Chandra Davis

Georgia O'Keeffe once said, "To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage."" As both an art therapist and counselor, I understand the courage it takes to create a better life for yourself using comprehensive mental health care. I am an art therapist and counselor working in private practice in the Greater Washington DC area. I am a native of Tampa, FL, and I graduated from the George Washington University with a M.A. in art therapy in 2007 and a proud graduate of Howard University with a BFA in fine arts in 2002. Prior to establishing my private practice, I worked in various mental health capacities including schools, hospitals, artist studios, and outpatient facilities. I provided individual and group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, case management and art therapy to people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and trauma-related disorders at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW). In addition to practicing therapy, I enjoy collaborating with other clinicians. In 2015, I presented at the International Society for Stress, Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) annual conference on vicarious traumatization in practitioners who work with individuals with Complex PTSD. In 2014, I transitioned to my practice full-time, where I specializes in art and psychotherapy with clients ranging from adolescent to adulthood. It was also during this time, I devoted time and energy to working with Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) who struggle with race-based stress and trauma. I co-facilitate a group for BIPOC women that focuses on the intersectionality of race, gender and intergenerational trauma. In 2017, I co-wrote a paper entitled, “Challenging the Myth of Black Women—A Short-term, Structured Art Experience Group: Exploring the Intersection of Race, Gender and Intergenerational Trauma,” for the Smith College Studies of Social Work Journal. Within recent years I have shift my focus and priority to holistic teachings and have introduced healing practices into my therapuetic session. I completed Level One training in Internal Family System (IFS) which further changed the trajectory of how I engage with my clients. In 2020, I earned a 200 hr Yoga Teacher certification (RYT-200), Reiki Master Teacher (Usui Shiki Ryoho) and began training in Somatic Experiencing. That same year, I presented with a panel at the 2020 American Art Therapy Association Annual Conference on the "Art Therapist as Entreprenuer." Currently, I am working on expanding my practice and developing creative healing and holistic practices for trauma survivors. I have completed training in MARI, the Mandala Assessment Research Instrument, and I am currently training in becoming an Ancestral Lineage Healing Practitioner. On my "days off", I enjoy painting, hiking, and watching anime with my kids.