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.
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Hibernate
A creative workshop on preparing our mental health for winter.
Thursday, November 17, 2022: 7:00 - 9:00pm
Winter is a hard season for many of us. The days are shorter, the quality of light is not as brilliant as the Spring & Summer months, the cold temperatures limit our activities and often lead us to retreat inside. For these reasons and more, our mental health can really suffer during the winter months.
Join us for this creative workshop as we focus on how winter can be a season of healing dormancy and restoration. We will use art to intentionally explore the ways that we want to care for ourselves in this new season before it arrives fully.