MEET TEKLA
TEKLA
BENSON (SHE/HER)
MPS,
LCAT,
ATR-BC.
WELCOME! I'm so glad you're here.
Psychodynamic creative arts therapy with Tekla Benson LCAT, ATR-BC is tailored for high-functioning adults navigating late or unofficially diagnosed neurodivergence, including those who are gifted. This is a space where your unique needs and perceptions of the world are understood and celebrated.
Whether you’re managing;
Anxiety and Depression, ADHD, ASD, OCD, Trauma (PTSD/CPTSD), High Sensitivity, and other neurodivergent experiences such as Giftedness, Tourette Syndrome, Synesthesia, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia.
These inner experiences shape how you think, learn, and interact with the world. While they may come with difficulties, they also bring strengths that make you who you are.
My mission is to offer a supportive, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, express your creativity, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Whether you’re looking for psychotherapy, creative art therapy, couples counseling or life coaching, I’m here to meet you where you are and honor your individuality.
Together, we’ll build a relationship that highlights your unique strengths, investigates your challenges and provides tools to help you navigate obstacles that come your way. My goal is to walk alongside you as we create a path that not only honors your perspective but empowers you to grow, so you can thrive in all areas of your life.
I look forward to meeting you!
EXPERIENCE
Psychodynamic Creative Arts Therapist (Remote), Alma
Founder & Facilitator, Nationwide Therapist Peer Support Group (2025–Present)
Group Exhibitions – Pictor Gallery, Chelsea (LCAT Coalition); Van Der Plas Gallery, Lower East Side (2025)
Sex Therapy Masterclass, Sexology – AASECT (2025)
Psychodynamic Therapist – Therapy24x7, New York (2023–2025)
Creative Arts Therapist & Yoga-Movement Instructor – The Patient Palette (2021–2023)
Led Project Hope NY school collaboration with Underhill Walls to transform academic common area with murals by local artists, including a central mural designed by the students. (2021- 2022)
Art Therapist & School Crisis Counselor – Counseling in Schools / Project Hope NY, Brooklyn (2021 – 2022)
Program Development
Founder, Art for the Heart – The Village Preschool Center, West Village, Manhattan (2016 – 2021)
Art Therapist Intern - The League, Brooklyn (Preschool Program for children with ASD / Comorbidities ) (2020)
MPS, Creative Arts Therapy (Honors) – Pratt Institute (2020)
BFA, Illustration – Parsons The New School for Design (2011)
Freelance Artist & Graphic Designer (2011 – 2018)
My Philosophy
Relationship-Based Approach
Creating a safe, supportive space is essential for effective therapy, where clients can freely express their emotions and thoughts without fear of judgment. Through exploring relationship dynamics, we uncover underlying patterns, unresolved conflicts, and past experiences that shape current interactions. By focusing on improving communication, individuals and couples learn to express their needs clearly and listen actively, fostering deeper emotional connections. This collaborative process helps clients appreciate their differences, resolve issues, and ultimately build a more fulfilling life.
Holistic Healing through Creativity
Creativity is a powerful tool for self-exploration and healing. By combining art-based interventions and somatic therapies with psychodynamic practices, I create a judgment-free space for individuals and couples to freely express themselves and explore their emotions. This approach is especially beneficial for neurodivergent individuals, as I place emphasis on respecting diverse ways of processing and communicating emotions.
Understanding Neurodivergence
When working with neurodivergent individuals and couples, it’s crucial to consider how traits associated with Autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse characteristics impact emotional expression and behavior. Exploring these differences fosters greater empathy and helps minimize misunderstandings.
Culturally Competent Care
My therapeutic practice is intentionally inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in an intersectional framework that affirms the full complexity of who my clients are. I hold space for those who identify within the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum; for gender-expansive, transgender, nonbinary, agender, genderfluid, and gender-nonconforming folks; and for individuals whose identities, relationships, and life paths fall outside of mainstream norms. This includes people navigating polyamory, consensual non-monogamy, kink dynamics, sex work, and unconventional careers or family structures. I remain committed to anti-racism, while acknowledging the ongoing learning and unlearning that is part of practicing accountability. I also work with individuals from a wide range of spiritual or religious backgrounds—as well as those who identify as secular or non-religious—without imposing any belief system. You are welcome here in your full self, without judgment or the need to explain your existence.
Ongoing Learning
I’m dedicated to continuous learning to stay connected to new insights and best practices in my field, ensuring I provide the most relevant and effective support. As part of this, I offer psychoeducation during sessions to help clients better understand the therapeutic process and its impact on their mental health and overall well-being—empowering them to grow and gain deeper insights into their own journey.
The Power of Humor
Humor can be a profound tool for connection and healing. When appropriate, laughter helps lighten heavy moments, offering new perspectives and fostering a sense of ease during the therapeutic process.
Empowerment and Growth
My goal is to empower clients to actively engage in their healing journey. I provide tools and strategies to foster personal growth and resilience, helping individuals confidently navigate their challenges.
I look forward to meeting you!
