Philosophy/Approach:

I work holistically; by discovering possible underlying issues rather than dealing directly with symptoms presented. I prefer not to pathologize or label behaviours.  Confronting and managing these issues frequently results in the symptoms dissipating on their own. This is particularly true of symptoms related to eating disorders, depression and trauma. 

For clients seeking expressive art therapy I use five types of art (visual, movement, drama, music, poetry) as a means of self-discovery. Since the work decentres from the issues, clients have an opportunity to see themselves and their behaviour from a different point of view and develop insight. We process new awareness through talk-therapy.  It's an essential part of each session including practical application of insight to develop new, healthy behaviour patterns. 

How arts-based psychotherapy works:

Arts Therapy incorporates concepts and techniques from Art therapy, Music therapy, Drama therapy, Dance therapy, Mindfulness, Counselling and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.  Artwork is done just to the side of the issue at hand.  In either groups or one-on-one situations, difficult and painful topics are addressed (i.e. dealing with conflict, body image and low self-esteem) but we look at them from a very different perspective.  Often our stories are told over and over again, each time with the same feelings of hopelessness and being stuck; it's like we've created a rut in our brains.  Our story always begin at A and ends at B -every time, and there's no solution.  So you might end up feeling stuck, helpless, disappointed, stressed out, sad...  all of which gets commonly lumped under depression, anxiety or anger. 

In Expressive Arts therapy, by doing artwork, like writing a fictional story and then painting images inspired by the story …playing music that mimics the tone…acting out the roles of each of its characters…we play with the image.  You can see it from many angles and you may jump that rut.  I can help you find the starting point for the imagery  and we will follow that imagery until you discover the underlying, often surprising, emotions and from there you find insights.  Insight drives solutions and usually gives you ideas of what to do differently; taking steps toward a shift.  

Working within a fun, anti-oppressive and LGBTQ2S safe space, each session incorporates verbal dialogue to ensure that insights are drawn and concrete ideas are formed that help create shifts in behaviour.  Notes are taken during session for the client to take home, to further ensure integration of insights.