"You use a glass mirror to see your face. You use works of art to see your soul." 
George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright and critic

What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy is rooted in curiosity, awareness, experimentation and play. We notice what arises in the present moment and follow it without judgment about skill or talent.

In the Expressive Arts studio, we can explore many art modalities, depending on what the client is drawn to, including painting, drawing, clay, sculptural installation, natural materials,  storytelling, movement and walking, theatre, poetry, journaling and dream work. We often work intermodally, weaving from one art practice into another. Sometimes, we might just talk. 

Through creative expression, individuals may discover new ways to tell their stories, unearth resources, and develop healthier ways to navigate the world.  

Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy in Schools

In the school setting, Expressive Arts Therapy can bring students together to explore how they relate to each other and their environments. This work encourages self-expression, collaboration, and recognition of physical and emotional boundaries. Through art-making and play, students learn to notice and shape their reactions and responses in the present moment, develop skills in communication and problem solving, co-create strong peer communities, and practice their unique personal resources to help them feel more engaged, playful, calm or energized.