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Based out of Timmins, Ontario with
Art Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Erika Johnson
Do I need to be an artist to participate in Art Therapy?
NO! There is no art experience required to participate in art therapy. While Art Therapy can be for artist's who create on their own time, the engagement with Art Therapy is more about the process than the final product.
What is different doing therapy with an Art Therpaist?
Art Therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that involves creative expression (art making) alongside verbal dialogue between you and the Art Therapist. To be a certified Art Therapist, it is a master's or graduate level of schooling, alongside registrations with various governing bodies (i.e CRPO, CATA). Art Therapy ranges on a scale from open therapeutic art spaces (i.e open studio, art hives, etc.) to in depth work with trauma and personal challenges that are often 1-1 client sessions. In the middle of that spectrum is where you see sessions that are typically closed, often themed spaces around a group exploration goal (I.e women's groups, grief groups, land-based workshops, etc.). The Art Therapist facilitates by offering a supportive space to create art, and guides you through a process that assists you in weaving your dialogue and emotions in reflection of what you have created in the space. The Art Therapist does not interpret the art, or define how you are feeling.
Is Art Therapy just for youth?
NO! While creative play is often associated as a avenue for younger ages to process, Art Therapy is a process that is suited for all ages. Often, Art Therapy is actually a way to actually give the internal self permission to play, be messy and imperfect, and take pressure off of a session being solely about describing verbally how you feel.
Do I need to have a "problem" or "trauma" to benefit from Art Therapy?
Art Therapy has many benefits outside of just working on your challenging parts of yourself. Art can be a resource and form of relaxation, self expression, and a healthy coping tool. Art can be a form of witnessing and being seen and heard as an extension of ourselves and our voice. Art is in the eye of the beholder, there is no right or wrong way to be creative, and not all art has to be worthy of being hung on a wall; sometimes, its just about the sensory process.
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