Karen G. Hoistad, MA, Certified Art Therapist

Karen Hoistad has an extensive background in expressive therapy and has 20 years experience teaching creative writing, piano, creative arts, pottery, yoga, and relaxation. She’s also spent almost 15 years in community education – including teaching adults who have some form of mental illness – spanning St. Paul public schools, the Kelly Institute, and the St. Paul Community Education Seed Program. Karen believes in the importance of holistic health and looking at the whole person, not just one element.

Karen believes that art therapy integrates the person, helps designate his or her spirit, and develops the whole personality. Ultimately, it’s a way to give people a connection with others. She has helped those with a variety of different backgrounds use expressive art therapy, including refugees and immigrants. It can be effective for both adolescents and adults, and even children in the form of play and other creative therapy. Expression enhances overall quality of life and a profound sense of self, which can help with work, relationships, social skills, and spirituality.

Karen’s areas of specialty include:

Expressive arts therapy for children
Teens and adults
Individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults
Holistic health and play therapy

Education & Professional Activities

After studying at the University of Minnesota and City College in San Francisco, Hoistad received her human services bachelor of arts degree from Metropolitan State University and her master’s degree in human development from St. Mary’s University, both in the Twin Cities. Hoistad also earned a certification in art therapy from the Thomas Merton Institute in Milwaukee.

She’s been involved with the Jung Association and the Minnesota Art Therapy Association. In her spare time Hoistad likes to play music, write, draw, and paint.