This group is in person in Guelph Ontario. Participants are screened to determine if they are group-ready.

This group is focused on people who want to process traumatic events, in particular abuse and are seeking a safe space to share with a small group, gain grounding tools and a creative outlet for their lived experiences and emotions.

People who participate in this group do not need to be artistic or have skills in artmaking. Art therapy is simply a tool for expression.

This group is for adults who desire a combination of art therapy and psychotherapy for PTSD support:

  • Gain creative tools to help with nervous system regulation.
  • Finding positive coping tools for a fight, flight and freeze response
  • Be part of a positive and supportive art therapy group.
  • Discover positive coping tools and enhance creativity.
  • Work with a different and creative approach to therapy.
  • Participate in self-exploration and discovery.
  • Learn creative ways to manage stress and anxiety.
  • Tapping into inner body wisdom using art materials.

Details of the sessions

Creative Trauma Healing Circle runs once a week for six weeks. Each session is 2.5 hours and is limited to eight participants. The facilitator is Heather Caruso, a Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist. Art supplies will be provided.

At the beginning of each session, we do an introduction and check-in to see how people are feeling and how things sat from the week before. During each session, we are offered a safe space for sharing and suggestions are made for art therapy exercises. It is a combination of traditional art therapy techniques and trauma counselling, grounding techniques and mindfulness.

In each session, participants take approximately 45 minutes to create artwork. Once the creation is finished, each person has an opportunity to talk about their art and what it means to them. Then I ask clarifying questions as an art therapist and psychotherapist. The group has a chance to ask questions and share their observations about the art.

The fee for six sessions is $290.00 plus HST.

Insurance plans may cover a registered psychotherapist, check your plan.

Upcoming dates: Monday May 15th, 7-9:30pm. It runs weekly for six weeks and finishes on June 19th.

Note: Participants who join should do so if they are committed to attending all six sessions for group flow. If you cannot commit to all six sessions, we suggest considering one on one art therapy rather than groups.

Refund policy: Workshop refunds are available with two or more weeks' notice, prior to the group start date. Missed sessions or late cancellation notices are not eligible for reimbursement.

Space is limited. For more information reach out today.