expressive arts therapy

Expressive arts therapy is a combination of talking and creating, exploring what image(s) come up, and going deeper into getting to know them by integrating multiple art forms into exploration. In a single session, we may make create visual art, some creative writing, explore metaphor through object(s), move, engage in breath work, etc. Each session looks different because each person is different. Sessions are catered to what you need right now in this moment and come from a place of curiosity and wonder.

You do not need to be an artist or have any experience with art materials to benefit from expressive arts therapy.

Everyone is an inherently creative being. We have/had imagination from a very young age, and as we grow in this world in destructive frame works that prioritize being a worker/producer/consumer, our imagination becomes harder to access and celebrate. Mark making, doodling, expressing self through the arts is a way to begin to get to know imagination once again and discover how impactful it can be to pause and begin to notice creative elements in the world. Together, we will find out how you may build a consistent creative practice.

You do not need fancy expensive art materials to participate in making. Part of noticing what is around us is looking at materials through imaginative eyes. How might you use pigment from a dandelion to make marks? What kinds of spices act as water colour? How does holding a ballpoint pen in different ways differ the quality of line? For far too long, art and art-making has been only accessible to a select few. But art was one of the first ways we communicated with each other, recorded story, and shared. Art is and continues to be a way to communicate and express. Art can be accessible if we make it accessible.

MY APPROACH //
I utilize a disability-affirming queer and trans perspective that is centred around neurodiversity. The creative space we hold together is time to pause, make, explore, process, ask questions, and celebrate just being. It is time for you and what you need. In addition to dedicated session time, we also work towards seeing how you can integrate creative practice into daily life, and in turn, be able to better care for self, loved ones, and your communities.

WHAT TO EXPECT //
Each session looks different. You may know exactly what you want to explore or have no idea —and that is okay! We begin with ritual (I light a candle and if you are wanting to, you can light one too). We shift into check in and determine what we may spend time looking at. I offer prompts, guidance, and a container, as queer icon Ms. Frizzle says: take chances, make mistakes, get messy.

Our time together is collaborative and confidential. We build this space together, we mark-make, uncover, process, make sense of, and complicate together.