About Ilayda
Ilayda is an Art Therapist (ATR-P ®) based in South Florida with a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Her clinical training includes experience at Bellevue Hospital Center, where she worked within both outpatient substance use treatment and inpatient psychiatric care, as well as with children throughout the New York City school system.
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Since graduating, Ilayda has expanded her clinical work in private practice, supporting children and young adults ages 5 to 21 with autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and a range of emotional and developmental needs. She also serves on the Board of the Florida Art Therapy Association, contributing to the advancement and advocacy of the art therapy profession throughout Florida.
In addition to her clinical work, she facilitates corporate wellness and creative wellness experiences that use art as a tool for connection, expression, and community.
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Ilayda is the founder of Ilayda Creative, an art therapy and creative wellness practice offering individual and group art therapy, community programming, corporate wellness, and creative experiences. At its core, Ilayda Creative uses art to support emotional well being and self expression while creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect and create together.
My Approach
My approach to art therapy is integrative, person centered, and strengths based, meaning I believe therapy should be shaped around the individual rather than following a one size fits all approach. I take time to understand each client’s interests, strengths, needs, and ways of communicating, then tailor the creative process to support their personal goals.
My work is also influenced by humanistic and mindfulness based approaches, with an emphasis on meeting clients where they are, building a trusting therapeutic relationship, and creating space for self expression, emotional regulation, exploration, and personal growth.
I also draw inspiration from my own wellness practices and am always learning and exploring new approaches. I am committed to continuing my education and thoughtfully bringing new tools, creative techniques, and therapeutic practices into my work.