Greenwich House’s Healing Through Clay Merges Pottery, Creativity, and Healing
For Immediate Release
May 27, 2025
Greenwich House’s Healing Through Clay Group Therapy Program Helps Individuals Manage Anxiety and Depression
New York, NY – Greenwich House’s Center for Resiliency and Wellness and Greenwich House Pottery have teamed up to launch Healing Through Clay, a group therapy program. The healing program is designed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression through hands-on pottery-making. The group therapy also helps participants practice mindfulness, develop new coping strategies, and connect with others in a safe, supportive space.
A Creative Path to Emotional Wellness
Held at Greenwich House’s Center for Resiliency and Wellness, the eight-week group healing program hosts up to 12 participants per cycle. In this supportive setting, individuals use clay to express their thoughts and emotions. Each week, the sessions introduce a new theme. Through these evolving themes, participants incorporate artistic principles that guide conversations around emotional triggers, shared challenges, and personal growth.
“Integrating art into the group and making it accessible to all ages, especially given the lack of access to art in many people’s everyday lives, is something that’s very appealing to participants,” says Sarah Mardiney, therapist at Greenwich House Center for Resiliency and Wellness and lead therapist for Healing Through Clay.
“For group members, they find that when their hands are moving, their ideas, thoughts and feelings become more free-flowing,” Mardiney continues. “It quiets the thinking part of the brain and activates the feeling part. Furthermore, this creates space to incorporate therapeutic tools like cognitive reframing and emotional regulation. I tend to lean toward a more psychodynamic approach, and art is highly conducive to that kind of treatment. Ultimately, it helps uncover the unconscious and allows people to better process their emotions.”
A Proven Need for Art-Based Mental Health Interventions
In 2024, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a first-of-its-kind report titled State of Mental Health of New Yorkers. The report analyzed data across all age groups—children, youth, and adults—focusing on well-being, diagnoses, and environmental influences. Notably, it highlighted the value of art-based interventions in improving mental health outcomes.
As a result, Healing Through Clay offers individuals living with anxiety and depression an alternative pathway to healing. Additionally, it complements traditional therapy and counseling by promoting creativity, connection, and self-awareness.
“Knowing the history of Greenwich House as a settlement house, I’ve been excited about the potential for this program,” said Hannah Westerman, faculty at Greenwich House Pottery and lead ceramist for Healing Through Clay. “It feels like a moment of real crossover, where a full Greenwich House community can take shape. I’ve learned more about the services at CRW, and I’ve seen how teaching can feel different when the philosophy is grounded in healing and mental health. Collaboration brings together minds and experiences that can create special programs like this one.”
Participants span a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Currently, many already receive care through the Center for Resiliency and Wellness. In addition, Greenwich House accepts Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries into the program, welcoming participants of varying income levels as well.
In sum, the demand for accessible, creative approaches to mental health care continues to grow, especially in emotionally supportive group spaces. Healing Through Clay offers a powerful example of how community resources can promote healing, connection, and emotional resilience.
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For more information on Healing Through Clay or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Media Contact
Tearanny Street
Director of Communications and Marketing, Greenwich House
Email: tstreet@greenwichhouse.org
Phone: 646-941-3303
About the Greenwich House Pottery
Greenwich House Pottery (GHP) is a ceramics center that has been supporting artists and promoting the field of ceramics for over a century. Starting with clay modeling classes in the earliest days of Greenwich House as part of its Handicraft School, the Pottery flourished with the help of the community and philanthropic support. Today, GHP remains a stalwart of innovation and art. GHP is dedicated to expanding public awareness of the diversity and complexity of ceramics. Furthermore, it seeks to foster the development of artists through internships, residencies, exhibitions, and classes.
About Greenwich House
Founded in 1902, Greenwich House is dedicated to responding to the urgent, ongoing and diverse community needs of more than 20,000 children, families, and individuals through arts and education programs, older adult services, and health services that foster wellness, creativity, and connection. Learn more at www.greenwichhouse.org.
Images courtesy of Freep!k