What do I need for a virtual art therapy session?

A private, comfortable and confidential space is important. Some people like to work at a table, on a wall, or on the floor. Prepare art materials that you are drawn to work with. It can also be helpful to have a small bowl with nature items (shells, rocks, bark, moss etc) or a living plant nearby. Some like to make tea and light a candle. A resource item such as a comforting blanket can be helpful if you feel the urge to be cozy. Routines and rituals help to ground us and support our practice during sessions.

What am I going to be talking about?

You may have specific topics you’d like support with. Other times, you may be open to exploring your art a bit deeper. You are in control; art can be activating. I will not be interpreting your art.

What do I need for an outdoor art therapy session?

Dress for the weather and your comfort. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, eye protection, sunscreen and/or clothing. Bring a water bottle. If we are working in a forested area, wear long pants and supportive footwear. Consider insect repellent on exposed areas (arms/legs). Follow tick prevention guidance. There are also natural repellents approved by Health Canada (Bite Repellent). If you have any specific mobility needs, please advise. If you have environmental allergies, please advise.

Art therapy materials can include:

• Paint: acrylic, watercolour, natural pigments + paper, canvas, sticks

• Pastels: chalk, oil

• Collage materials: magazine clippings, flyers, calendars, old cards, stickers, ticket stubs, photographs

• Textiles: felt, fabric, ribbon, old clothing, yarn, string, beads, sewing items, wool, bracelet making materials, puppet making materials

• Clay: air dry, oven-bake, earthen, homemade doughs

• Recycled materials or found objects, beach litter

• Nature materials: branches, rocks, shells, pinecones, leaves, pressed flowers, sand tray, seeds, sticks, driftwood.

• Old books, small boxes, tins, containers

• Personal objects or momentos, household items (jars, battery operated tea light candles)

• Mark making: gel pens, paint pens, chalk pens, pencil crayons, markers

• Stamps and ink, cyanotype + other dyes, block printmaking materials

• Plaster bandages (for making masks etc)

• Paper scraps and tools for paper making

• Sidewalk chalk

• Other sensory materials: dough, slime

• Various types of adhesives (glue, tapes, hot glue, mod podge, stapler)

• Reflective writing and poetry resources

What is your cancellation policy?

I require at least 24 hours notice for cancellation. If you are ill with a respiratory virus/infection or have a family emergency, please let me know so that we can reschedule your appointment. If you do not attend your appointment as planned (it happens!), I will require a cancellation fee of $100 to cover my prep and time allotment for you.

Is art therapy a replacement for other medical or mental health treatment?

No. Art therapy is often part of a treatment plan however it is not to be used in replacement of medications you have been prescribed, regular follow up visits with a care provider or other tests. I will at times make referrals to other providers with your consent. This ensures I stay within my scope of practice.

Do you keep medical records?

Yes. Health professionals are accountable to professional record keeping. All of my notes are done in an electronic medical record where they are compliant with privacy legislation and documentation standards.

Teens: “Is this private? Are you going to tell my parents what we talk about?”

For therapy to work, there needs to be a relationship of trust between the therapist and the client - details shared during sessions are not shared with a parent or adult however, there may be times when there is a risk of harm (to self or others) that parents or helpers need to know about. There may also be times that I ask your permission to discuss something with your adult; the intention is to support you. Parents are welcome to email or call to connect briefly (at no cost). To meet and discuss progress related to your child’s treatment plan, please book an appointment. My hourly rate applies to parent meetings.

Who did you train with at KATI?

In addition to a long list of bright + caring colleagues, professors and Indigenous Elders, I worked closely with academic advisors who are Registered Canadian Art Therapists. It’s important that I recognize the people that facilitated my learning and personal growth. In my first year of study, I was supervised by Nicole Le Bihan (Academic Co-Dean) and was a participant in the dreams training group with Monica Carpendale (school founder, author and Professor Emeritus). In training group, students participate in their own therapy sessions and learn from observations. In second year, I was supervised by Laura Andrew (Instructor and Clinical Supervisor) with a focus on ecological art therapy and Cathy Swanston (Clinical Supervisor) with a focus on working with children and youth. Training group in second year was anchored in trauma informed care and family systems theories with Cheryl Price (Clinical Supervisor and Instructor). Each graduate student is required to complete an art therapy capstone or thesis project. My project’s advisors were Laura Andrew (first reader) and Monica Carpendale (second reader). I attended circle each month with Cree Elder Bev Gillard.