Healing through art.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy in British Columbia
So what exactly is art therapy?
In a nutshell, art therapy combines psychotherapy and art-making. Art therapy is a way to express things that words cannot. Through engaging the emotional and sensory hemispheres of the brain, we can process our experiences more deeply and rewire patterns in the brain. I am a counsellor and art therapist based in Vancouver, offering art therapy in British Columbia. You do not need to identify as an artist or have a background in art to enjoy art therapy! Making art in therapy invites us to redefine creativity and expression while sharing our stories.
Enhance self-understanding
Art communicates the unconscious.
Increase self-acceptance
Freedom of art expression can decrease perfectionism and increase self-compassion.
Process emotions
Art-making allows us to separate, explore, and reclaim our feelings.
Learn positive coping skills
Making art is a way to self-soothe and calm ourselves in the face of stress.
True self-acceptance can grow when we notice and honor small creative acts in everyday life - a virtuous cycle of confidence and meaning.
(Lisa D. Hinz)
What to expect in an art therapy session.
Art therapy sessions will consist of talk therapy, art-making, and a discussion around your art experience. We will utilize art materials such as watercolor paint, pencil crayons, markers, and any other materials you enjoy! Art therapy requires mindfulness and self-compassion which we will incorporate in all our creative exercises. The art exercises we engage in will center on your chosen areas of focus in therapy. This could be, processing difficult emotions through line and color, learning to regulate our nervous system through somatic-focused art-making, or creating a piece of art representing our core values and strengths. The options are endless! My goal is to guide you through an art experience that feels safe, comforting, and authentic to you.
Art as Therapy
My approach views art as therapy, meaning the process of art-making (rather than the product) is the core method of change. Through focusing on the act of creating, how our body feels, and what emotions come up during the process, we are gaining valuable insight into our inner experience. The art I engage in with clients is intentional and designed according to the unique needs and goals of each client. Art therapy is in itself a healthy coping tool and a form of comfort and care which can help individuals navigate the discomfort and vulnerability that can come with the therapy journey.
I have witnessed the healing power of the creative process in my own life and the lives of my clients. Whether you have experience in art therapy, or are trying it for the first time, I would love to share in this experience with you.
I have witnessed the healing power of the creative process in my own life and the lives of my clients. Whether you have experience in art therapy, or are trying it for the first time, I would love to share in this experience with you.
Art creates safety
Art therapy is a safe way to share difficult emotions and experiences.
Sometimes, it feels like our emotions are too much to handle, or maybe your story is difficult to share. You may feel vulnerable or uncertain about therapy. Art therapy often feels safer than traditional therapy because we can express ourselves in a different way while finding comfort in creative expression. I offer art therapy in British Columbia and am based in Vancouver. If you have any questions for me about the art therapy process, please reach out.