+ What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a union of art and psychology. The purpose of art therapy is not about learning art techniques; rather, the emphasis is on what arises during the creative process and reflecting on the feelings and perceptions connected to the final art product. It is non-invasive and can involve a variety of forms including drawing, painting, sculpting and collage. It is an effective, non-traditional, and often an enjoyable and interesting way of gaining useful tools and effective tools for moving through life's challenges.

+ What sort of issues do you work with?

The most common challenges experienced by my current clients are anxiety and depression. Art Therapy is also an appropriate therapeutic modality for any of the following major life changes, addressing past trauma, stress reduction, loss of a loved one, relationship challenges, identity shifts and loss of previous connection to creative pursuits.

+ What are the benefits of attending art therapy?

Engaging in art therapy can produce the following results:

• Resolution of internal emotional conflict
• Stress reduction
• Increased self-esteem
• Heightened self-awareness
• Enhanced cognitive function and decision-making abilities
• Improved interpersonal skills
• New insights and clarity on old or recurring problems
• Coping skills for problematic situations and behaviours
• Personal growth and development
• Sense of pleasure and satisfaction
• Better understanding of one's true self

+ When are sessions available?

We have daytime, after school/evening and weekend session times available. Please contact us or have a look at the online calendar via the "Book Now" button to determine what is currently available.

+ How much do sessions cost?

Our services include:

• a free 15min phone or video consultation
• 60min sessions for adults / 50min for children & youth for $147
• Consultation to agencies, educators and workplaces for $175/hour
• Customized workshops ranging from $200/hour to $500/half day (+ supplies)​

Payment can be made via cash, cheque, and e-transfer.

+ Why is therapy so expensive?

Therapy is an investment - an investment in your health and well-being. Everything that’s important to you costs money - going to a hockey game, taking a trip, making your car payments. In the same way that getting an education or taking care of your physical body takes time, money and effort, so does therapy. The good news is that the results will carry with you throughout your life time, not just during the time spent in sessions. Furthermore, if you calculated the amount of money you spent trying to mitigate your anxiety or challenges in other ways, or how much your self-sabotaging behaviour might be limiting your potential to work, be in healthy relationships, or engage in a life that you enjoy, then the cost of therapy would pay off in dividends.

+ Do you accept insurance?

It is a good idea to check with your specific therapist as well as the details of your helath benefits plan to determine if our services may be covered in whole, or part by your coverage.

Please note that we do not do direct billing, which means sessions must be paid at the time of service, and receipts are provided for you to follow up with your insurance provider.

Payment can be made via cash, cheque or etransfer at the time of session.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

We require notice of cancellation 24 hours prior to your session; after this point 50% of the session fee will be charged for cancellations made within 24 hours of your session and 100% of the session fee will be charged for no shows. As you can imagine, there are others who would like the session spot if you are not able to use it, so the sooner you can let us know, the better.

+ How often should I attend sessions?

Success in therapy is largely determined by the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Building trust between takes time, which is why weekly sessions are recommended intially, if possible, for at least 6-8 weeks. This allows you and your therapist to gain some good traction and work most efficiently in terms of what you need and how best to achieve these results.

Meeting every two weeks or once a month is possible but can stretch out the healing process. This means it may take longer to see the results you desire. At the same time, some individuals prefer more time between sessions for self reflection and processing.

For some, infrequent and shorter-term visits after an acute stressor (such as a breakup, death of a loved one, or loss of employment) can be sufficient to process the experience and regain functioning as before. In these situations the focus is on the specific event rather than examining underlying belief systems or ongoing challenges like depression, anxiety and/or trauma.

+ How will I know if this is for me?

The best way to determine if art therapy and a specific therapist are a good fit is to come in for a visit. This allows you to get a sense of what it's like to be in the office/studio space, and if the therapist you are meeting with feels like someone you can trust. You may want to evaluate how you feel during your time together; if what's being said and done resonates for you, and if what has occurred feels like it has been beneficial to you.

It is of utmost importance that you feel comfortable with your therapist, because this relationship is the best determinant of success in therapy. We never take it personally if you decide to keep looking and see a different therapist. While it may be expensive, it is worth it to trust your gut and keep looking until you find the therapist that feels like the right fit for you.

If we are unable to offer what you need for whatever reason (for example, your specific challenge being beyond our scope of practice or expertise), then we will refer you to another qualified practitioner.

+ When is a good time to begin therapy?

Undergoing therapy is not easy, and it’s important that you have the time, energy and financial resources to support this process. Sometimes life can throw us into this place and sometimes the motivation comes from within. What matters is that you are open to using your inherent strengths to face the fear, stress, or discomfort that you may be experiencing. It is also important that you have adequate time for self-care, reflection and attending sessions on a regular basis.

+ How will I know when it’s time to end therapy?

You will likely feel very relieved after getting some things off your chest in the first session. From there, it can take 6-8 sessions or a few months (depending on how often you attend sessions) to notice more significant changes. Some of your habitual ways of thinking and responding have been there for many years and therefore it can be unrealistic to expect them to them disappear overnight.

However, change is possible and most people find that even a few insights gleaned through the artistic process can go a long way in terms of application into their daily lives. The beauty of art therapy is that it offers real-time practice of the skills required to manage your emotions, work with challenging and problematic beliefs, and process past traumas.

Therapy can be an ongoing part of your mental health - just like yoga is an every day practice. It can also end when you feel your goals and hopes for therapy have been achieved based on the progress and results achieved from when you started therapy. We will continue to check in over time to ensure we keep doing what is working and tweak what is not.

+ Do you work with adults?

YES of course! We work with adults and young adults as well as children. Even though art is commonly thought of as something for kids, it is a very effective and enjoyable approach to therapy for all ages.

+ But I’m not an artist; I never draw!

You do not have to be a self-identified or professional artistic to participate in art therapy. We are all creative. More than anything, it important that you have an interest in exploring your inner landscape creatively and expressing yourself in an arts-based way.

+ What makes therapy different from counselling?

Counseling refers to a relatively brief treatment approach focused on solving a specific and current issue or problem.

Therapy focuses on understanding and uprooting the longstanding thoughts, feelings, behaviours and defenses which interfere with one’s quality of life including health, happiness and relationships. It seeks to understand and uncover the root causes of these problems as well as offer tools for managing triggers and challenging emotions. The safety of the experience allows your true and authentic self to emerge, resulting in an overall shift in mood and self-understanding, as well as greater amounts of freedom, self-acceptance, growth, resilience and love.

+ Do you offer online counselling?

At this time we are offering both in person and online sessions.

We have a safety encrypted telehealth portal for online sessions. Art making for these sessions can be done with very basic supplies such as markers, crayons or pencil crayons and paper.

+ Can you prescribe medication?

No, only a medical doctor can do this. To change or obtain prescriptions you need to meet with your physician.

+ Can you do an assessment of my child for school?

No, we do not conduct child evaluations for school or custody purposes, nor do we provide diagnoses. If required, we can write support letters based on our observations for a small fee to be used to communicate with school teachers, guidance counsellors and support workers after written permission has been granted by all parties for an authorized release of information.

+ Are there any issues or types of client that you DON’T work with?

We do not work with individuals experiencing major mental illnesses such as Schizoaffective Disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia personality disorders, anyone with alternative right beliefs or those experiencing accute crises or emergencies. In these cases we recommend you contact the Crisis Response Center at (204)940-1781 or the Klinic Crisis Line at (204)786-8686