Dianne Shannon Art Therapy

Virtual and outreach art therapy

RCAT-S, CRPO-RP (qualifying)

Art therapy is a way to explore issues, concerns, and strategies for change using the creative process that does not rely on words to be helpful. The questions I ask about how and what you’ve made lead to insights that increase your self-knowledge and inform the steps you want to take toward positive change. My therapeutic approaches include psychodynamic, humanistic, and strengths-based.

You do not need to be an artist to do art therapy. You use materials on hand to make spontaneous art or to do creative activities I suggest based on the concerns that brought you to art therapy. You can make scribbles, stick figures, swirls of colour, collage images, clay shapes, glitter and paint on wood, etc. Can’t imagine what virtual art therapy would be like? Check out my blog post, Healing with Virtual Art Therapy.

Virtual sessions for individuals, parents and children, or groups. Ontario resident health insurance providers often cover session costs.

In-person outreach sessions where I bring art therapy to individuals and groups in the Saskatoon area.

Art therapy supervision individual sessions and groups.

Request a “Free Consultation“ or contact me by phone or email for more information.

I acknowledge and am grateful for the Treaty Six Territory and Métis nation homeland on which I live and work.

CADDRA, ADHD, and art therapy

I’m pleased to share that I’m now a member of the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) made up of physicians, psychologists, allied health care professionals, and researchers interested in ADHD. CADDRA’s education, guidelines, advocacy, and research will help me better support people with ADHD.

People of all ages come to art therapy with big issues disrupting how they would rather live their lives, and many either know they have ADHD or think it’s a possibility. That’s why I joined CADDRA. Relationship troubles, addictions, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-worth, dangerous or difficult behaviour, not doing as well as expected at work or school can all be part of the ADHD experience.

Art therapy is engaging and helpful for people with ADHD because creativity:

is a physically active process
exercises executive functioning (like the process to create a collage!)
- planning, organization, starting tasks, focusing, managing time, problem solving, and controlling emotions
does not rely on words to communicate
externalizes emotions and experiences
anchors strengths-based accomplishments in the object that’s made
- sense of self-mastery
- improved self-awareness and understanding
- a concrete record of progress
provides tools for self-regulation and stress relief
strengthens fine and gross motor skills

I’m looking forward to weaving what I learn through CADDRA into my art therapy practice.

August 20, 2026 0

Art therapy curious? Bring your questions to this free, virtual session.

Join me on Monday, August 10th from 4-5pm CST for a free, virtual, one-hour information session.

Hear a brief description about art therapy.
Ask questions.
Take part in a creative activity that anyone can do (really!) using a piece of paper and something to draw with.

Booking is limited to 15 participants, go to the “group sessions” tab here: https://dianneshannonarttherapy.noustalk.com/welcome/6010a5d903e2da67e69210e7

I look forward to meeting you!

July 30, 2026 0

Art therapy: not just a tool in the tool box

I’ve been searching online therapy platforms like Psychology Today for art therapists and see profiles of people offering art therapy without having the training. Art-based activities can be a helpful tool in a mental health professional’s tool box, but you’re not getting art therapy unless the therapist’s/counsellor’s qualifications include an art therapy program like those approved by the Canadian Art Therapy Association.

May 11, 2026 0

Four days with clay at LOTP

I had the great pleasure to facilitate a ceramics pilot project at Light of the Prairies. Over twenty participants enjoyed learning press mold techniques or doing self-directed sculpture. What a wonderful experience of coming together as a community through creativity and self-expression. https://lightoftheprairies.ca/isl/uploads/2026/04/March-2026.pdf

The project was funded by SK Arts, made possible through funding provided by the Government of Saskatchewan, and the financial support of Sask Lotteries, in partnership with SaskCulture.

April 11, 2026 0

Community and creativity with OUT Saskatoon

The Newcomer Support Group at OUT Saskatoon welcomed me to spend two evenings enjoying creativity and community. Participants who now call Saskatoon home dove into the altered book activity I delivered by painting, collaging, tearing, and reshaping pages in response to the directive of exploring their journey here. Thanks to everyone for sharing experiences of identity, resilience, hope, and family that were expressed in the art and discussion.

March 24, 2026 0

Virtual Art Therapy Supervision Sessions Available

I’m happy to announce I’ve been approved for supervisor status with the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). VATI’s art therapy supervisor course, which included 30 hours of instruction plus course work, helped me prepare for my new role as supervisor.

I’m looking forward to collaborating with supervisees through individual and group sessions as they develop and fine-tune their professional goals, self-knowledge, and identity as an art therapist. Each session will include reflective art making.

Go to the supervision tab for more information: https://dianneshannonarttherapy.ca/art-therapy-supervision/

Supervision relationship – VATI assignment (2025)

February 9, 2026 0

What anger animal are you?

Anger is an important emotion that warns us when we’re upset by someone or something, but some times it triggers reactions and actions that lead to big problems. A questionnaire to find out what animal you are when you’re angry has just been added to my download page. I came up with this activity to help youth better understand and manage their anger and have used it with individual clients and groups. The activity is fun and engaging, but be prepared to hold and comfort the big feelings that might come up too.

Anger Animal Questionnaire

November 6, 2025 0

Free virtual art therapy intro

Curious about virtual art therapy?

Have your questions answered by following this link to book a free 1/2 hour session with me: https://dianneshannonarttherapy.noustalk.com/contactme

Studies show that virtual therapy can be just as effective as seeing a therapist in person. And you don’t have to leave your house. Use any materials or objects you have on hand, such as the examples in the photos below.

The process is similar as in-person sessions: begin with a check in, choose and use materials to make something, I’ll ask questions about what the process was like for you and what you notice in what you’ve made. We’ll explore how your insights from what you’ve made increase your self-awareness, reduce or shift symptoms and/or perceptions, and inform how you can work toward the changes you want in your life.

As with all virtual therapy, a quiet place with no interruptions is important. I use the NousTalk therapy platform that provides secure, encrypted sessions.

Use any materials you have on hand!