Art Therapy

Art therapy is a mental health practice that helps you express yourself and explore your emotions through creativity. It’s not just about making art—it’s about using the creative process to understand your feelings, reduce stress and anxiety, and reconnect with your sense of play and joy.

In art therapy, you can explore your personal story, gain a stronger sense of who you are, and even get your creative energy flowing when you feel stuck. No matter what artistic materials you're using, the focus is on self-expression and the healing journey, not on creating a perfect masterpiece. Through this creative process, you can discover new insights about yourself, find comfort, and build emotional resilience.

Having an artist-first perspective means that I view myself as an artist first in my approach to mental health and personal well-being. I view the world through an artist's eyes, with creativity and curiosity. Embracing an artist-first mindset means recognizing each person's uniqueness and placing art at the core of their therapeutic journey, using artistic activities as mediums for communication and reflection.

This approach empowers individuals to become the creators of their own narratives, using art as a tool for self-discovery, emotional well-being, and self-acceptance. Focusing on the transformative potential of the creative process, regardless of skill level, celebrates everyone's innate creativity and honors the distinct ways in which they express their identity. This process promotes personal growth, resilience, and a deeper connection to oneself.

Sometimes, words can't fully express what we're feeling. Art therapy lets you explore your emotions in a creative way, beyond just talking. By making art, you can connect with your inner self and understand your feelings more clearly. This helps reduce stress, build resilience, and create a positive story about your life. Art therapy helps you express yourself in a way that feels true and healing.

If you've ever thought, "I'm not an artist; I can't even draw a stick figure!" — don't worry, art therapy is still for you. Art therapy is for everyone, no matter your artistic skill. You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from it. It’s not about making something perfect; sometimes it's about ripping, smashing, splatting, and generally making a mess — overall, it's about expressing yourself. Just like decorating a room or writing in a journal, creating art is another way to show who you are. In art therapy, what you create helps you understand your feelings and reduce stress. It’s not about making something to hang in a gallery; it’s about connecting with your inner self and feeling better.

When choosing an art therapist, look for someone who has completed a master's program or equivalent graduate-level diploma in art therapy. This ensures they have the necessary training, including hands-on experience in therapy clinics or community organizations, where they’ve worked under the guidance of experienced professionals.

In Ontario, art therapists are expected to be registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). They can also be members of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, and/or the Ontario Art Therapy Association. This means that they follow strict ethical guidelines set by these organizations to ensure they provide safe and effective care.

Each art therapist will have their own unique approach and style. One of the most important aspects of to working with an art therapist is finding one that you feel comfortable with and feel will be a good fit for you. Here at Creative Way, we offer free 20 minute one-on-one introductory sessions to help you determine if you'd like to work together and answer any of your questions.

For virtual sessions, you can use any art supplies you have at home—like paper, markers, pens, or even crayons. There's no need for anything fancy. If you want to explore specific types of art, we can talk about what you’re interested in, and I can suggest materials that might work best. Many stores, including Walmart and the Dollar Store, offer a variety of supplies at very reasonable prices, so you can find what you need without spending too much.

Jodi Cooper is a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). If your extended health benefits or medical plan includes coverage for Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), your sessions may be reimbursed. Please note that psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP. Payment is required after each session, you'll receive a receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Absolutely, you can sign up for a free, one-on-one, 20-minute virtual information session. At Creative Way, we understand the importance of finding the right therapeutic fit. Our free information session offers new clients the opportunity to share their therapeutic goals, ask any questions they may have about art therapy, and learn more about how our approach can support their well-being. This session is designed to help you determine if Creative Way is the right place for your healing journey. We look forward to meeting you and exploring how we can work together to achieve your goals.

Currently, I am only accepting virtual one-on-one art therapy clients. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for in person art therapy at Creative Way, or if you would like a referral to another in-person art therapist in the Quinte area please connect with me at jodi@creativeway.ca

I currently offer in-person group sessions in partnership with community organizations in the Quinte area. Any upcoming groups will be posted on the Art Therapy information page on this website.