Two Therapists
One Shared Vision
Create and Connect Art Therapy and Counseling LLC is a practice built on a foundation of shared experience and purpose. The founders, Christlyn McCaskill, a Navy Veteran, and Casey Frederick, an Army Spouse, met while interning at a military hospital during their art therapy graduate program at George Washington University.
Their friendship grew from a shared love of watercolor, the color blue, Bob Ross, Van Gogh, and mandalas, symbols of calm, expression, and transformation that now inspire their work.
Recognizing their shared passion for helping trauma survivors, they were inspired to build a practice dedicated to providing a safe, unique, and compassionate therapeutic experience where clients can explore, heal, and grow through both traditional counseling and the expressive power of art therapy.
Casey and Chris are so excited to create, connect, and walk alongside you on your path toward healing.
Why “Create & Connect”
Create
Creativity can help us access emotions, memories, and experiences that may not always have words. Art therapy allows clients to explore their inner world in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and authentic.
CHRIS
&
CASEY
Connect
Healing happens through connection, with your therapist, with yourself, with your relationships, and with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked while caring for others.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support those who have dedicated themselves to caring for others by creating a therapeutic space where they can explore their own experiences, reconnect with themselves, and move toward a life beyond survival.
The Mandala: A Symbol of Connection, Growth, and Healing
Throughout our journey as art therapists, mandalas have held a special meaning for Create & Connect.
Long before this practice existed, mandalas became one of the creative threads that connected us through our shared love of art therapy, reflection, and the belief that creativity can be a powerful pathway toward healing.
The word mandala comes from Sanskrit and means “circle,” a symbol often associated with wholeness, balance, connection, and the ongoing process of growth. In art therapy, creating mandalas can provide an opportunity to slow down, turn inward, explore emotions, and create meaning through the creative process.
For us, mandalas represent more than an art activity. They reflect the heart of our practice: the belief that healing happens through connection, with ourselves, with others, and with the experiences that shape who we are.
Our shared appreciation for mandalas became one of the many small moments that reminded us of our shared vision for therapy: creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore their own stories.
Today, our Mandala Monday series continues this tradition by inviting others into a moment of reflection, creativity, and connection.
Healing Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Safety
Collaboration
Empowerment
Understanding protective responses
Beyond words
Creativity as expression
Accessible even without
artistic skill
Therapeutic relationship
Authenticity
Feeling seen, Heard,
Understood
Meeting You Where You Are
Supporting Those Who Serve And Sacrifice
Our work is rooted in supporting adults who often carry the emotional weight of caring for others. Whether you're a first responder, veteran, military spouse, helping professional, or navigating another high-responsibility role, we're committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care that honors your experiences.
We Would Be Honored to Walk Alongside You
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision. We invite you to explore whether Create & Connect feels like the right space for your next step.