Hope Forest Therapeutic Art Studio, PLLC

Hope Forest Therapeutic Art Studio, PLLC Private Practice - Art therapy for children & adults. I specialize in grief and loss My name is Lauren Raney and I am the owner and art therapist of Hope Forest!

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR). I specialize in art therapy and working with clients coping with grief and loss. I work with children as young as 3 years old up to adults. I am seeing clients virtually at this time.

Unique ways children grieve 💙
11/20/2025

Unique ways children grieve 💙

If you peeked into the sketchbook I use in sessions, you’d find lots of Pokémon and some made-up creatures. Many of my k...
11/18/2025

If you peeked into the sketchbook I use in sessions, you’d find lots of Pokémon and some made-up creatures. Many of my kiddo clients use these little pocket monsters as a way to express themselves.

We talk about each creature’s strengths, powers, kryptonite, and—of course—cuteness, and explore how they might see parts of themselves in these characters.

It’s such a playful, meaningful way to meet them in their interests and gently dive deeper into feelings. 💛⚡️

Teens grieve in their own way, and their voice intheir experience matters.This Children’s Grief Awareness Month, we’resh...
11/11/2025

Teens grieve in their own way, and their voice in
their experience matters.

This Children’s Grief Awareness Month, we’re
sharing quotes from teens about helpful ways to
support them in their grief.

For free resources on supporting teens who are
grieving, visit nacg.org/resources.


Sometimes our anxious minds just need a place to land. 🧠 In this video, I’m doing a blind contour drawing of my desk — a...
11/06/2025

Sometimes our anxious minds just need a place to land. 🧠 In this video, I’m doing a blind contour drawing of my desk — a simple, mindful art directive I often use with clients (and myself!) when anxiety feels loud.

A blind contour drawing means you draw without looking at your paper.
Here’s how to try it:
1️⃣ Choose an object nearby — your desk, a plant, your coffee mug.
2️⃣ Keep your eyes on the object the whole time (No peeking!)
3️⃣ Move your pen slowly as your eyes trace the object’s outline.
4️⃣ Let go of perfection — it’s meant to be messy.
***tip: if peeking is too tempting, draw with your hand and sketchbook inside a brown paper grocery bag so you can’t peek down!

This practice helps you ground, focus, and release anxious energy, one imperfect line at a time. 💭🖊️

11/06/2025

Sometimes our anxious minds just need a place to land. 🧠

In this video, I’m doing a blind contour drawing of my desk — a simple, mindful art directive I often use with clients (and myself!) when anxiety feels loud.

A blind contour drawing means you draw without looking at your paper.
Here’s how to try it:
1️⃣ Choose an object nearby — your desk, a plant, your coffee mug.
2️⃣ Keep your eyes on the object the whole time (No peeking!)
3️⃣ Move your pen slowly as your eyes trace the object’s outline.
4️⃣ Let go of perfection — it’s meant to be messy.
***tip: if peeking is too tempting, draw with your hand and sketchbook inside a brown paper grocery bag so you can’t peek down!

This practice helps you ground, focus, and release anxious energy, one imperfect line at a time. 💭🖊️

Behind the scenes shot of my upcoming reel sharing an art directive idea for anxiety. 😅My cinematographer brother would ...
11/05/2025

Behind the scenes shot of my upcoming reel sharing an art directive idea for anxiety. 😅

My cinematographer brother would be very proud?!?

Happy Halloween!
10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!

10/29/2025

What a pleasure to rent an office space that lets me show off some of my art to the community we serve! Thanks, Cohera, LLC!

Making the choice to start therapy can be a tough yet very rewarding decision. If you’re looking for a sign to reach out...
10/27/2025

Making the choice to start therapy can be a tough yet very rewarding decision. If you’re looking for a sign to reach out, here it is ✨

Halloween can stir up unexpected feelings when you’re grieving.As others put on masks, you might notice your own—the one...
10/23/2025

Halloween can stir up unexpected feelings when you’re grieving.
As others put on masks, you might notice your own—the one that helps you get through the day.

Give your grief a little space to breathe this season.
Light a candle, make art, or honor someone you miss in your own quiet way. 🍂

✨ Reflection prompt:
“If my grief could wear a costume this Halloween, what would it be?”

So fun to present at the NAMI Illinois Conference this past Friday alongside my wonderful co-presenter. We invited parti...
10/20/2025

So fun to present at the NAMI Illinois Conference this past Friday alongside my wonderful co-presenter. We invited participants to share their grief in six words—a powerful reminder that while our stories are unique, we are never alone in our grief. 💛

Seeing everyone’s words come together on the wall was a moving testament to shared humanity, healing, and connection.

🌿 Excited to share that we’ll be co-presenting at the NAMI Illinois State Conference this year! 🌿Our session, “Grief in ...
10/17/2025

🌿 Excited to share that we’ll be co-presenting at the NAMI Illinois State Conference this year! 🌿

Our session, “Grief in Community: Honoring Loss, Fostering Connection,” explores how grief can be held and healed through shared experience, creativity, and compassionate connection. 💛

Honored to be joining Michelle Halm of for this meaningful conversation on October 17 at the NAMI Statewide Conference.

✨ Stronger Together for Mental Health: Hope, Resilience & Healing ✨

Address

800 W Roosevelt Road
Glen Ellyn, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

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