What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy has its roots in the mid-20th century, drawing inspiration from the fields of psychology, art, and education. It emerged as a response to the limitations of traditional talk therapies, recognizing the power of creative expression and embodied experiences in healing and personal growth. Influenced by phenomenology and the concept of poiesis, Expressive Arts Therapy embraces the belief that the creative process itself is transformative and holds the potential to access deep levels of consciousness.

By engaging in various art forms such as visual arts, movement, music, drama, and writing, individuals are encouraged to explore their inner world, tap into their intuition, and express themselves authentically. The emphasis is not on artistic skill or the end product, but on the process of creation and the meaning that emerges through the interaction with different art modalities.

Expressive Arts Therapy recognizes the inherent wisdom of the body and the transformative power of the arts. It values the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for change, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their emotions, uncover insights, and integrate new perspectives. Through this holistic approach, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, enhance self-expression, and foster personal growth and well-being.

Today, Expressive Arts Therapy is practiced by trained professionals in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, community centers, and private practices. It continues to evolve and expand, offering individuals a unique and powerful means of self-exploration, healing, and transformation.

Why choose Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy offers a personalized and transformative healing experience. Through engaging in various art forms like painting, movement, music, and writing, you can access deeper layers of self-expression and self-discovery. This unique approach allows you to bypass limitations of verbal communication and tap into the power of your creative spirit. Whether you're healing from trauma, seeking personal growth, or navigating challenges, Expressive Arts Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore your inner world, cultivate self-care, and foster holistic well-being. It's a dynamic and empowering journey that honors your unique path to healing and invites you to reconnect with your innate creativity.

What to expect in a session?

In each session, we embark on a unique journey tailored specifically to you. We begin by checking in and grounding ourselves, reconnecting with our senses and settling into the space. From there, the session unfolds in various ways. Sometimes we dive into exploring materials that spark your curiosity, such as paint or clay. Other times, we focus on your thoughts and movements, weaving in elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS) to guide our artistic exploration. We may connect with different parts of yourself, engaging in conversations, creating, or writing. Throughout the process, we emphasize the importance of the journey rather than the final product, allowing us to delve deeper into our inner world.

There are moments of silence and stillness, and there are times when art-making may not be involved at all. As the session draws to a close, we harvest the messages and wisdoms that the work unveiled, to further integrate those new experiences into our bodies and minds, and gently bring our exploration to an end, having delved into the depths of our inner universe.

Affordability and insurance.

Accessibility is at the heart of my practice. I firmly believe that therapy should be available to anyone in need. To ensure this, I offer a sliding scale and extend special reduced rates to fellow Art Therapists and ExAT, seniors, recognizing the value of supporting the mental well-being of all.

For those with insurance coverage, my services as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) may be covered by select insurance companies. Please feel free to inquire with your insurance provider to check if they cover RTCs, and if needed, I am more than happy to provide you with a letter to facilitate the process.