About Susan Boyes

Susan Boyes, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, provides treatment for depression, anxiety and PTSD. I founded Center for Creative Growth as a specialty psychological practice because I see a huge need for such a treatment focus in our community. I chose the name because of its reference to "centering." Centering is the first act in making pottery on a wheel. Without it the clay is unsteady and uneven and it will fall over or crack in the firing. A centered pot, however, can be formed into something beautiful and strong. I like the idea of centering as a metaphor for ourselves as we learn and grow.

Through my graduate training at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM, and as a former clinician in public schools, penitentiaries, and community mental health centers I learned these important lessons:

All people, regardless of background and presenting problems, are doing the best they can to make meaning of their lives.
We all have strengths, despite how obvious our weaknesses may be.
Each of us has creativity within, though some of us have been shamed out of it.

I also learned that, as a psychotherapist and art therapist, I am most excited by tapping into the creativity with which we are all born. Creating a simple art project can produce unexpected insight. My personal philosophy is that when we make art our inner creativity is activated and it can heal us in surprising ways. Visit my Blog

To schedule an appointment: email or phone: 734-478-2394

Practice Description:

I provide Counseling and Art Therapy services to clients recovering from grief and loss, physical or emotional trauma, including traumatic brain injury. Incorporating creative expression as a treatment process gently encourages communication and healing, especially for deep issues and experiences for which there may be no words. I help people reconnect with and rekindle their creativity. I also support other counselors to expand their depth and to manage secondary trauma.

Education and Experience:

I earned my Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM, in 1996. Further rigorous training and examination allowed me to earn the state credentials in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts as a Mental Health Counselor. Subsequently I became a nationally Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist. I am now also Licensed (LPC) as a Professional Counselor in Michigan. RESUME can be seen here.

Since 1996 I have helped people that have either genetic or acquired disabilities (children, adults and collateral family members). In addition, I help people navigate medical trauma, grief and loss, addiction, relationship issues, and parenting.

To schedule an appointment: email or phone: 734-478-2394

Porcelain plate with carved design and painted fish, made by Susan Boyes. Porcelain vase with celedon glaze, made by Susan Boyes. Porcelain platter with underglaze painting, made by Susan Boyes.

Susan Boyes, ATR-BC, LPC, is a Board Certified, Nationally Registered Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. Susan helps people of all ages to navigate difficult changes. Susan also provides Art Therapy for people that have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury.

Center for Creative Growth serves the communities in southeastern Michigan, including: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Jackson, Saline, Tecumseh, Pinckney, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, Barton Hills Village, Belleville, Bingham Farms, Brighton, Canton, Commerce, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Hartland, Highland, Howell, Livonia, Milan, Milford, New Boston, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Romulus, South Lyon, Sylvan Lake, Waltz, White Lake, Whitmore Lake, Wixom