Art Therapy in West Toronto, Toronto, ON

Life can often feel chaotic. The reality is that changes are presented to us outside of our control and we find ourselves faced with the task of making decisions and choices that will decide the course of our future. These untimely decisions and choices can leave us feeling bewildered and disoriented. To complicate things further, we can find ourselves stuck in emotional and behavioural patterns that inhibit and hold us back from making the decisions we would like to or that would be best for us. Sometimes it’s difficult to even know what we would like to do or what is best for us. What should you aim towards?

Hi there, I am a Child, Youth & Family Therapist (RSW)/Paediatric specialist offering therapy to children & their families regarding child social, emotional & behavioural challenges & complex family dynamics. I use of creative methods (movement, art , music, play, sandtray) to supplement evidence based Cognitive Behavioural & Dialectical Behavioural Therapy approaches. *Not a general therapist- services are very specialized to children's needs and attunement to their attachment & relationships are incorporated into the therapy sessions. *IN PERSON SESSIONS OFFERED *MSW, RSW - Covered by insurance

I am dedicated to the emotional well being of youth, children and their families and to help them find the equilibrium that respects everyone's needs, temperament, developmental stage and aspirations. I use a wide range of approaches tailored to the child and family such as play therapy, art therapy , narrative and solution focused approaches, mindfulness, parent-child attachment and positive behavioural support strategies.

Sometimes life gets difficult. You don’t have to weather the storm alone! I support individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, mood disorders, relationship and family issues and grief and loss. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. I work relationally and strive to create a compassionate therapeutic environment that is always judgement free. Starting therapy can often feel daunting, overwhelming and uncomfortable. I am here to support you as you lean into those places of discomfort in order to better understand your emotions, experiences and coping mechanisms.

For over 15 years, I have practiced psychotherapy and art therapy , and have 20 years of experience as an art facilitator. I enjoy working with a variety of people, including children, adolescents, adults, seniors, people with physical disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual / developmental disabilities and mental health issues. I enjoy both individual work and facilitating groups.

website: www.acornandanchor.com - I am the founder/clinical director at Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre. I have nearly 30 years of professional experience and I provide training and mentoring to a team of therapists at the Centre. We specialize in work with those who identify as neurodiverse or GTIm -(Gifted/2e, talented, Intense-minded), ADHD, trauma, mental health, & other issues, including kids and teens. My wait list is 3-6 months, but please contact us or check our website for therapists at the Centre! If you contact us via Psych. Today, PLEASE check all email folders (SPAM etc.) for replies from acornandanchor.com

I truly believe that everyone has his/her path in life and ability to walk it. I think that Life is an amazing journey. My role is to assist with navigation. I can help finding the tools to move forward or accompany a person along the way. I believe in our incredible passion for life and creative potential for fulfillment. "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become" these words belong to Carl G. Jung. I choose to be a social worker, a psychotherapist and a resilient person.

We enter psychotherapy for a wide variety of reasons: The death or loss of a loved one, illness, job loss, divorce, addiction, etc., but all of us seek help because we are trying to find a better way to deal with the reality we are facing. My job as a psychotherapist is to help you talk about your emotions and reactions in a safe environment, figure out where these emotions and reactions are coming from, observe whether your reactions produce the desired outcomes and, discover new ways to react, if that would produce more desirable outcomes

My passion is to engage with clients who are struggling with mental health issues and for which traditional talk therapy may not be the most helpful modality. As a certified professional art therapist, I seek to help my client find meaning, purpose, and ultimately their inner voice through the creative process. A client may come into art therapy seeking relief from a variety of issues but later find that they can oftentimes find wisdom from within. Art therapy can jog such a process where words sometimes fail. The goal of my practice is to cultivate and nurture this inner voice, and so help my client to develop greater confidence.

In my private practice as an expressive arts therapist I use the arts along with conversation and reflection, to help clients get ‘unstuck,’ uncover resources for change and growth, live with suffering when necessary and celebrate the joy of life as we humans always have -- by making meaning through making art . Increasingly, I also draw on Internal Family Systems (working with our "parts") to support and inform a safe and effective healing environment. I work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, creative blocks, eating disorders, physical illness, grief, trauma and sexual abuse.

Our therapists often hear from clients who say, "I'm aware of what I need to do, but I struggle to take action." This sentiment may resonate with you. It's normal to feel unsure and anxious during times of crisis, family conflict, relationship issues, or any significant life changes. However, if these emotions hinder your progress, ignoring them won't make them go away. It's crucial to acknowledge your fears, pinpoint their origins, and take proactive steps to overcome them for your well-being.

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Can't stop thinking about the past or catastrophizing the future? I can help you overcome your anxiety or depression. I also work with clients who are experiencing relationship difficulties, trauma, insomnia or specific phobias. My goal is never to change who YOU are but help YOU change how you respond to your environment and to practice self-compassion/acceptance. I won't ask you to do anything that I haven't tried myself or isn't backed by scientific research. Finding the right therapist is the first step, book a free meet and greet to see if we're the right fit for one another!

If you struggle with never feeling good enough, perfectionism, or frequent burnout from people pleasing, you’re not alone. Maybe you grew up playing the role of a scapegoat or golden child, or often felt invisible. If you find yourself repeating these patterns as an adult, I’m here to help. Some things we may explore include: identifying bottled up feelings or unmet needs, understanding what motivates you to behave or think in certain ways, and letting go of what no longer serves you. This work makes it possible for you to heal old wounds, end painful cycles, enjoy more satisfying relationships, and make way for your authentic self.

"Self- love is doing the work we need to do to be free"- Yung Pueblo. I have experience working with opening creative blockages, survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse such as sexual assault and domestic violence, adults with a history of child-hood sexual abuse, people with diagnoses of post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post- traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). I can help with sleep issues, anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief & loss, stress related to chronic illness such as multiple chemical sensitivities, persistent feelings of sadness and feeling a lack of meaning and joy in life.