What is expressive arts therapy?
Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) is an intermodal form of arts therapy that puts creativity at the centre of the human experience and at the centre of a human's ability to work towards a different way of being. To be human is to be creative and we can attune to it as a tool for healing and seeing a way through. In working with an intermodal lens, I offer visual arts/mark making/ colour exploration, movement, writing/word play, music/voice/sound exploration, and narrative/character following/drama as therapeutic tools my clients can use in session.
As a therapist, I meet what emerges in partnership with you, and we work together to shape it, play with it, and let it inform us as we investigate challenges, unwanted behavioural patterns, or traumatic events you have experienced. I support my clients to engage and embrace curiosity in meeting the art that comes within sessions and act as guide to reflect on and engage with both the process of creating as well as the work that is made. You as client are the meaning maker, I provide a holding space to meet that meaning.
Who do I work with?
I work in private practice and in community: with individuals and by facilitating therapy groups through various organizations. My practice is based in a framework that is trauma-informed, anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-ableist. I also use principles of feminist therapy, including societal impact of self-identity and include resource building and supporting/advocating for clients in community when needed. I mainly work with adults and youth.
Since 2019 I have specialized in working with folx who are struggling in their Perinatal Mental Health journeys, supporting all birthing and non-birthing parents/caregivers. This includes supporting folx undergoing fertility treatments, abortion processing, pregnancy loss, reproductive trauma, birth trauma, past sexual trauma, pregnancy, systemic discrimination, obstetric violence and all stages of the postpartum period. This can also include supporting clients through surrogacy, adoption and fostering, as well as parents who are caring for children with disabilities or who live with disabilities themselves. I work with gender queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, trans, inter-sex parents, as well as cis hetero parents - birthing, non-birthing and partners. I continue to engage in learning centred in anti-black racism and cultural sensitivity in order to support IBPGM (Indigenous, Black and People of the Global Majority) clients. I have experience in working with clients who have Family and Children Services involvement. I can offer services in english and french, and can work with language interpreters when needed. I also offer referrals to clients who want to work with someone who shares their lived experience specifically.
I am often fortunate to be able to work with Expressive Arts Therapy students completing practicum hours from the CREATE Institute, who assist in therapy groups.
Certifications and Trainings:
CREATE Institute - Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate (EXAT), member in good standing of the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA)
Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings - Canadian Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist (CC-PMH), Certification in Perinatal Grief and Loss (CC-PGL).
Postpartum Support International - Maternal Mental Health Webinar Certificate Course and Advanced Psychotherapy.
Chigamik CHC - Indigenous Culturally Appropriate Pregnancy Care Training.
The Anti-Racism Course - Salam Debs
Kayden X Coleman - Trans Fertility and Birth Workshop
I continue to gain knowledge and professional development in areas of interest that include Relational Cultural Theory, Internal Family Systems and Narrative Therapy. My practice is routed in feminist therapy principles and follows equity practice structures.
Fees:
My fees are structure on a sliding scale that includes 3 tiers* based on the green bottle model presented by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. I welcome clients to think about which tier suits their current financial situation best, as well as how often they would like to have sessions. We can discuss the fee structure during a free consult prior to working together to ensure you feel good about the affordability of your therapy. I am not currently registered with the CRPO and my sessions are not insurable.
Tier 1: $120/session + HST
Tier 2: $90/session + HST
Tier 3: $60/session + HST - this fee is automatically charged for any students currently studying to become Expressive Arts Therapists.
My practice is currently located at 44 Gaukel St. in Kitchener ON, on the second floor. The building has an exterior ramp and elevator for use by all clients as needed. I am accepting both virtual and in-person clients. To get in touch, please fill out the form below or visit my contact page.
