We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexi Sorbara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lexi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up, I was always very creative and knew I wanted to be my own boss. I knew that I did not like rules, did not like to be told what to do, and was atypical when it came to seeking out your typical “9-5” job. I’ve had many ‘jobs’ and several positions professionally in many types of settings. I have worked in school settings, a behavioral health hospital, community mental health, group private practice, and a non-profit agency. The number one thing I seek is the autonomy to make decisions (while maintaining continuity of care and collaboration) and flexibility within the organization.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As an art therapist, engaging with art and the creative process is crucial to my professional identity, well-being, and understanding of my clients and the communities that I serve. As in art therapy, engaging in the artistic process is much more important than the product that yields from it. We gain so much self-awareness, problem solving skills, insight, and overall increased well-being from artmaking. I am also currently pursuing my doctorate in art therapy to further this understanding of myself, art therapy, and to contribute to research to further generate knowledge within the field. The more I learn, the more I am reminded of how much I do not know. Being humble, still, and adopting a “beginner’s mind” is the only way to truly continue to grow in your artwork and in life.

I was 17 when I began college and was not quite sure what I wanted to pursue as a career. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management, with a focus in non-profits, minoring in studio art and Spanish. My senior year, while working in an art gallery, I met an artist who was also an art therapist. I moved to California, began prerequisites for my program, applied, and was accepted. The process of becoming a therapist forces you to confront your own pain, beliefs, trauma, and ideas of the world. Those were the three most challenging, yet rewarding years of my life. Through art and extensive personal therapy, I was able to continue to move in a forward direction. My hope for those who are impacted by my work is that they feel seen, heard, valued, understood, and connected to the larger experience of what it means to be human.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

It may come as no surprise that my favorite spot in Dallas is the Bishop Arts District. We would go to my donation-based yoga studio, Black Swan Yoga, grab coffee at La Reunion, brunch at Oddfellows, and then shop around the cute boutiques and stores (my favorite: All Good Things). We would have to grab a drink at The Wild Detectives and a slice of pie from Emporium Pies.

The rest of the week would be exploring other neighborhoods like Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville, hiking, walking the Katy Trail with my two pups, and exploring every art museum– The Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Contemporary, Rainbow Vomit, and the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art. We would definitely be sure to visit the Farmer’s Market of Dallas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My first shoutout goes to my mentor, supervisor, and professor, Dr. Amy Backos. She is the chair of the Graduate Art Therapy Psychology at Dominican University of California. Dr. Backos has been my number one support since I entered graduate school in 2016 to begin studying art therapy psychology. She connected me to other like-minded professionals, helped me work toward my goals, and always found scholarship money for me to be able to attend art therapy conferences and further my professional development. In clinical supervision one day she said to me: “You are the CEO of your own life.” This completely changed my mindset and my attitude toward making decisions and helped these limiting beliefs that were previously holding me back. Not long after that, I quit my job and started my own private practice business. Now, I really am the CEO who gets to make all the decisions and prioritize what is important to me and how certain things impact me, brand and market myself how I want, make my schedule, and make all of my profits (as a woman– this is a big deal and very empowering).

My second shout out goes to my life partner and loving husband, Drew. When I had the idea to pursue higher education and begin graduate school, Drew was my sole support. He has always said “yes” to all my crazy ideas, has lifted me up, held my hand, and cheered me on. I am not sure where I would be without his unconditional love and support.

Website: www.lexisorbara.com

Instagram: @havenhealing_arttherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsorbara/

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lexi-sorbara-dallas-tx/798211

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.