Expressive Arts Therapy
My Vision
I believe that the arts can serve as a powerful medium for personal transformation and collective well-being and after a lifetime of experiencing the magic of art making and the healing powers of creation, I am currently undergoing training to become an Expressive Arts Therapist at Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. I understand the transformative powers of art and I am deeply committed to harnessing the wealth of experiences I have gathered through my journey with the arts to enrich my expressive arts practice and extend its healing potential to others.
My intention is to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals seeking liberation and healing through artistic expression. Through collaborative art projects, workshops, and therapeutic interventions, I aim to inspire others to delve into their imaginations, to unlock their creative potential and use it as a tool for self-discovery, emotional release, and personal growth.
Who is expressive Arts Therapy For?
Expressive arts therapy is not about making “good” art and is offered to both children, youth and adults. It can be used to help individuals express and understand their emotions and help resolve emotional conflicts. It is effective at helping people deal with trauma including anxiety, depression and grief and at developing coping skills and insights into healing.
Why Expressive Arts?
As a queer mixed race individual, I possess a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics of race, and identity and because of this I am passionate in using my unique perspective to work with folks who encounter additional challenges in their lives related to race, culture and sexuality and help them explore their emotions and challenges through artistic expression. My ambition is to offer a therapeutic space where I can acknowledge these complexities and help them explore their inner worlds in an environment that is safe, non-judgemental and culturally sensitive.
I’m excited about welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and sexual orientations, including those grappling with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. I aim to facilitate services that are geared towards those seeking to enhance their connection with happiness, wonder, and their creative faculties and rekindle their artistic expression.
Expressive Arts Modalities
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Visual Arts have always been a huge part of my life. As a child I was constantly making things and over the years art has helped me get to know myself better and feel centred. Recently I have really come to really appreciate how much liberation can come from embodying the notion that art does not have to look a certain way.
Visual art includes painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, video filmmaking and design. My practice explores the use of colour, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value to help individuals delve into their inner worlds.
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I have always been interested in music and I am learning more about creating artwork in response to music, how it can enhance sensory awareness, promote mindfulness, and further emotional expression.
Making music that is playful and imperfect and connecting more with both sounds created and sounds from nature has helped me access joy and let go of insecurities and I’m excited about bringing music and sound into my practice.
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Engaging in creative writing, storytelling, and poetry has been a transformative journey that has elevated my creative expression and played a profound role in helping me make sense of the world around me.
Discovering this powerful tool of crafting narratives and weaving words into poetry has encouraged me to help others explore the depths of their imaginations and give shape to thier thoughts and emotions.
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I have always loved to dance and I have come to appreciate further how movement and dance play integral roles in the healing process within the realm of expressive arts and have a profound impact on emotional well-being and psychological healing.
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As a child I took part in drama and theatre and really came to respect it as a wonderful modality.
Drama and theatre are vital components of expressive arts, offering a unique avenue for healing and catharsis. Through embodying characters and narratives, individuals can safely explore and release complex emotions. The collaborative nature of theatre fosters community, breaking down emotional barriers and creating a supportive environment for healing
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In my opinion, the most important modality is play and imagination.
Through play, we unleash our uninhibited exploration of ideas, while imagination lets us create worlds beyond reality. In the expressive arts realm, play and imagination team up to turn creativity into a lively adventure, encouraging risk-taking and fostering a deeper connection with our inner selves. Play and imagination not only breaks down inhibitions but also opens whimsical pathways for expressing thoughts and feelings in unique, symbolic ways. Anything could happen!