Dianne Shannon Art Therapy

There are a few spaces left for two art therapy classes I’m facilitating at the Refinery in Saskatoon. Explore grief and loss through Wolfeldt’s Ten Essential Touchstones over four sessions in May and June. Or try the one-day workshop in June called Growing the Good and discover personal resources to help you in difficult situations. Check out these and other Refinery class offerings: http://www.emmanuelrefinery.org/classes

Canadian Institute for Art Therapy co-founder Michelle Winkel describes how art therapy is adapting for online delivery during the pandemic…https://www.cbc.ca/arts/pandemic-blues-online-art-therapy-might-help-you-work-through-your-feelings-1.5826652

Ok, so you’ve seen the post that I offer online video art therapy sessions, but are you wondering what it would be like to make art at home for an online session? To begin, you don’t need special art materials – anything on hand can be used. For example, look around you right now. What catches your eye? Below are “before” and “after” examples of what making art at home for your video art therapy session might look like.

To deliver video art therapy to your desktop, tablet, or phone, I use the secure NousTalk app.

Ready to try it? You can choose a video session when you book online or call me to make an appointment. You don’t need special art supplies for your session, anything you have on hand will work: highlighter, pen, pencil, crayon, printer paper, napkin, glue stick, recycled packaging, magazines for collage images. You can also check out a dollar store for inexpensive supplies.

Here are a few tips for your video session:

• Create a private space for your session where you can speak without being overheard or interrupted. If the session is for your child, make sure they are in a location where they know no one can hear the session and there will be no interruptions or distractions from other people or pets.
• Headphones improve your privacy and minimize background noise and interruptions. ​​
• Video conferencing works best on Google Chrome as your internet browser.
• Share any concerns about video therapy with me before or after your session so we can make you as comfortable as possible.
• If you’re distracted by seeing yourself on the screen or monitor, stick a post-it note on the window that shows your image.

Research around the world is growing in support of art therapy’s effectiveness with reducing symptoms of pain, anxiety, trauma and more. The Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) publishes a research journal as does the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Art therapy masters and masters-level programs, which are required to practice as an art therapist, include research classes as well as a thesis or project. Qualitative and quantitative results are available for many populations; here are links for just a few examples: children, cancer patients, adults, and the AATA has a 54-page outcomes bibliography. A Google search will bring up books and research about art therapy including general resources and for specific populations or concerns. If an evidence-based approach is important to you and you’re considering art therapy, ask the art therapist: How they support client values and expectations; about their expertise; and how they apply research findings and resources. Not unlike other psychotherapies, art therapists can work with you to develop a treatment plan with measurable goals and objectives and within a time frame based on your expectations.

With increased concern about face-to-face transmission of COVID-19, I will be offering only video sessions for adults beginning May 4th. I’ve chosen NousTalk for my practice that includes online booking, reminders, invoicing, and payment. This should make the business side of being a client easy and helpful. Video sessions offered by NousTalk are also safe, so no worries about being video bombed, hacked, or having information leaking onto the web. NousTalk’s video sessions are secure and encrypted, which also means our online sessions are covered by my liability insurance through the Canadian Art Therapy Association. Follow this link for more info: https://noustalk.com/frequently-asked-questions/

As a registered art therapist with more than eight years experience, I offer counselling through individual sessions or groups for all ages and concerns. Art therapy is a method to explore issues using the creative process that does not rely on words for someone to experience benefits.  This is especially helpful for someone who finds it difficult to explain or describe complex experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Here’s a link to articles describing the many areas art therapy brings benefits: https://arttherapy.org/upload/outcomebibliographyresearchcmte.pdf

You don’t have to be an artist to participate! There are lots of materials to choose from and I can suggest activities if you’re not sure where to begin. Individual or group sessions are available by video online and through outreach in the community.

For more information about me and my practice check out the links above, call me at 306-717-4811, or email dianne@dianneshannonarttherapy.ca….

…or click the button below to book a session