Question 1

How do I know if I can benefit from expressive art therapy?

Accepted Answer

EXA therapists use a “low-skill high-sensitivity” approach. This means that clients do not have to be artists or have any particular artistic ability; they can become sensitive to whatever they are experiencing, whether they are engaged in play, movement, vocal expression, sound-making, work with colours and shapes, dramatic action and other forms of expression. The EXA therapist sensitizes her clients to the materials they are using and helps them to engage creatively in whatever medium they choose.

Question 2

What is expressive arts therapy? How is it different from Art Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Expressive arts therapy involves more modalities. While Art Therapy is primarily orientated around visuals arts, expressive arts therapy incorporates all art modalities (drama, dancing, movement, sound, play, painting, drawing etc).

Question 3

What kind of art will we create together?

Accepted Answer

Each person and each session is so unique, but these are a few of the types of artworks that we could make together: Collages, drawings, paintings, installation art, clay sculptures, etc.

Question 4

I’m not an artist, can I still participate?"

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, expressive arts therapy is based on the principle of “low skill, high sensitivity”. Meaning no skill is required.

Question 5

Do I get to keep the artwork that I create?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to keep anything that you create during our time together. I can also store it for you if it is something that you would like to keep but either don’t have the space, or perhaps are wanting to work on it further.

Question 6

Do you provide the art materials needed for our sessions?

Accepted Answer

For in person sessions I provide all the art supplies. For online sessions I would connect with the individual or group to find out about what supplies they have access to and plan accordingly.

Question 7

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This is completely dependent on the individual, and the realities of their life story. As trauma is something that lives in the body, it is not possible to make timelines. Only to continue to check in and ensure the individuals needs are being met. That being said, a goal in the work that I do with individuals and families is always to move towards people tapping into their own creative process and eventually getting to a point where they no longer need my services to facilitate this process.

Question 8

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I require 24 hours notice for family or individual sessions. If adequate warning is not given the individual will be expected to pay in full. 
 
For workshop cancellation the cancellation policy goes as follows:
14 days (prior to workshop date)- full refund
7 days (prior to workshop date)- 50% is refunded
Less than 7 days- no refund issued

Question 9

Why do you offer workshops that are not a part of your therapy services?

Accepted Answer

There have been a lot of people who have approached me about what expressive arts is. Oftentimes they are quick to compare it to a “paint night” or a mandala book. Both wonderful things, and vastly different from the expressive arts process that I have come to know through my years of training at CREATE institute as well as my experience working in the field. I decided to develop these workshops alongside my therapy services to cater to those who may be curious about expressive arts but not necessarily wanting therapy services.

Frequently Asked Questions