therapeutic lifestyle practices, advanced technology, and mind-body modalities to help clients release what depletes them, restore balance, and reconnect with their innate capacity to heal. Her goal is to cultivate resilience, vitality, and longevity while empowering clients with education, self-care, and mindful practices that create lasting wellness and deeper connection to self, others, and community.
Carly’s path into integrative health began with her undergraduate studies in fine art, communications, and expressive visual arts as tools for healing. In 2008, she opened Silver Circle Gallery, an art center offering a local gallery, art education, handmade gifts, and therapeutic art programs. A decade later, she expanded her vision by founding BLOCK 134 at 134 Main Street—a collective that brings together integrative health practitioners, art galleries, therapeutic services, event spaces, and artist studios.
The ITAP program is the culmination of this journey, designed to provide therapeutic resources for self-exploration, self-expression, and holistic healing for individuals of all ages.
For more information, visit www.carlysage.com or email carly@carlysage.com
Sherri snyder
Sherri Snyder has been "creating art" for over 30 years in various forms. She is also a psychotherapist (with 30 years of experience) , and in 2014 completed the Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Program. She elegantly combines these approaches in her workshops. She often starts the workshop with Kundalini Yoga to release and energize the body then leads participants into creative expression. Her workshops are uplifting, empowering, soothing and inviting to all. No yoga or art experience necessary to participate.
Sherri now works full-time for Headspace- the meditation APP !! She starts her day with yoga, walking and weaves meditation and art into her everyday life.
Sherri’s Artist Statement:
Over the years, I have experimented with watercolors, ceramics, collage, textiles, and a variety of artistic materials, each one offering me a different sensation and different "canvas" with which to play. Over the years I have been inspired by many creative spirits and artists and I am honored that they have touched my soul.
I have explored and fine-tuned watercolor painting techniques over the past 30 years, and have exhibited in a variety of galleries and shows primarily in the New England area. In 2007, I was accepted as an artist member into the Rhode Island Watercolor Society. I was also accepted as an artist member to the Attleboro Arts Museum. It is humbling to be among such amazingly talented artists and have the opportunity to learn and be inspired from each of them.
I love exploring new ways to express my soul's artistic passions. I have expanded my "canvases" explored painting on decorative gourds, many of which I grow in the garden. The varied shapes and textures excite me, and I allow the images to come alive on them. I also enjoy fiber art - sewing, and fabric textures. In the past few years, I created Tapestries or Peace Flags with my mandala designs. For me, there is no end to expressing my creative spirit.
Susan Bass
Susan Bass is a licensed professional counselor and registered art therapist (LPC, ATR). Her area of emphasis for the past eleven years has been in the area of substance abuse. She has also counseled children and adults on a variety of other mental health issues including; anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief counseling, and ADHD.
Life can be overwhelming and stressful at times. We can sometimes become frustrated with the direction our lives are taking. Susan can help individuals and families gain insight and healing. She can help people discover new strategies, letting go of what’s not working and rebuilding new ways of coping and moving ahead.
She uses art therapy, CBT, person-centered, positive psychology and more to help one grow. Art therapy is a modality which is helpful when thoughts and emotions are difficult to express.
Susan counsels individuals, couples, and families. She provides a warm, supportive environment and uses her skills to help people achieve their life goals and find the best in themselves. All ages are welcome.
