Expressive Arts Therapist

I am an Expressive Arts Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

My CRPO registrant number is 21697.

Photography by Kelsey Narayan

My Approach

Photography by Kelsey Narayan

What is Expressive Arts Therapy and who is it for?

Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) is a form of therapy which integrates creative expression to explore emotions, process experiences, foster self-awareness, spark creativity, and promote personal growth and healing.

Expressive Arts Therapists are professionally trained to use an intermodal approach, using multiple forms of creative expression including visual arts, creative writing, drama and role-play, movement, music, sound, and more as a therapeutic process.

Expressive Arts Therapy is open to anyone and everyone who is interested in exploring personal growth through creativity. You don’t have to be an artist or have any experience with the arts, as the focus is on the process rather than the end-product. The process is about expressing yourself and exploring your inner world while building connections to your external world.

The therapist guides the client in using art forms to:

Express feelings that are hard to verbalize
Enhance mindfulness, presence, and emotional regulation
Explore memories, trauma, or internal conflicts
Access the unconscious mind through symbolic expression
Tap into creativity as a source of resilience and healing

Getting Started

If you are beginning expressive arts therapy with myself, I currently offer both online and in-person sessions.

My Rate

My rate is $160.00 per hour for both in-person and online sessions.

This can be covered my most insurance companies which cover psychotherapy services.

I do offer a sliding scale for those in need. If this rate presents a financial barrier, I am happy to discuss alternate rates if needed.

In-person sessions

I offer in-person sessions at Rooted in Counselling in Bracebridge, Ontario.

8A Ontario Street,
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2A7

I currently have sessions available on Mondays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and on Thursdays from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.

Note: I will be away for 3 weeks in August, travelling overseas.

Sessions are available the first week in August and then starting again the first week of September.

I can be contacted for these sessions at shawnalee@rootedincounselling.ca

Online Sessions

I offer online sessions via Zoom on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a flexible schedule.

You will first want to ensure that you have a reliable device with a functioning camera, microphone and speaker, so that we can see, hear and speak to each other. You will also need a reliable internet connection.

I would recommend finding a quiet and private space as you will be engaging in a therapeutic process. While this process can be fun, liberating, and relaxing, it can also be difficult, challenging or even emotionally painful. You want to ensure your comfort and privacy during therapy.

Because we’re doing expressive arts therapy, you’ll want to have some supplies to engage in the process. I always recommend discount variety stores, as they have an abundance of art supplies for a fair price.

Things you might consider having available during session:

*Journal and writing materials

*loose paper, different sizes, colours, textures

*crayons, markers, pencil crayons

*glue stick, liquid glue, scissors

*paint and paint brushes

*finger paint

*musical instruments

*open space where you can explore movement

Of course you don’t need to have all of these available for each session. These are just ideas.

We can work with whatever you have available. You’re in control of your therapy session.

My Experience

In my personal life, I have used expressive arts to connect with and engage older adults living with Dementia and/or memory loss. Through simple art-making, music, storytelling, and sensory-based activities, I witnessed how creative expression helped spark memories, increase emotional connection, and create moments of joy and presence. I am very interested in bringing this experience to a professional environment.

Professionally, as an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have worked with both children and adults. In my practice with adults, I have supported survivors of childhood sexual violence as well as survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Through trauma-informed, creative approaches, I support clients in rebuilding a sense of safety, self-trust, and empowerment.

With children, my work has primarily involved supporting those who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, as well as children navigating illness, grief, and loss. Through developmentally appropriate expressive arts interventions including art, play, movement and story-telling, I supported children in expressing complex emotions, processing their experiences, and strengthening their sense of agency and voice.

These areas are central to my professional experience: working with individuals who have experienced violence, and working with those coping with grief, loss, or illness. I feel a strong personal and professional connection to supporting these populations, as my own healing journey has shaped the development of practical and effective therapeutic tools. I am confident in my ability to provide meaningful and competent support to these individuals.

While this has been the primary focus of my work, I remain open to serving and supporting people from other backgrounds and experiences.

What’s in my tool box?

· Expressive Arts modalities including painting, drawing, sculpture, writing, journalling, poetry, drama, costume, role-play, movement, sound, and music

· Anti-oppressive, culturally aware, sensitive and humble; socially conscious therapeutic practice

· Trauma-informed therapeutic practices that prioritize safety, consent, and pacing

· Emotional processing and reflective exploration of experiences and feelings

· Grounding and earth-connected awareness practices

· Somatic and body-centered awareness work, including somatic experiencing and gentle body-based exploration

· Breath work to support emotional regulation and grounding

· Empowerment-focused practices that help build self-compassion, self-love, and confidence

· Narrative and meaning-making approaches to help clients understand their experiences

· Goal setting, planning, and action-oriented supportGoal setting, planning, and action-oriented support

Professional Memberships and Consultation

I am a member of Psychology Today and OEATA, Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association. You can find my profiles on both of their sites. I have a link to my Psychology Today profile on my Connection and Offerings page. Please check it out!

I offer free consultations which can last between 15 minutes and 30 minutes.

I welcome you to get in touch and explore the possibility of working together, towards your goals, your peace and personal growth.

Fees

My standard rate for both children and adults is $150 per hour in total.

I do offer a sliding scale. I have 6 sliding scale spots. The sliding scale goes down to $60 per hour. This means the individual can choose the price they feel comfortable paying that is between $150 and $60 per hour.

I am able to provide services to clients with extended health benefits and insurance that includes psychotherapy.

Payments can be made by e-transfer to slc.exat@gmail.com

International clients can use PaySend to send payments.

Check out and Follow my Creative Wellness Instagram:

HEAL: Home of Expressive Arts and Love, where I share creative projects from my personal practice and selected creative experiences from clients, always with their consent. Through art, movement, and expression, I aim to support healing, wellbeing, and meaningful connection. My page reflects both my professional work as an Expressive Arts Therapist and my personal creative journey, offering a space that is welcoming, reflective, and rooted in compassion.

http://www.instagram.com/homeofexpressiveartsandlove