Art as Therapy
Catherine is a certified Art Therapy Practitioner and combines decades of expertise in communications, with studies and interest in human psychology, expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and her passion for the arts, in one-to-one and group sessions to help people of all ages, stages, and abilities, communicate, find self worth, build self esteem, connect with their feelings and emotions, process trauma, and practice mindfulness, through artistic expression. Her accreditation is recognized by the IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine), CMA (Complementary Medical Association), the Center of CPD Excellence, and the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP).
Art can be a therapeutic tool in helping people manage and overcome many conditions, including anxiety and depression. Through participation, reflection, discussion, and understanding of their artwork, clients gain insight into their feelings and discover art as a tool for coping, communication, increased happiness, improved self confidence, relaxation, better health, and enhanced quality of life.
Catherine has shared her passion for art as a therapeutic tool with individuals
including those with/affected by:
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ADHD
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Abuse (physical/sexual/psychological/narcissistic)
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Anxiety
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Autism (children, youth, and adults)
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Communication challenges and disorders
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Chronic illness/chronic pain
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Depression
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Developmental disabilities
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Grief recovery
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Human Trafficking
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Life transitions
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Low self-esteem/self confidence
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Individuals with PTSD and ready to explore
the therapeutic benefits of art participation -
Mental health conditions
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Stress
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Seniors (loneliness, dementia, self worth, depression)
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Relationship issues
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Terminal illness
No prior art experience is required to participate; clients are encouraged to use a variety of materials and to focus on exploring feelings and emotions through the process of creation.
Individual sessions (50 minutes) are available (location: midtown Toronto or your location in Toronto). Most clients begin with a weekly session.
Group facilitation may be possible upon request.
Client confidentiality is always maintained but with client/family consent, participation and progress can be shared with a client's clinical team (if applicable).
Sessions are paid for by the client. Receipts provided following each session.
For more information or to book sessions, please use the contact button below.
Catherine was wonderful to work with. This was our agency's first art expression group, and Catherine's kindness, warmth, and expertise, was incredible. Catherine is a very talented artist and created an environment where participants could creatively express themselves
-- Victim Services Toronto
"It has been incredible to watch the growth of each participant by giving them a space for creativity and healing. Your (Catherine's) patience and encouragement have been so meaningful and we are so grateful!"
-- Emma and Maya, Victim Services Toronto
“It’s not about being good at creativity, it’s about creativity being good for you.”
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
– Pablo Picasso
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton
“Art speaks where words are unable to explain.” – Pam Holland
“Art is the activity by which a person, having experienced an emotion, intentionally transmits it to others.”
– Leo Tolstoy
“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”
– Georgia O’Keefe
“If an art installation gets a patient out of his room or paintings take a person’s mind off their pain and lower their stress levels, the art isn’t just decorative anymore. It’s part of the entire model of care.” – Dr. Lisa Harris
“Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.”– Eileen Miller
"One can use the tools of brush, paint, pastels, crayons etc to expose and even for a short time color those issues in a different light.” – George E. Miller
