Art Therapy
Where Creativity Meets Healing
Emotional Expression
Art therapy offers a space to express deep emotions that words can’t always capture.
Enhanced Communication
Art therapy offers a voice to those who struggle to express themselves verbally.
Stress Reduction
Creative activities offer calm and clarity, supporting your mental and emotional well-being.
A Creative Way to Heal
Self-Discovery Through Art Therapy
Art Therapy at VMA Psych uses guided creative expression to support emotional health and build coping skills in a safe space. Led by certified therapists, it’s ideal for all ages—especially those who struggle to express themselves verbally. No art experience needed, just a willingness to explore.
DEFINITION
What Is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as a primary tool for emotional expression, insight, and healing. Sessions are led by licensed Art Therapists who are trained in both psychology and creative techniques to support emotional regulation, trauma processing, and personal growth. At VMA Psych, our Art Therapy sessions can stand alone or be integrated with other forms of counselling to create a tailored, holistic care plan.
Art Therapy Can Help With
Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
Depression or low self-esteem
Trauma and PTSD
Grief and loss
ADHD, Autism, and sensory processing differences
Emotional regulation challenges
Family conflict or social difficulties
Identity and self-expression
How it Works
1
Free Intake Call: We’ll learn more about your goals and match you with an Art Therapist
4
Creative Exploration: Engage in structured or spontaneous art-making designed to express emotion, build skills, or process experience
2
Initial Sessions: Your first appointment is all about comfort: getting to know your therapist and what to expect
5
Verbal Integration: Talk through your experience, uncover insights, and connect creative work to real-life challenges
3
Goal Setting: Collaboratively define emotional or behavioural goals you’d like to work on through art
6
Ongoing Support: Sessions evolve as you grow, whether that means trauma work, emotional regulation, or self-esteem building.
How it Works
1
Free Intake Call: We’ll learn more about your goals and match you with an Art Therapist
2
Initial Sessions: Your first appointment is all about comfort: getting to know your therapist and what to expect
3
Goal Setting: Collaboratively define emotional or behavioural goals you’d like to work on through art
4
Creative Exploration: Engage in structured or spontaneous art-making designed to express emotion, build skills, or process experience
5
Verbal Integration: Talk through your experience, uncover insights, and connect creative work to real-life challenges
6
Ongoing Support: Sessions evolve as you grow, whether that means trauma work, emotional regulation, or self-esteem building.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Therapeutic Support and Insight
Guided emotional exploration and verbal processing with a licensed Art Therapist.
Diverse Creative Mediums
Engage with drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and more.
Safe, Creative Expression
A welcoming, judgment-free space to explore emotions through various art mediums.
Who Is Art Therapy For?
Art Therapy is ideal for individuals who:
Struggle to open up through traditional talk therapy
Don’t have the language skills to express themselves fully with words
Are navigating anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm
Want to explore self-expression and identity in a creative way
Benefit from sensory-based or hands-on activities
Are neurodivergent or processing complex emotions
This modality is particularly effective for children and teens, but adults of all ages benefit, too. Art Therapy is offered one-on-one, with family members, or as part of a broader care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during an art therapy session with VMA Psych?
In each 50-minute session, you'll engage in creative activities guided by our licensed Art Therapist, Laurel Choat, using art to explore emotions and experiences in a therapeutic setting.
Are the art supplies provided for in-person art therapy sessions at VMA Psych?
Yes, all necessary art supplies are provided by VMA Psych for your session, allowing you to fully immerse in the creative process without any concerns.
How do I book an art therapy session at VMA Psych in Toronto?
Contact VMA Psych to schedule your art therapy session. Our staff will guide you through the booking process to find a time that suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during an art therapy session with VMA Psych?
In each 50-minute session, you'll engage in creative activities guided by our licensed Art Therapist, Laurel Choat, using art to explore emotions and experiences in a therapeutic setting.
Are the art supplies provided for in-person art therapy sessions at VMA Psych?
Yes, all necessary art supplies are provided by VMA Psych for your session, allowing you to fully immerse in the creative process without any concerns.
How do I book an art therapy session at VMA Psych in Toronto?
Contact VMA Psych to schedule your art therapy session. Our staff will guide you through the booking process to find a time that suits you best.
