ART THERAPY — WHEN WORDS AREN'T enough.
Art Therapy + Counselling
Creative expression opens the door to insight, healing, and self-discovery.
When words fall short, art helps us speak. When you or your child are feeling disconnected or emotionally overwhelmed, therapy can help bring things back into focus. I combine clinical counselling, art therapy, sensory work, EMDR, and mindfulness to create a space that invites insight, emotional regulation, and creative expression. Art therapy is a powerful tool for emotional expression — especially for children, youth, and individuals who feel shut down, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to articulate their inner experience.
This is not about “fixing” you. It’s about reconnecting with your body, your truth, and your capacity to feel again — gently and with compassion.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Childhood and adolescence bring rapid changes that can make big emotions overwhelming. Trauma or developmental challenges may impact self-regulation, leading to anxiety or behavioural issues. Counselling and art therapy support individuals including those with neurodiversities such as ADHD and ASD, by slowing down to focus and build upon executive functioning skills such as self-regulation, impulse control, problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity in developmentally appropriate ways that cater to individual interests.
What a Session Looks Like:
- Caregiver interview
- Trust building
- Art-making
- Coping skills
- Caregiver coaching
When working with your child, I prioritize building trust and a safe, supportive space. Using age-appropriate art therapy, we gently explore the emotions behind their behaviours.
Therapy for Adults
Adults often seek support for parenting challenges, stress, burnout, anxiety, life changes, neurodiversity, trauma, and emotional well-being.
What a Session Looks Like:
- Art-making and dialogue
- Reflection and discussion
- Interpretation
- Integration
When we create, we tap into something deeper, making space to process emotions, quiet the mind, and reconnect with ourselves. With the support of counselling, you can begin to understand your thoughts and feelings in new ways, and move toward a place of clarity, compassion, and inner calm.
Through the gentle process of art-making and holistic therapy, it’s possible to ease emotional weight, shift old patterns, and begin to feel more grounded — body, heart, and mind.
Getting Started with Counselling
Frequently asked questions about Art Therapy
I'm interested in art therapy - how do I know if it's right for me?
I work from the perspective that people have the tools within themselves to heal and grow. However, when unhealthy patterns persist or the feelings of being 'stuck' or overwhelmed consume you, guidance and support may be necessary. I believe the counselling art therapy process can foster mental flexibility, relieve emotional stress, promote mindfulness and facilitate restorative practices to relieve emotional suffering. Rather than working to change or remove thoughts and emotions, we work together to notice and accept perceptions and make room for alternatives.
What can I expect during my free consultation?
A 15-minute phone, Zoom, or in-person chat to learn if I might be a good fit for you or your child’s needs.
How is art therapy different from talk therapy?
Art therapy combines creative expression (drawing, painting, etc) with conversation to explore emotions and experiences. It can be especially helpful when words are hard to find or feelings feel stuck. As a bottom-up approach to healing, creative arts therapy helps bypass the noise in our minds, allowing us to access the root of our suffering.
Do I need art skills or experience?
You do not need to have any “artistic” skill — the process itself supports insight, healing, and connection.
How do I prepare for an art therapy session?
No special preparation is needed — just come as you are, with an open mind and a willingness to explore.
How often should I attend counselling?
It depends on your needs. Adults often start weekly or biweekly, then move to monthly check-in. Children may attend weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Booking four sessions in advance is recommended for consistency and availability.
What is your confidentiality policy?
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) practicing in Sechelt, BC, I follow the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) Standards of Clinical Practice. Your personal information is handled with care — collected and used only with your informed consent, securely stored with restricted access, and shared without consent only when legally required or to prevent harm.
Am I covered by insurance?
My services are covered by many health care plans. If you have medical insurance benefits (including FNHA or Autism Funding), check your health coverage for Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
What ages can art therapy be for?
I work with individuals of all ages – children, preteens, youth, adults, and elders – offering support through every stage of life.
Does my child need to be good at art for therapy to work?
No artistic skill is needed for art therapy to be effective. Children benefit from using art as a way to express feelings and experiences that might be hard to put into words.
How do I know if my child needs counselling?
Throughout childhood and adolescence so much change is happening within that affects how we see ourselves and our place in the world. From brain development, to body growth, to being more aware of the dynamics between the self and peer and family relationships, there is a constant push and pull on the psyche. If you’re concerned or just wondering if extra support might help, reaching out for a consultation is a good first step.
How does art therapy help youth?
Art therapy gives young people a safe and creative way to express thoughts and emotions they may not yet have words for.
Will my child be able to open up to a counsellor?
Yes. My approach when working with children is to establish a relationship and create an environment that feels safe and welcoming while using art therapy techniques to explore feelings and emotions that underlie presenting behaviours.
What will my child do during a counselling session?
Your child will be invited to use creative materials (paint, markers, clay, etc) to explore thoughts and feelings in a playful, non-pressured way. Art-making helps children express what they might not yet be able to say with words. Alongside the creative process, I support your child through gentle conversation, emotional regulation strategies, and age-appropriate reflection to help them feel safe, seen, and supported.
How are parents involved in the process?
When working with parents and their children, my approach is collaborative and practical. I help to identify patterns, recognize and encourage interactions that promote both secure attachments and healthy individuals. Depending on your child’s needs and age, parent involvement may include brief updates, scheduled meetings, or collaborative sessions when appropriate.
Can I see the artwork my child creates in art therapy?
Because the art created in therapy is part of your child’s personal process, it’s treated with the same care and confidentiality as the rest of their therapeutic work. Artwork typically stays in the therapy space, but if your child chooses to share it, that choice is fully respected and supported.
MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Family Conflict
- Grief & Loss
- LGBTQ+
- Parenting
- Relationship Challenges
- School Issues
- Self Esteem
- Self Harming
- Stress & Burnout
- Trauma and PTSD
- Youth Counselling
Free Initial Consultation
15 min | no fee
Adult Sessions
$145 | 60 min
Youth Sessions
$145 | 60 min
Sibling / Family Sessions
$170 | 60 min
Reports / Letter Writing / Document Review
$25 | 15 min
School Visits / IEP Meeting Attendance
$145 | 60 min
Insurance Coverage
RCC #12514
Counselling Fees + Scheduling
Free Initial Consultation
15 min | no fee
If you're wondering whether we're a good fit, let's connect for a free 15-minute phone, Zoom, or in-person chat — I’d love to hear from you.
Adult Sessions
$145 | 60 min
Adults often start weekly or biweekly (it depends on your needs), then move to monthly check-in. Booking four sessions in advance is recommended for consistency and availability.
Child / Adolescent Sessions
$145 | 60 min
For school-aged children with social or emotional challenges, involving parents or caregivers is often helpful. Children may attend weekly, biweekly, or monthly (it depends on your needs). Booking four sessions in advance is recommended for consistency and availability.
Payment + Insurance
Payment is due at the end of each session, and a receipt will be emailed. Many extended health plans (including FNHA) cover RCC services. To get reimbursed, submit the receipt with my RCC number (#12514).
Cancellation + Scheduling
Therapy typically begins with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build a strong foundation, with monthly sessions as an option once trust and progress are established.
Please email 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule — late cancellations are subject to the full fee.