Creative Arts Therapy, Albany, New York
Supporting Mental Wellness Since 2000
Meet Maureen Del Giacco, Ph.D., LCAT, RMT
Dr. Maureen C. Del Giacco, Ph.D., LCAT, RMT, is an Albany-based artist, author, educator, and pioneering Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. With over 30 years of professional experience, she specializes in mental health treatment, Reiki energy, and cognitive rehabilitation. She is best known for developing Del Giacco Neuro-Art Therapy, a specialized, visual-spatial intervention designed to regenerate sensory systems and rebuild cognitive skills in patients with neurological and psychological conditions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
📜 Background & History: Born in Albany, New York, Dr. Del Giacco built her professional foundations on an undergraduate fine arts degree, eventually earning a Ph.D. in Creative Arts Therapy. [1, 2]
- The Neuro-Art Foundation: Her specialized therapeutic methodology began taking shape in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by an interest in how art-making could bridge gaps in traditional, strictly verbal cognitive rehabilitation. [1, 2]
- Private Practice & Continuing Education: She manages Del Giacco’s Creative Arts Therapy, PLLC in Colonie/Albany, NY, where she works with individuals across all age brackets. The New York State Education Department officially recognizes her practice as an approved continuing education provider for fellow Licensed Creative Arts Therapists. [1, 2, 3]
🏆 Key Accomplishments & Awards
Dr.Del Giacco has recently hit a major milestone with the official launch and formal documentation of her structured digital cognitive-support framework, Neuro RiseUp. In July 2026, her detailed framework titled "The Del Giacco Neuro-Art Therapy Method for Initiating Cognitive Work" was accepted and indexed into the ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) database. This accomplishment solidifies her method as a recognized educational resource for cognitive readiness and academic engagement. [1, 2]
- The Founders Award: Received the prestigious Founders Award from the New York State Brain Injury Association for her groundbreaking work in cognitive rehabilitation program design. [1]
- State Recognition & Grants: Awarded numerous operational and research grants from local agencies—including the New York State Legislature. She was also designated as an approved service provider through the Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). [1]
- Global Educational Outreach: Her specialized curricula have grown into international distance learning programs, certifying healthcare and therapeutic professionals worldwide in cognitive art exercises. [1]
- Integrated Care Practice: Beyond traditional art therapy, she is a Certified Reiki Master Teacher (RMT) and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), neuroplasticity principles, and energy psychology into her sessions. [1, 2]
📝 Books, Articles & Publications: Dr. Del Giacco has authored multiple books, manuals, and short-form professional articles focused on traumatic brain injuries (TBI), stroke recovery, ADHD, and dementia: [1]Books and Training Manuals
- Lost Inside My Brain: The Discovery of a New Therapy (2000): Her foundational book detailing the initial breakthroughs and theories behind her neurological art methods. [1]
- Del Giacco’s Art Therapy and the Therapeutic Drawing Series: A Missing Link in Cognitive Rehabilitation for the Neurologically Impaired: Explores using abstract art and color to access damaged cognitive pathways. [1]
- The Neuro-Art Therapy Kit for Cognitive Enhancement: A practical, visual-spatial toolkit utilized by educators and clinicians to stimulate focus and attention. [1, 2]
- Focusing & The Therapeutic Drawing Series: An interactive instructional resource highlighting specific structured drawings designed to reduce anxiety and boost focus.
- [1]: Dr. Del Giacco regularly shares educational summaries regarding clinical application via academic indices and professional networks:
- "The Del Giacco Neuro-Art Therapy Method for Initiating Cognitive Work" (2026) – A clinical resource focusing on academic engagement and cognitive readiness.
- "How to Use Del Giacco Neuro Art Therapy..." & "Del Giacco's Art Therapy For The Brain" – Professional guides tracking visual techniques and neuroplasticity.
- "Coloring Books Are Therapeutic in Nature" & "Art-Memory-Help for TBI Survivors" – Short-form pieces targeting memory retention and therapeutic art formatting for aging or rehabilitation patients. [1, 2]
(Note: Documentation on the efficacy of her methodologies is also available in the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) database, which hosts foundational literature on her therapeutic drawing programs). [1, 2]
Listening matters
Maureen works with all ages who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood challenges. With 20+ years of experience, she uses creative methods tailored to each individual's needs.
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LGBQT+ Friendly
Maureen offers Creative Arts Therapy for all ages, focusing on healing from anxiety, trauma, mood issues, and LGBTA+ challenges. With 20+ years of experience, she uses creative methods tailored to each individual in Albany, fostering confidence and emotional resilience.
Children find words that help with feelings
Creative art techniques such as painting and drawing enable children and adults to explore and express emotions comfortably, offering a healing alternative to traditional talk therapy.
All couples need help sometimes
When all seems lost in a relationship, that is the time to seek guidance from a professional. Struggling does not mean it's the end; it may simply mean change towards a new beginning.
Couples therapy for lesbian, gay, trans, and non-binary. The first session involves understanding your goals, identifying triggers, and working together to resolve issues that cause pain in a relationship. We will work on how social pressures affect a relationship and how to work through them. Other issues such as coming out and transitioning may also be worked on.
Improve emotions, focus, and cognitive skills with Maureen’s NRU-inspired computer programs and expressive art activities, suited for ages 7 and up.
Children’s Book on Connection
Discover the importance of connection and vulnerability through Maureen’s children’s book, inspiring young minds to build meaningful relationships and trust.