Art Therapy
Art therapy in Victoria BC is a therapeutic modality that uses creative expression as a way of exploring thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
Sessions are available in person in Victoria and online across British Columbia.
Art Therapy Offers Another Way In
For many people, talking alone does not always capture the full complexity of grief, loss, or emotional experience. Art therapy can offer a gentler, more indirect way of approaching what feels heavy, tender, or hard to name.
Creative expression may support moments of reflection, emotional awareness, or grounding when words feel limited or overwhelming. Art therapy is always offered with care and intention, and is incorporated into counselling sessions only when it feels supportive and appropriate for you.
UNDERSTANDING ART THERAPY
Curiosity, Not Performance
Art therapy invites curiosity rather than performance. You do not need to consider yourself creative, and there is no expectation to produce a finished piece or to share more than feels right. Simple materials and processes are used to support reflection and expression, without pressure or judgment.
Expression Beyond Words
Creative expression can allow emotions, memories, or bodily sensations to surface in ways that feel less direct than conversation. For some, this creates a sense of distance and safety. For others, it offers access to feelings that words have not yet reached. There is no single way art therapy is meant to work.
Supportive in Grief and Loss
Art therapy can be particularly supportive in grief and loss work, where experiences may feel fragmented, overwhelming, or difficult to articulate. It may support moments of connection, meaning-making, and gentle exploration alongside sorrow, at a pace that feels respectful.
How Art Therapy May Be Used in Counselling
Art therapy is always offered collaboratively. Together, we decide whether and how creative processes are included in our work. You are free to decline, pause, or shift away from art-based approaches at any time.
In sessions, art-making may be used to explore emotions, relationships, identity, or changes brought on by loss. Sometimes the focus is on the process itself rather than the image that is created. At other times, artwork becomes a starting point for reflection and conversation.
Art therapy may also support nervous system regulation through grounding, sensory engagement, or moments of rest from verbal processing. These approaches are introduced gently and with care, always respecting your pace and boundaries.
My approach to art therapy is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in respect for your lived experience. Art therapy is not used to analyze or interpret you, but to support understanding and self-awareness in ways that feel accessible and meaningful.
What to Expect in Sessions
You Set the
Rhythm
Art therapy sessions move at your pace. There is no pressure to create, share, or go deeper than feels safe. You can slow things down, take pauses, or shift focus at any time. Your comfort, readiness, and boundaries guide the work.
A Supportive Environment
Sessions are held in a calm, respectful space where care, consent, and emotional safety come first. Art materials are offered simply and without expectation. You are never evaluated or interpreted — the focus is on support, not performance.
Responsive and Flexible
Each session responds to what you are carrying that day. Some sessions may include art-making, others may remain conversational. Together, we follow what feels most supportive in the moment, allowing space for grief, reflection, or grounding as needed.
When you're ready, I'm here
Let’s work together to begin your healing journey today.
