What to Expect in an Art Therapy Intake with Katy at Beyond The Sun
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially if you’re unfamiliar with art therapy or unsure what to expect. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, the intake appointment is the first step toward shaping a therapy experience that fits your needs.
At Beyond The Sun, an intake with Katy Wagner, Art Therapist, is not about following a rigid structure—it’s about learning you. Your life, experiences, and ways of communicating shape how therapy unfolds. The goal is to understand, not define—creating a starting point that ensures therapy moves in a way that is intentional, supportive, and responsive to your needs.
What Is an Intake Appointment?
An intake session is a collaborative process that allows Katy to understand:
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What brought you to therapy and what feels most important at this time.
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Your hopes, concerns, and experiences—not just in a factual way, but in a way that honors emotions and relationships.
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How you best communicate—whether through words, art, movement, or a mix of everything.
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How therapy can support you or your family, with a focus on making the process feel natural and aligned.
It’s not about diving into deep emotional work immediately—it’s about starting from a well-informed foundation, ensuring therapy moves forward with intention and at the right pace.
Why Intake Matters
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Intake ensures that the journey begins with understanding and alignment, rather than assumption or guesswork.
For adoptees and their families, intake plays a critical role in navigating:
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Identity & Belonging – Exploring personal and cultural identity.
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Attachment & Connection – Strengthening relationships with adoptive parents, birth families, or self.
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Reunification & Birth Family Dynamics – Addressing what is possible and emotionally safe at this time.
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Emotional Processing – Using creative engagement to work through complex thoughts and feelings.
When therapy begins with a well-grounded intake, it prevents misalignment—ensuring conversations unfold at a pace that feels supportive and attuned to the individual’s needs.
What to Expect During the Session
Intake sessions typically last 60–90 minutes, depending on your availability and how much there is to cover in laying the groundwork.
1. Discussion & Information Gathering
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Katy will explore your pressing concerns, hopes, and what feels most relevant in this moment.
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This is an opportunity to share the emotional and relational aspects of your experience, beyond just facts or timelines.
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For parents, Katy may explore family dynamics, parenting approaches, and any specific challenges or goals that are shaping the present moment.
2. Creativity as a Way to Process (If Helpful)
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Art materials may be introduced as a way to think through emotions and experiences, but only if it feels natural.
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Some people find that drawing, scribbling, or blending colors helps them express what’s difficult to say.
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Others engage solely through conversation. Every approach is welcome.
3. Defining Next Steps
By the end of the session, Katy will discuss the best therapeutic approach moving forward, which may include:
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Individual Art Therapy – A space to process emotions and identity through creative engagement.
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Family Sessions – Supporting connection, communication, and understanding.
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Parent Coaching – Equipping parents with strategies to navigate adoption-related conversations.
There is no pressure to commit immediately—intake is simply the first step in deciding what feels right for you or your child.
What an Intake Isn’t
❌ A Rapid Solution – Therapy is a process, and intake is about setting a strong foundation rather than providing quick fixes.
❌ An Art Test – Art therapy isn’t about skill. It’s about expression and exploration.
❌ A One-Size-Fits-All Model – Every intake is unique, shaped by the individual’s or family’s needs.
How to Prepare for Your Intake
There’s no need for extensive preparation, but here are a few things to know:
✅ No Art Experience Needed – Art therapy is about expression, not technique.
✅ Openness Over Perfection – No need to have everything figured out—just bring your honest experiences.
✅ Paperwork & Logistics – Some intake forms may be provided to help tailor the session.
✅ Relevant History (If Applicable) – If you have past therapy records or insights to share, they can be helpful but are not required.
What Happens After the Intake?
Following the intake, you’ll have a clearer idea of what therapy will look like moving forward. Whether through ongoing sessions, family support, or parent coaching, the goal is to ensure therapy:
✔ Aligns with your needs
✔ Moves at a pace that feels right
✔ Supports growth, connection, and emotional well-being
Therapy is a journey, and intake ensures that journey starts with intention, understanding, and a plan that truly fits you.