Art and play are often the languages that children use to express themselves authentically – images serve to express more than they are able to communicate verbally, and toys and puppets within play become the tools for self-expression. Utilizing art therapy as an intervention for children matches these languages, and allows for the unique needs of each child to be met.
The child client is the leader of the therapy space, where for each 50 minute session, he or she chooses the avenue for expression, be it art materials, toys, a game, or combination. By working in this client-centred way, I have the opportunity to meet and accept the child exactly where he or she is, and work to develop a feeling of safety, unconditional acceptance, and trust. For a child, who often does not have a great sense of control in her or his world, the therapy space becomes one of empowerment, safety, and playful expression. Establishing this therapeutic relationship and safety, allows for vulnerable emotions and experiences to be expressed, and for healing to happen.
Aligning with parents of child clients is important in helping to extend the therapy work beyond the therapy time and space. Parent meetings are scheduled approximately every 4-5 sessions to discuss goals, progress, strategies for home and school, and are an opportunity for parents to update the therapist on changes happening in the client's world. These meetings are 50 minutes in length.
If you feel that psychotherapy or art therapy may be a positive fit for your child, please contact me for more information and to share about your child. I look forward to connecting with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in therapy, how do I start?
As the client, you have to feel comfortable and empowered in choosing the right therapist for you. In order to give potential clients the opportunity to make this decision, I offer a 15 minute complimentary consultation. This allows us to meet together, for potential clients to visit the therapy space, share about what is bringing them to therapy, for myself to share about the therapy process, and answer any questions. For parents seeking therapy for their child, I meet with parents for this initial consultation, and then would meet with the child if a first session is scheduled.
How do I know if your services are covered by insurance?
Psychotherapy is covered by some insurance providers, but not all. I encourage potential clients to contact their insurance company directly, and share that I am a registered psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and inquire about coverage. It is important to connect directly, as the title of "psychotherapist" is often confused with the title of "psychologist;" though we both work in the field of mental health, we receive different training and therefore have different designations. If you already know that you have coverage for psychotherapy, my RP registration number is listed on every invoice and this is what is required by the insurance provider. Insurance is submitted and processed through your insurance company, not directly through myself.
Do I need skills or experience in artmaking to participate in art therapy?
Absolutely no art experience is required to participate in art therapy, it is another way to communicate, to utilize different parts of our brain, and connect with the deeper parts of the self. Art therapy is not about making something perfect or "good," it is about the process of creating, allowing for new ways to connect with one's feelings, experiences, and to learn more about the self.