What is art therapy?
Art therapy combines psychotherapy and creative expression to help people better understand themselves through the process of making art. Sometimes words are not enough. Art therapy offers another way to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences using imagery, colour, symbols, sensory processing, motor planning, and creativity.
Art therapy is inclusive and accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and artistic experience. You do not need to be "good at art" to participate or benefit. The focus is not on creating beautiful artwork—it is on the creative process, self-discovery, and finding meaning. You don't need any artistic experience—only a willingness to be curious.
What can I expect in an art therapy session?
Individual art therapy sessions are similar to traditional talk therapies in theoretical approaches, with the addition of art materials and art making. The art therapist completes an intake to assess what you are hoping to address and whether you feel it’s a good fit.
Sessions typically last 60 minutes, and can be conducted in person or online, individually or in groups. Individual art therapy is usually structured to include 6–12 sessions, and more sessions can be completed to meet your needs and goals.
Art therapy is not focused on artistic skill or creating a perfect piece of art. Instead, the focus is on self-discovery, the creative process, and finding personal meaning. Having a completed or 'nice' piece of art after an art therapy session is not the focus.
In a session, most of the time is spent making art, and sometimes the art therapist will make art alongside you. After the initial intake, the art therapist will talk with you about what kind of art materials you would like to use and will offer creative prompts or art invitations for art making during each session.
Once art making is complete, the art therapist will facilitate questions and curiosities about your art and the process in order to support your own self-discovery and meaning. Your art belongs to you. Rather than interpreting or judging it, the art therapist will support you in discovering what it means to you.
The artwork you create belongs to you, and you retain all rights to it. Individual sessions, including the art made, are private and confidential.
What kind of training does an art therapist have?
In Canada, an art therapist is a trained professional with expertise in psychological counselling and visual arts. In order to be a professional art therapist and become a member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), one must complete a master’s degree or master’s level diploma which follows strict guidelines in coursework, experiential training, and supervised practicum hours. All members of CATA in good standing must follow a code of ethics and standards of practice and provide proof of professional liability insurance.
For more information about the Canadian Art Therapy Association or art therapy in Canada, please click here https://www.canadianarttherapy.org/
Do you offer online or in-person art therapy sessions and consultations?
I work in private practice and I am currently available for online art therapy sessions which I facilitate through the Jane App or Zoom. I am available for free 20 minute consultations to answer questions you may have about working with me and my fees. Please ask me about in-person art therapy sessions and group art therapy availability.
Are your services covered under insurance plans?
If you have insurance coverage for counselling under paramedicals, you may want to ask if art therapy, Registered Psychotherapy or registered therapeutic counselling is covered. Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for counselling services. Coverage varies, so I recommend checking with your insurance provider before booking your first appointment.
Will autism funding pay for art therapy?
If you or your family receive Autism Funding through the Province of British Columbia, art therapy services may be eligible for funding. I'm happy to guide you through the Request to Pay (RTP) process and answer any questions you may have.
Please note that provincial funding programs may change over time.
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