Frequently Asked Questions
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. According to the Canadian Art Therapy Association (2017),
“art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. Through the use of art making, discussion, reflections on the artwork and relationship building, art therapists support individuals in problem-solving, developing self-awareness, strengthening self-esteem, managing stress, and engaging in positive social interactions.”
I'm not artistic, is art therapy for me?
Art Therapy is not about being artistic! It's about using art materials to tap into our innermost feelings thereby enabling us to focus energy on working through those feelings. Sometimes, when words are hard to say, art making allows us to express ourselves in a way that feels safer, a key element while in therapy. Working from the comfort of your own home, we will utilize whatever art materials you have on hand, there's no need to buy anything or have art making experience! If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me to arrange your free consultation to see if art therapy will be the right fit for you.
What is art as therapy?
Art as therapy is the process of making art that helps us to relax, de-stress, reduce negative thoughts and experience positive feelings. Activities can include, but are not limited to painting, drawing, doodling, art journaling, fabric art, sculpting and pottery making. Therapeutic creativity includes the act of being creative, for example gardening, cooking, playing music, dancing and writing. When the activities conducted involve learning new, interesting techniques, positive social interaction, voluntary attention and movement, it helps to promote resiliency and coping skills (Haas-Cohen & Findlay, 2015). These activities only have to be enjoyed to be of benefit!
What is positive art therapy?
What is life coaching?
Life can be hard and sometimes we just need an objective supporter while we work through certain challenges. A life coach is not there to give advice or tell you what to do, it is our job to ask powerful questions to help you gain clarity, find a new perspective and discover your own answers. You should feel valued and capable, as well as the expert of your own life within the relationship with your life coach. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me to arrange your free consultation to see if life coaching is something that would be beneficial for you.
Positive psychology was developed by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi. Positive psychology optimizes our inherent strengths and facilitates a sense of hope while providing a tangible road map of goals. Positive art therapy builds on the principles of positive psychology. This combination promotes well-being and empowerment by focusing on our capacity to mobilize strengths, to experience positive emotions, and to express life purpose and meaning. Positive art therapy, or simply making art together in relation, may make it easier to develop our sense of self, thereby empowering us to work through deep rooted issues.
Can I book online?
The best way for me to meet your needs is for us to have a discussion. Please feel free to make contact with me via email, or by phone to arrange your free consultation. Contact details are at the bottom of this page.