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erinmckeen@artofhealingMN.com | 612-351-2251
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Erin McKeen LMFT, ATR and Founder of The Art of Healing

Integrative and Creative Therapy for Neurocomplex and Highly Sensitive Individuals

As a therapist and art therapist, I specialize in supporting neurocomplex and highly sensitive individuals—those whose minds and nervous systems process the world with depth, intensity, and creativity. I use the term neurocomplex rather than neurodivergent because it honors the layered, multifaceted ways each person experiences, interprets, and connects with the world—embracing both the gifts and challenges of that complexity. I believe every brain is unique, and therapy should reflect that truth.

Neurocomplexity, Sensitivity, and Creativity

Neurocomplexity can be a powerful source of creativity, empathy, and insight—but it can also bring emotional intensity, perfectionism, and overwhelm in a world not designed for this level of sensitivity. My work centers on supporting individuals who identify as gifted, highly sensitive, or creatively driven, as well as those navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout.

With children, I integrate art and play as natural languages for exploration, self-expression, and emotional processing. With adults, I blend creative modalities, talk therapy, and trauma-informed approaches to help clients regulate their nervous systems, process experiences, and reconnect with authenticity.


My Approach

My approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for each person’s lived experience. I believe therapy is a collaborative process of rediscovery—helping clients connect with their inner wisdom, strengthen self-compassion, and build resilience. My practice draws from trauma-informed, creative, and integrative frameworks that combine art, neuroscience, and mind-body awareness.

Depending on your needs, sessions may draw from:

  • Art and Play Therapy – for creative expression and emotional processing

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – for trauma and stress recovery

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) – for emotional regulation and skill-building

  • Polyvagal-Informed Therapy – for nervous system awareness and grounding

  • Nutritional and Integrative Mental Health Practices – for holistic mind-body wellness

My Approach

Professional Background & Training

My clinical background blends traditional psychotherapy with creative, trauma-informed, and integrative approaches. My specialized training includes:

  • ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)

  • Registered Art Therapist (ATR)

  • Play Therapy Training

  • Neurodiversity Specialist Training: Affirming practices for Autism, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, AuDHD, and more

  • Adult Autism Specialist Certificate: Proven strategies to support clients with relationships, sexuality, rejection sensitivity, autistic burnout, and co-occurring conditions

  • Treating Suicide Risk

  • Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Therapy

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

  • Managing Adaptive Practices (MAP)

  • Advanced Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Providers

  • Perinatal Mental Health

This combination of evidence-based and creative modalities allows me to approach therapy through multiple lenses—psychological, physiological, and expressive—helping clients integrate mind, body, and emotion in meaningful, sustainable ways.

Beyond the Therapy Room

Outside of my clinical work, I find joy in long hikes with my dogs, creative projects, and time with my spouse and two children. We are a neurocomplex, creative family, and our shared curiosity and imagination inspire both my personal life and professional work.

Whether you are navigating ADHD, high sensitivity, anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, I am here to support you in cultivating a life that feels balanced, authentic, and fulfilling.


Contact

You can be a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously-Sophia Bush

Testimonials

“Erin McKeen is an excellent therapist who is able to use a number of different modalities when working with children and families. She uses her art as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy and is thus able to reach children that are difficult to work with for many therapists.”


– Dr. Laure Weber Psy.D.

“Erin’s top strength is drawing out meaningful conversation in others – both in individual and group settings. Erin has a high degree of empathy and intuition when interacting with and observing people. She is fun-loving, disciplined and organized. A wonderful combination. I have worked with Erin on numerous leadership teams, know her well personally, and highly recommend her.”

June D'amour

“Erin is a dedicated worker to her field of mental health. She is qualified not only to do conventional treatments with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, but she is also qualified to provide a unique approach to therapy through art. Erin is dedicated to each of her clients, providing them with a nurturing environment to explore their life’s pain. She is also well versed in understand the community of mental health, to aid her clients in getting other services in the community. Her ability to understand one’s internal landscape and fuse art in her work makes her a strong and rare asset in the psychological community.”

– Dr. Joy Maulden Psy.D.

“Erin McKeen provides an exemplary education for those seeking a healing profession through the arts. Her knowledge of the philosophy and practice of art therapy is articulated with intelligence, compassion, humor and creativity. As a professor and co-facilitator of a Child Therapy Course at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, I was encouraged and supported throughout our collaboration with great insight and honesty.  She is truly dedicated to her practice of therapy and knows how the arts can help us find our way. Additionally, Erin designed and launched a summer camp for children with special needs at the Early Childhood Development Center in West Hollywood.  I highly recommend Erin Mckeen for education and training in the field of art therapy.”

– Marilee Hartling RN, LMFT

“Erin McKeen has extensive experience and training in crisis intervention and behavior management within a school setting.  She is insightful and attuned to the specific needs of her clients and is dedicated to their treatment.  She is always learning and growing and has a thorough understanding of cultural implications in therapy.  She is a creative problem solver and works well collaborating as part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals with whom she develops and delivers a variety of therapeutic services. She has exceptional communication skills and a highly developed level of professionalism.  She is highly regarded and respected, so much so that she has been asked to provide individual supervision as a result of her knowledge, expertise and dedication to helping interns learn and grow professionally.  Personally, I have learned a great deal from her as a colleague and she has contributed a great deal to my work as a behavior therapist.”

- Cheri Vandermey BCBA