Individual Sessions Offer Privacy And One On One Attention
My clients typically come to me for one-on-one therapy sessions, seeking support for one of the four issues: anxiety, depression, trauma /PTSD, or grief and loss. Many of my adult clients are empathic, spiritual women who have a desire to create positive change in their lives despite their childhood or traumatic experiences. The children and teens I see often want support with anxiety, stress, loss, and parental separation.
Is Individual Therapy For Me?
Participating in individual sessions with me may be for you if you are experiencing emotional challenges, need to talk about something bothering you and/or your past, or have long-term mental health challenges. You want to quiet your negative thoughts. You just want to feel like your old self again.
At Art Therapy Guelph, we collaborate with you to decide which therapy best suits your needs. You may prefer talk therapy or art therapy sessions. One on one therapy offers more privacy and time dedicated to your healing with the therapist.
Imagine being able to work through your issues in a gentle and creative way. Art therapy sessions can be done with all ages, adults, children, and teens. Artmaking with me does not require artistic talent. It is simply about freedom of expression using any colors or art materials you see fit.
Inside Our Sessions
During our one-on-one therapy sessions, we focus your goals and concerns. The first session is an hour and a half and follow-ups are 50 minutes long. A session typically goes like this: I check in to see how you are feeling and what you want to work on. Once you decide what issues you want to work on, we collaborate on therapy tools best address your needs. I respect your need to address things at your own pace, your individuality and values. After discussion, clients chose what type of therapy they prefer, talk or art therapy.
If you chose art therapy, I may suggest a directed art exercise or free expression. Don't worry, I am there for guidance if you have questions about art materials. You chose whatever art media, colours, textures or images you wish. We work together using a blend of various psychotherapy approaches (see my approach below) with creative artmaking. You spend some time creating art and then we will discuss what your art creation means to you. By discussing the art we gain insight in to your thoughts, emotions and experience which fuels further discussion and potential coping techniques offered.
If you chose talk therapy and/or brainspotting, together we openly discuss your feelings, experiences and emotions. As the therapist, I may offer observations, guidance and structure to best support your safe healing journey.
My Approach
My approaches to support include Art Therapy, Brainspotting, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Trauma Counseling and/or Internal Family Systems. Art helps with self discovery, exploration, expression, understanding and soothing. I use art to enhance creative expression, discussion and support people in a way that is gentle, effective and fun.
Discussing Your Art Expression and What it Means to You
After the art is finished, I take out time for personal counseling services to discuss your art and what it means to you. Often my clients are surprised at what comes out in their creations. For example, there may be tears, laughter, and past stories that show up. Sometimes it can help a client identify limiting beliefs and thought patterns. During this time educational information or coping techniques may be shared. My goal is that we use our time to help you work through and understand your life experiences and emotions. In our work together, there are opportunities to unpack things that are bothering you, for personal growth and deeper learning, creativity, and understanding of oneself.
Online Or In-Person
Sessions can be in person or online. If you do in person sessions and want art therapy, all art materials are supplied. If you choose to do online art therapy sessions, you require a tablet, phone or computer with a camera and speakers, a stable internet connection with our suggested app, a private, quiet area with a workspace and your art supplies handy. Art supplies should be pencils, pencil crayons, markers, acrylic or watercolor paints and brushes, air dry clay and or play dough, magazines, glue and scissors (for collage) and pastels. An art journal, 9 x 12 inches with thick paper is useful, however paper can be larger up to 22 x 28 inches.
Fees And Insurance
Some insurance companies provide coverage for a registered psychotherapist. Please check your plan to determine if you have coverage. For those who are covered, we provide a receipt and you will submit it to your insurance provider for reimbursement. A one-on-one session is $160.00.
If you are interested in becoming a client, please book a get-acquainted chat with Heather. It is a complementary session that you can book by clicking the book now button.