Hope Arts Therapy
Learn how Kendra McGivney, LCSW, REAT helps teen girls and young women move through pain and live a joyous life.
Kendra McGivney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) specializing in working with teen girls and young adult women feeling trapped by past experiences. Kendra believes that while individuals may not have caused their problems, they bear responsibility for managing and healing them. Originally aspiring to become a professional artist during adolescence, her life experiences led to a realization that the greatest joy comes from using art in therapy. Using art as a medium, Kendra helps people process emotions beyond verbal expression.
Through personal struggles with feelings of overwhelm and depression in adolescence, Kendra discovered the freedom of breaking away from societal expectations. Understanding the pain of feeling misunderstood and burdened by hidden experiences, she empathizes with individuals who carry guilt and self-blame. Though not identical, Kendra has experienced deep emotional wounds and the journey of overcoming them to create a fulfilling life. With this understanding, she seeks to accompany others on their path towards healing and rediscovering the beauty of life.
“I love being in Bixby Knolls. I feel Long Beach is the hub of so many vibrant people and opportunities. I continue to choose to work in Bixby Knolls in my private practice because I love the people, the diversity, and the eclectic mix of businesses in this little pocket of the world.”
Kendra’s unique approach combines psychotherapy and expressive arts therapy. She also facilitates training courses to teach other therapists and professionals how to use art in a therapeutic way. She also travels to universities and companies in the midst of stressful times (such as finals week) to offer art relaxation stations for a hands-on experience of using art for brain soothing and emotion regulation. Kendra is passionate about helping young women and girls find their spark again and work towards healing in creative ways.
When asked about the neighborhood, Kendra shared that she loves being in Bixby Knolls and feels Long Beach is the hub of so many vibrant people and opportunities. While Kendra grew up in the Central Coast, she came to southern California to attend California State University, Long Beach for her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work. Before she went into private practice, Kendra was a therapist in an outpatient child and adolescent program in community mental health for 10 years in Long Beach.
“If you have a teen or are a young woman who has been through struggles or is anxious and wants a way to navigate life then reach out! We can chat and see if we are a good fit to work together. Or if you are a business that wants to offer your employees a unique opportunity to use art in a therapeutic way for a retreat or for much needed self-care, then feel free to contact me and I can share with you the options that I can offer you!”
