Expressive Arts Therapy

What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy is soul work. It is a relational, client-centered, and experiential form of therapy that integrates the arts to foster healing, transformation, and restoration. This dynamic model intentionally incorporates movement, dance, art making, music, poetry, improvisation, storytelling, and theatre into the therapeutic process. It is a sensory-oriented and cognitive approach that invites participants to explore their inner world through creative expression, regardless of artistic skill or background.

The Roots and Power of the Expressive Arts

For thousands of years, expressive arts have been used to heal trauma, navigate crisis, and process distress within individuals and communities. Ritual, ceremony, dance, painting, sound, music, weaving, and storytelling have also served as powerful vehicles for celebrating transformation. These creative layers soothe and stimulate the senses, calm the nervous system, and restore balance to the soul.

What to Expect in a Session

In an expressive arts therapy session, you can expect:

1. Check-In:
A compassionate and empathetic talk therapy check-in to help you feel heard and supported.

2. Sensory Explorations & Somatic Practices:
Grounding exercises to cultivate safety and presence in your body.

3. Art Making & Creative Expression:
After shifting away from the presenting issue, you’ll engage in art making, movement, poetry, or a combination of expressive arts. This layered approach helps you to open your senses, connect with your body, and reveal what needs attention.

4. Intermodal Exchange:
Layering different arts (e.g., moving from art to poetry) allows you to explore your story through multiple senses, leading to new understanding and perspective.

5. Reflection & Harvesting:
You’ll reflect on your creation, dialogue with your image or piece, and harvest insights. This process often brings glimmers of transformation and restoration, sometimes within a single session or over several.

6. Transformation & Restoration:
The process offers somatic release, new perspectives, and deep insight, supporting ongoing healing.

Who is Expressive Arts Therapy For?

You do not need to be an artist or have any artistic skills to benefit from this therapy. All you need is curiosity, a willingness to play, and the courage to trust the magic of stepping into the liminal space of creativity.

How I Offer Expressive Arts Therapy

• 1:1 Sessions: Personalized support tailored to your needs.
• Weekly (Closed) Group Therapy: A consistent, safe space for deeper group work.
• Monthly (Open) Group Therapy: Opportunities to connect with others in a supportive community.

All sessions are held online for greater accessibility. Times are in EST, and fees are in Canadian dollars.

Why Choose Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy is a rich, integrative process that offers not only somatic release but also new perspectives and insights. It is a powerful tool for anyone seeking healing, transformation, or a deeper connection with themselves.

Ready to begin your journey?
Explore more in the drop-down section of the page or contact me to learn how Expressive Arts Therapy can support your healing and growth.

I am currently offering Individual sessions at the CREATE Clinic, virtually. Please click the link for information on my Individual sessions: CREATE Clinic.

I host low cost, weekly Expressive Arts Therapy Groups. These groups include 10 weekly group therapy sessions and 2 private sessions. There are 8 spots available in these Expressive Arts Therapy Groups. To learn more and to register to here: Group Therapy

I host monthly, Expressive Arts Therapy Group too. These groups are by donation and open to anyone who would like to register. To learn more go please go here: Group Work

To join the private Group on Facebook go here: Join here – Expressive Arts Therapy Group

Question?

Do you have some questions about these Expressive Arts Group Therapy sessions? If so, feel free to book a clarity call.

Trauma & Nervous System Informed

As a trauma and nervous system informed student therapist, I integrate this awareness and specialized training into every expressive arts session I facilitate. I am dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space where you can feel safe enough to arrive as you are—body, mind, and spirit. Within this environment, you are invited to open and explore, create, make, move, and dance freely, at your own pace. My approach is gentle, compassionate, and attuned to your unique needs and experiences.

Insurance Coverage

NB: My training at The CREATE Institute and Expressive Arts Therapy is recognized my the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) and can be billed through most insurance companies after I have graduated in the Spring of 2026 and have met the requirement of the CRPO.