Individual sessions – Virtual and outreach – youth and adults

Sessions are 50 minutes long during which time we’ll check in, you’ll make art based on your goals or emerging concerns, then I ask questions about your process and what you’ve made. Your insights will inform strategies that will help you work toward your goals in between sessions. Benefits include:

  • Process trauma to reduce symptoms and develop resiliency by externalizing visual, physical, and emotional memories and by identifying strengths and resources
  • Problem-solve and experience self-mastery when using materials
  • Increased self-awareness when you observe or experience unconscious subject matter in what you’ve made
  • Better understanding of emotions through material use, concrete expression, and attention to physical sensations
  • Explore interpersonal relationships from different perspectives to increase understanding of your role and perceptions
  • Understand arousal triggers and practice self-regulation

Parent/child dyad sessions

  • Art activities are chosen by the art therapist to facilitate the goals of the parent and child for improving their relationship
  • Exploring creative expressions and interactions with the assistance of the art therapist helps parents gain insights into their child’s experience, which often leads to more patience and understanding with their child
  • Children feel comfortable and competent using art making to express their feelings and experiences, helping them to feel they have agency and a voice in therapy
  • Tension is often lessened between the parent and child when the focus of the sessions is directed at what is made, which in turn facilitates productive interactions in therapy
  • The insights gained in each session inform strategies for the parent and child to work toward more positive ways of interacting
  • Creating together provides opportunities to be playful, enjoy time together, problem solve, and work co-operatively

Group Sessions – Outreach

  • People with shared concerns, experiences and/or goals come together in an environment of support and trust
  • Peer recognition of concerns, strengths, and insights that validate experiences
  • Reduced sense of isolation, opportunities for community building outside the group
  • Resource sharing
  • Experience of positive interactions such as empathy, helping others, and friendship

Check out my list of clients on the “About Dianne” page to find examples of organization groups I’ve facilitated. Examples include youth in care, corporate team building, and adults with disabilities.

Art Therapy in Schools

There are many reasons schools are important for children and youth to access mental health supports: when families can’t access supports outside of school hours; the wrap-around circle of care provided by teachers, staff, and counselors; opportunities to create groups that support specific student needs for issues such as bullying, self-harm, suicide, grief, and trauma.

Here are testimonials of teachers, administrators, and art therapists talking about the benefits of art therapy for students: