Creative therapy as emotional alchemy
As a professional art therapist, I provide art based therapy to regulate your nervous system an provide emotional healing. Through various art materials we explore the deeper layers of the psyche. This intuitive creative process can support trauma integration, shadow work, somatic energy shifts, emotional awareness and create a deeper connection and understanding of self.
I work with teens and adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, emotional regulation and identity. I also work with clients who have experienced sexual trauma. My practice offers an LGBTQ-affirming space where all people are respected and valued. Whether you’re feeling emotionally drained, stuck, or looking to try a new approach, art therapy can offer a space for expression and processing to feel a greater sense of alignment.
FAQs
What is art therapy?
- Art therapy is the combination of creative expression and talk therapy. The process of making art is used to help explore emotions, resolve conflicts, reduce stress and provide reflection and awareness
How is art therapy different from talk therapy?
- Art therapy uses creative materials alongside talking to process thoughts, feelings and emotions
- Sometimes it is difficult to express in words how we are feeling
- Art allows a greater mind-body connection
- It provides a softer approach to deeper and complex challenges
- It bypasses the cognitive brain that may mediate words
- Words have finite meaning but art is more interpretative
How do I know if art therapy is right for me?
- Art therapy might be a good fit if you have tried talk therapy and found it difficult to express yourself in words
- Art can also help explore the subconscious to bring more awareness as to why we think a certain way or have certain behaviours
- Art therapy can help process traumatic events without needing to explain what happened
- Art can help externalize energetic and emotional blocks by creating a tangible representation of complex feelings
What can I expect at a session?
- your therapist will provide a warm and compassionate space and ask questions to learn more about you
- please share as much or little as you feel comfortable with
- During an intake session, we will create some art that explores your concerns and challenges you are currently experiencing
- Together we will discuss goals and a plan on how art can help support you
- Intake and subsequent sessions generally 1 hour
- We may use a combination of different materials including: paint, collage, pastels, clay, fabric, drawing and more
- Please notify your therapist of any allergies to materials
- All materials are provided
- Please wear appropriate clothing that may get messy
How much does it cost? How can I book?
Please reach out to The private practice for more details on rates and booking.