Lexy silva Halpen, Ms, BCBA
director of therapeutic studies - She/her, they/them
(soon to be PhD, BCBA-D by the end of 2025!)
Description of certification: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) that specializes in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), not an art therapist. I use art as a tool within my behavior analytic work.
What’s ACT?: ACT is a third-wave behavioral action-orientated therapy that focuses on teaching the skills to increase psychological flexibility to ultimately lead a more fulfilling life aligned with their personal values. ACT has a deep pool of over 40+ years of research treating both children and adults, such as positively changing the lives of those suffering from disordered eating, treatment-resistant depression, dementia, chronic illness obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ruminating anxiety.
Lexy's Fun Fact: Some of Lexy's former youth rock climbers are on Team USA and Olympians.
Lexy's Story:
"I have almost two decades working with individuals with differing abilities and those who live with trauma. My expertise in behavior analysis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and clay-based art uniquely qualifies me to be leading therapeutic classes with groups.
Research shows that unmanaged psychological distress (PD) can lead to mental and physical health challenges, making accessible and effective interventions crucial. ACT, which enhances psychological flexibility and values-driven behavior, has been successfully integrated into various therapeutic fields. Similarly, clay-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing PD and improving mental well-being, particularly among individuals with PTSD, dementia, and chronic illness.
My work bridges these approaches by combining ACT principles withthe tactile and expressive nature of pottery, providing a cost-effective and sustainable therapeutic tool. Given the barriers to traditional mental health care, my research and experience offer an innovative, behaviorally grounded, and financially accessible solution for promoting mental well-being through clay work."
Contact
Let's connect! Shoot me a message if any of this resonates with you. We're all about collaborations here.