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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a counseling approach that uses art-making as a vehicle for communication and self-expression. Thoughts and feelings may be explored both visually and verbally, within the safety and trust of the therapeutic relationship. Art therapy utilizes mediums such as painting, drawing, collage and sculpture to creatively explore themes such as identity, past or present experiences, interpersonal relationships, hopes, fears, and more.

    Benefits:​

  • Does not rely on language or verbal skills

  • Focus is on process over product

  • Helps integrate both right and left brain hemispheres, helping to create new neural pathways and associations

  • Less intrusive and offers a safe way to deal with trauma 

  • Encourages creative thinking and risk-taking

  • Believes that creativity is inherently therapeutic

  • No previous art experience is required

  • MAKING ART IS FUN!

My Approach

We are all multidimensional, beautifully layered, perfectly imperfect human beings that I believe require an eclectic and multi-faceted approach to meet our diverse and evolving needs. Having said that, I draw inspiration from a person-centered approach, which is built upon the cornerstones of empathy and empowerment, believing in the intrinsic drive within each of us towards personal growth and change. I am also strengths-based, heavily focusing on the individual's internal strengths and resourcefulness. I also incorporate a trauma-sensitive lens into my work, which takes into account the neuroscience behind art-making and its integrative effect on sensory processing and the brain.

 

Perhaps most personal to me though is offering culturally-sensitive and inclusive therapy. Ethnically, I am South Asian but I was born in West Africa and grew up in Canada. I have also lived and traveled abroad and am keenly aware of the need for therapists and helping professionals to educate themselves on developing a sense of cultural sensitivity and cultural humility within their practice. And so, I prioritize staying informed and attuned to the unique cultural, religious, socioeconomic, and gender differences of the individuals that I work with as a way to to create a space that is inclusive for all.

authenticity . connection . vulnerability . growth . transformation

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