What is art therapy?
Art therapy combines psychotherapy and creative expression mostly in the form of artmaking to enhance self-discovery and understanding while in a sensory therapy process. Deeper personal insight and meaning through use of the senses and discovery of emotions can be achieved with the use of imagery, colours, symbols, and shapes. The process of art making in a therapeutic setting can provide more ways of expanding expression and insight and can support individuals when words are difficult to articulate or not available. It is a diverse, integrative, and inclusive field that can support all individuals at different stages and with varying abilities and skills. Art therapy helps to soothe and regulate the self, relieves tension, provides enjoyment and aspects of play, builds confidence and senses of accomplishment, is healing and empowering, and is an amazing tool to support self-understanding and meaning in the world.
Tell me more about art therapy and how sessions are structured?
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. You do not have to be an artist or have any experience with art making to try art therapy or for it to be effective. 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 aesthetic, artisitc skill, or final outcomes with regards to the art you make. Art therapy focuses on personal discovery, the sensory experience, identifying feelings and emotions, and processing the experience while reflecting on what you have created and how you feel. 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 the artist-client. After the initial intake, the art therapist will talk with the artist-client about what kind of art materials they would like to use and will offer art directives or invitations for art making during each session. Once art making is complete, the art therapist will facilitate questions and curiosities about the art and the process in order to support the artist-client's own self-discovery and meaning. At no point is the art therapist going to interpret meaning from the art or give any criticism of the art made in session. The art made belongs to the artist-client and they own 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.
Do you charge insurance companies directly?
I do not charge insurance companies directly for art therapy services. If you have group insurance coverage for counselling under paramedicals, you may want to ask if art therapy or registered therapeutic counselling is covered. Your plan administrator can help to answer this question. If you have coverage, you will be able to submit your receipts for art therapy reimbursement with the insurance company. I am happy to submit information for pre-determinations.
Will autism funding pay for art therapy?
If you are a person or a caregiver to a person with an autism spectrum disorder designation in the Province of British Columbia and you are eligible for autism funding, you can submit a request to pay (RTP) form to the autism funding department. Autism funding can be used for therapy and counselling services for the entire family in the household of the person with the autism designation. Please use your online autism funding portal to submit a completed RTP or email the completed and signed form to the autism funding unit as an attachment (mcf.autismfundingunit@gov.bc.ca). Once a RTP is approved for my services and funds have been allocated, I can bill autism funding directly. Please ask me about this! Please note, an announcement was made by the Ministry that autism funding is changing in British Columbia which may affect funding availability moving forward.