**Expressive Arts Therapy** is a counselling method that combines psychology with various art modalities (movement, visual art, sound, clay, theatre, poetry, etc) to cultivate emotional health and well-being.
I specialize in expressive arts therapy to build bridges of accessibility to greater insights and new perspectives through arts materials and creative processes. It’s core foundation is rooted in mindfulness, improvisation and the inherent wisdom of the body.
We will take creative risks to explore self awareness and face personal challenges which may also lead to moments of surprise, elements of curiosity, and enriching self discoveries. It is through the art making process where connection and healing is found.
**How it is used**
Expressive arts therapy is accessible and beneficial to people of all generations, demographics, and ethnicities. We turn to the arts to activate the imagination and follow intuitive impulses which call for creative engagement between the self, the senses and the subconscious. Through the artistic process in an individual (child, youth, adult) or group setting, there is opportunity for the exploration of behavioural issues, reviewing personal narratives, redefining meaning and purpose, and nurturing helpful ways to reconnect with significant others.
For example, if working with a young person who may be struggling with insecurity, we may create a two dimensional collage using magazine clippings of imagery to emphasize personal visions and dreams. As the therapist, I observe their process while encouraging them to be experiential and follow their natural impulses as a way to advocate for their power of choice. In reflection we speak of the messages behind the artwork and the experience itself, rather than focussing on the product presented.
Ultimately, it is my intention to uphold a resource oriented approach to our sessions where we look for what’s working and allow the senses to guide the creative intervention. Each session is filled with awe and wonder, a coming back to presence, and a deepened sense of self.