Why Art Therapy?

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Art therapy is the use of different mediums (paints, pastels, photography, video, collage, etc.) to contribute, support, and enhance the interactions that take place during counselling sessions. Some clients prefer to create art in session, while others enjoy making art at home and then bring it in to discuss. There are as many ways to use art in therapy as there are individuals seeking these services.

Once the initial hang-ups folks have about using art subside (no, I'm not judging your work, and yes, stick figures are still art), most individuals who have experienced art therapy share that it adds what has been missing from other counselling experiences. That's not to say that you have to use art therapy if you attend Counselling Up. It is merely another therapeutic approach to help support your healing journey.

As with all counselling - you have the right to choose the approach that works best for you. Part of my role as a counsellor is to introduce you to different techniques based upon their therapeutic benefits. When I choose different modalities, I do so based upon my professional experience and training to identify what will work best based upon the information you have shared. That information will change as we continue with the counselling relationship, which means that just because something was working yesterday does not mean it will work today.

The beauty of art therapy is that it is very adaptive and personalized. There are so many mediums, and a variety of ways to experiment with each of them. Art therapy provides a safe(r) space to explore, play, and create. The art you make is yours. What you choose to do with the art created in session is up to you. We can explore how art fits (or does not) in your healing journey, and assess as often as is comfortable for you.