Photo of Melissa Veerasammy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in M6C, ON
Melissa Veerasammy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
Navigating life's challenges can be difficult and reaching out for support is often the hardest step. I am here to provide a “safer”, caring and supportive space to you in your mental health journey. I step into the therapeutic space as a woman of colour and a psychotherapist. I recognize how the systems we exist in influence our lives and experiences. My approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and anti-oppressive. In our sessions, I encourage exploration, offer support, and nurture fresh perspectives through gentle and creative methods.
Navigating life's challenges can be difficult and reaching out for support is often the hardest step. I am here to provide a “safer”, caring and supportive space to you in your mental health journey. I step into the therapeutic space as a woman of colour and a psychotherapist. I recognize how the systems we exist in influence our lives and experiences. My approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and anti-oppressive. In our sessions, I encourage exploration, offer support, and nurture fresh perspectives through gentle and creative methods.
(289) 801-8106 View (289) 801-8106
Photo of Charmaine Johnson, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in M6C, ON
Charmaine Johnson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C  (Online Only)
Holistic Well-being / Career Counselling / Hypnotherapy ... As a culturally competent Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the cultural nuances that influence the Black/BIPOC community in the GTA. From personal struggles to intercultural dynamics, intergenerational matters, workplace/educational hurdles, systemic barriers, and micro-aggressions — these factors influence how you perceive yourself and your role within society. While the majority of my clients are from the African diaspora, I’m happy to meet with anyone who wants to share their story with me and welcome me as a supportive member of your village.
Holistic Well-being / Career Counselling / Hypnotherapy ... As a culturally competent Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the cultural nuances that influence the Black/BIPOC community in the GTA. From personal struggles to intercultural dynamics, intergenerational matters, workplace/educational hurdles, systemic barriers, and micro-aggressions — these factors influence how you perceive yourself and your role within society. While the majority of my clients are from the African diaspora, I’m happy to meet with anyone who wants to share their story with me and welcome me as a supportive member of your village.
(647) 496-1166 View (647) 496-1166
Photo of The Counselling Group, Psychologist in M6C, ON
The Counselling Group
Psychologist, MSW RSW, PhD, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
Our Masters/PhD level certified and experienced mental health professionals at The Counselling Group provide psychological assessments as well as a full range of psychotherapy, counselling and support services for children, adolescents, and adults. We offer individual, couple, family & group counselling tailored to support positive, meaningful change and growth in your life. During your free phone consultation, we will carefully match you with one of our 40 counsellors, based on your needs and availability. Our services are offered in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and several other languages.
Our Masters/PhD level certified and experienced mental health professionals at The Counselling Group provide psychological assessments as well as a full range of psychotherapy, counselling and support services for children, adolescents, and adults. We offer individual, couple, family & group counselling tailored to support positive, meaningful change and growth in your life. During your free phone consultation, we will carefully match you with one of our 40 counsellors, based on your needs and availability. Our services are offered in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and several other languages.
(343) 944-4889 View (343) 944-4889

See more therapy options for M6C


Expressive Arts Counsellors

What happens in expressive arts therapy?

In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.

How long does expressive arts therapy take?

An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.

How does expressive arts therapy help children?

Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.

What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?

Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.