How is art therapy different from talk therapy?

When engaging in art therapy, clients use art materials and activities to externalize thoughts and feelings which may be difficult to verbalize or cannot be expressed through words alone.  Like talk therapy, you will be able to speak about mental health challenges, the art created, and the therapeutic process.  At its root, art therapy combines visual art and psychotherapy.  Sometimes there is more of a focus on visual expression and other times the focus is on verbal expression, and this is based on the needs of the client.  

 

What is the difference between art therapy and art classes?

The focus of art therapy is very different from that of art classes.  The goals of an art class focus on building a particular skill set, learning how to use specific materials, or on the aesthetic qualities of the finished project.  Art therapy focuses on the process of art making, the insights gained from reflecting on the created image, and the ability of art making to elevate mood.  It is also guided by a professional art therapist within a therapeutic relationship.

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What are some of the art therapy exercises we might do?

There are a variety of art therapy exercises or directives that an art therapist may incorporate into a session.  The therapeutic goals will determine what the art therapist guides the client to explore through the art.

 

Is art therapy right for me?

Art therapy can help individuals externalize and organize their thoughts and feelings that may otherwise be difficult to articulate.  The guided creative process, as well as the end product, can be used to enhance a person’s mental, emotional, spiritual, social, cognitive, and physical well-being.  Art therapy can help with a wide variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, addictions, trauma/PTSD, and self-development.

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What if I’m not good at art?

That’s okay!  You don’t have to know anything about art to benefit from art therapy.  Art is just the vehicle for expressing underlying feelings, resolving internal conflicts and enhancing mood.  It doesn’t matter what the final product looks like.

 

Do you know of any online resources that can help kids manage big emotions?

Yes!  Here are a few:

•  Kids Help Phone                                                                              

• Anxiety Canada                                                                          

• Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?                                 

• Some Days I Flip My Lid                                                                     

• International Arts + Mind Lab                                                      

 

Does insurance cover these services?

You will find all of the information about our credentials on the "About Us" page.  Please check with your insurance provider to see if our services are covered under your insurance plan.  If these services are not covered by insurance, other options may include:

·    Compensation for Victims of Crime                                    

·    Jordan's Principle                                                                        

·    Cognitive Disability Strategy (CDS) Support                           

·    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Individualized Funding (IF) Program         

 
Which professional organizations do you belong to?

​Some of our professional affiliations include:

·    Canadian Art Therapy Association                                         canadianarttherapy.org

·    Theraplay Institute                                                                            theraplay.org

·    Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute                                            rmpti.com

 

What if I still have questions or would like to set up an appointment?

If you are interested in learning more about how our services can help you, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer questions about our services or to see if a particular therapist is a right match for your needs.