Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Downs.
Hi Lindsay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The story of The 3 Brushes, LLC began with an idea—to establish my own private practice rooted in my philosophy as an art therapist. I wanted the flexibility to care for my family, continue creating as an artist, and focus on supporting people navigating grief and loss. I also wanted to continue supporting my community through volunteer work and mental health initiatives centered on the arts and humanities.
The name reflects the philosophy at the heart of the practice. The Three Brushes symbolize my belief that healing is a process grounded in three core values: trust, compassion, and the capacity for growth.
The philosophy is also inspired by the words of Georges Braque: “Art is a wound turned to light.” Art connects us to our humanity, and engaging in the creative process can be a powerful source of emotional expression, reflection, connection, and well-being.
I endeavor, as an art therapist, to guide and support individuals from all walks of life toward greater self-understanding, authentic expression, and meaningful growth and change—to rekindle a sense of meaning and purpose and discover light that can emerge from painful experiences.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing a solo private practice is not an easy road. I chose not to continue with insurance contracts or join certain platforms, instead pursuing opportunities that align with my values and support my commitment to the art therapy profession. I believe there are people in my community who need and are actively seeking this kind of service.
For me, accessibility must be considered alongside sustainability. To provide an in-person therapeutic environment, maintain a range of art supplies, and meet the professional and operational responsibilities of running a practice, I also need to ensure that the practice can support the vision long term. Much of what makes this work possible happens behind the scenes.
The beauty of beginning again is the opportunity to create something anew or revised. The challenge is doing so during uncertain times and a turbulent economic environment.
I initially started my practice in Virginia and later transferred everything to Maryland, which meant starting from scratch again. My hope had always been to continue in private practice, and it was something I began planning while completing the hours required for licensure and credentialing and taking time to work with another group practice. I enjoy working in a team environment but also to create something of my own. The road continues to wind before me, and onward I go. I believe we can adjust, change, and pivot in any season, regardless of our profession or industry.
I am currently in a period of growth and building. I am intentionally establishing professional and community networks, creating marketing that reflects my voice values, and advocacy for what I do. I’m cultivating locally rooted support and referral relationships. My goal is to build a sustainable, client-centered practice rooted in accountable stewardship, professional advocacy, and responsiveness to the needs of those I serve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The 3 Brushes, LLC?
The 3 Brushes, LLC is a woman-owned art therapy private practice in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I provide in-person art therapy and psychotherapy for children and tweens, teens, and adults navigating grief and loss, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and relational trauma. I am a licensed and board certified art therapist, which means I have specialized training, technique, and approaches rooted in the practice of art therapy. I support people in exploring, addressing, and processing painful, complex, and conflicting life experiences that may be difficult to understand or express through words alone.
Art helped me process medical trauma and experiences from my own life. That personal understanding of art and the creative process contributed to my desire to become an art therapist and support others through their own experiences.
My approach is grief-informed, trauma-informed, relational, and grounded in existential perspectives. I believe art therapy should be collaborative and paced according to the individual. Trust, compassion, autonomy, choice, and the capacity for growth are central to how I work.
What sets my practice apart is that I am both an artist and an art therapist who focuses on grief and loss through the lens of seeing death, dying, and loss as natural life experiences that are worth honoring, preserving, and processing. I do not believe that grief needs to be “fixed,” or that loss is an experience someone needs to rush, power through, or feel pressured to perform being okay when things are not okay.
I bring my own relationship with materials, mixed media, mark-making, and the creative process into my understanding of this work. Art therapy is not about artistic talent or making “good” art. It is about what emerges through the process—the thoughts, emotions, memories, decisions, and opportunities for connection that may become visible. Art can communicate a thousand words before a single one is spoken.
I’m especially proud that I continued pursuing the vision for The 3 Brushes, LLC. Rebuilding independently has required patience, adaptability, and a willingness to begin again. I am grateful for those who have taught me refinement and discipline in the pursuit of excellence and in becoming a better art therapist, including both my clients and those in my personal circle. I remained committed to creating a practice that reflects my values while continuing to grow as a person, support my family, and contribute to my community.
The vision for The 3 Brushes, LLC extends beyond individual therapy. I am also developing writing, artwork, workshops, and other opportunities centered on grief and loss, mental health, and the arts and humanities. Ultimately, I want The 3 Brushes to be known as a compassionate, creative, and safe space to process complex life experiences, where art therapy supports healing through both expression and resolution, fostering insight, authentic connection, growth, and meaningful change.
Ultimately, I want The 3 Brushes to be known as a compassionate, creative, and safe space to process complex life experiences, where art therapy supports healing through both expression and resolution, fostering insight, authentic connection, growth, and meaningful change.
One day, I hope to expand The 3 Brushes in ways that support continued efforts and investment at the intersection of art and mental health.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I enjoy writing and creating poetry in my spare time, in addition to making original artwork and appreciating the creative work of others. Being outdoors and spending time in nature also aids and influences my creative work.
Spending time with my loved ones and volunteering in the community encourages me to stay connected to what matters most. I enjoy supporting causes and initiatives beyond the mental health field, including sustainable agriculture and laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery as an annual tradition.
I enjoy philosophy and the writings of Peter Kreeft and Thomas Moore. I also find solace in the Bible and non-denominational Christian literature, including the works of C.S. Lewis and Corrie Ten Boom. These writings offer rich perspectives on life, meaning, faith, and the human experience that encourage me to reflect, grow, and continue learning.
Pricing:
- My full rate fee is $150 for 53-60 minute sessions and I have slots for a reduced rate at $125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.the3brushes.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-downs-58391942
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1297021
