Art and play are often the languages that children use to express themselves authentically – images serve to express more than they are able to communicate verbally, and toys and puppets within play become the tools for self-expression. Utilizing art therapy as an intervention for children matches these languages, and allows for the unique needs of each child to be met.
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The child client is the leader of the therapy space, where for each 50 minute session, he or she chooses the avenue for expression, be it art materials, toys, a game, or combination. By working in this client-centred way, I have the opportunity to meet and accept the child exactly where he or she is, and work to develop a feeling of safety, unconditional acceptance, and trust. For a child, who often does not have a great sense of control in her or his world, the therapy space becomes one of empowerment, safety, and playful expression. Establishing this therapeutic relationship and safety, allows for vulnerable emotions and experiences to be expressed, and for healing to happen.​
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Aligning with parents of child clients is important in helping to extend the therapy work beyond the therapy time and space. Parent meetings are scheduled approximately every 4-5 sessions to discuss goals, progress, strategies for home and school, and are an opportunity for parents to update the therapist on changes happening in the client's world. These meetings are 50 minutes in length.
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If you feel that psychotherapy or art therapy may be a positive fit for your child, please contact me for more information and to share about your child. I look forward to connecting with you.
Grace: A group for women seeking a safe space for authenticity, community, creativity, and connection.
​​The Grace Group in its essence, is a safe space of grace, the in-between space that allows one to not have it all figured out, to wonder, explore, ask questions, share emotions, and be authentic, despite the beautiful mess that it can often be. ​The name itself was inspired by a quote by Kristin Lohr, as she shares:
"Growth is uncomfortable because you've never been here before - you've never been this version of you. So give yourself a little grace, and breathe through it."
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What makes this space safe is that it is a non-judgemental one, meaning that women can attend and express themselves exactly as they are, without needing to justify or fit themselves into a certain box or role.
There is a different art directive offered for each group. The activity itself will always connect to the group's essence, linking to themes such as self-compassion, seasons of life, expression, and the personal self. The reason artmaking is the focus of the groups is that creating art together allows us not only to connect with our inner self on a deeper level, but also allows us to connect with others, as within each group, there will be the option to share and witness others' creations. The goal is to create art for the self, so there is no wrong creation, and absolutely no art experience is required to attend.​
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The Grace Group is for adult women of all ages, in all seasons of life - whether this is going off to university, getting married, divorced, beginning a new career, starting a new chapter, a place of joy, transition, confusion, or being stuck. Our own selves and our fellow women have so much wisdom, courage, and validation to share. If you are looking for a safe space to give yourself grace and gather in the presence of fellow supportive women, we would love for you to join us.
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Each group will be different in nature, so you are welcome to attend as many as you like, yet you do not need to attend the group prior in the series to join us for the next one. Registration and individual payment are required to attend each group, so please get in touch with myself to ask any questions, and/or secure your space.
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Email - jtsarttherapy@gmail.com
Phone - 647-990-7692
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