Therapy Toronto Free Directory
Lois Messinger M.A. expressive arts therapist,
graduate of ISIS Canada, clinical member, Ontario Society of Psychotherapists
Thornhill, also serving North York, Newmarket and Richmond Hill
Telephone: (416) 410-9426, loismessinger@rogers.com.
Lois works with adults, children and adolescents on these and other issues:
creative blocks, relationships, social relationships, parenting, stress, anxiety and
depression, overcoming trauma, childhood and family of origin issues, adult children of
alcoholics issues, and alcohol abuse.
Samantha Sherer BFA is a certified Arts-based Psychotherapist with the OACCPP and a graduate of ISIS Canada. She helps clients discover false beliefs and habitual patterns underlying their current difficulties. In addition, she works with clients to develop more holistic Life Skills in order to feel better prepared for future crisis or difficulties. Sessions incorporate guided art making (visual, music, movement, drama or poetry) and discussion, ensuring concrete, practical insights are formed. Processing new awareness using talk therapy often results in clients' ability to attain "shift." Her down to earth approach encourages deep therapeutic rapport and the trust required by clients to experiment with the arts, while having fun. Her office is at 400 Dupont, Toronto, 416-459-1907. Samantha's CV
Kathleen
Rea M.A. has a Master's degree in the Expressive Arts with minor in Psychology
from the
LeeAndra Miller M.A. has more than 20 years experience as a counsellor specializing in arts based therapy and individual psychotherapy for children, youth and adults. She has many years of experience working as a counsellor in LGBTTQ Services, Children’s Mental Health as well as working with people who have experienced trauma. She has a Masters degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from the European Graduate School, (EGS) and a diploma from ISIS Canada. LeeAndra has a private practice where she utilizes both talk therapy and art based approaches to assist clients with their goals. She works within an anti-oppression framework and finds that the use of creativity can be highly effective and even transformational. LeeAndra is a Clinical member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists, OSP.
Contact: (416) 788-9166 leeandra@rogers.com.
Private practice location: 401 Richmond Street (Richmond/Spadina)
Specialties: trauma, relationships, grief, sexuality/gender identity, self
esteem, depression/anxiety and play therapy for children.
Shirley Katz-Leon PhD, 156 Sheppard Ave. W, #3 North York, Toronto (at Yonge) (647) 244-3050 (www creativitycounselling com). Dr. Katz (a psychotherapist, not a psychologist) helps with unblocking creativity, weight and body image issues, life goals, decision-making, etc.
What is
it?
It is a psychotherapy that makes use of
artistic creation-- plastic arts, including painting and modelling, puppets,
drama and dance, music, poetry and other creative writing--to engage the
subconscious mind in order to develop spontaneity and joie de vivre, and to
access resources and choices the client did not know he had. This
approach is a psychotherapy that does not depend on using words to generate
liberation and awareness.
What happens during a session?
A therapy session can take place individually or in a group. Beforehand, the
therapist will meet the client to discuss his therapy objectives. When
working with the arts, the therapist encourages spontaneity and helps the
client to let himself go. In the beginning, this can seem difficult because
of our tendency to analyze, but it gradually becomes easier to express
oneself freely.
While creating, or after your session, you may (or may not) recall forgotten
memories, repressed emotions or a combination of ideas. Typically at the end
of the session the client talks about what he has experienced and the
therapist listens; it is best not to analyze at that time. Some people
prefer not to discuss the experience at all, and allow it to percolate in
the unconscious.
Who is it good for?
People who prefer it to the typical "talk therapy". It is especially useful
for people who struggle to express themselves with words, and for children
who are too young to do so. It is also excellent for people who find it very
hard to reach their unconscious mind because of a habit of over-analyzing. This form of therapy is used to treat
psychosomatic problems, addictive behaviour, learning difficulties, shyness,
anxiety and depression. It is also great for people who want personal growth
and better self-confidence, even if there is no "problem". You don’t have to
be talented or develop talent--though many clients do. It's about letting
yourself be carried away by your imagination, intuition and emotions in
order to create.
Do I have to do
all those things?
No. Some clients choose only one modality. It's like a buffet--some
people stick with their favorite.
For therapists in the Toronto area
Toronto area psychotherapists are invited to send listings about the work they do using expressive arts therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, or music therapy, including their own thoughtful list of the issues they are best equipped to work with. They are also encouraged to send an original brochure or article dealing with a relevant aspect of therapy or the arts for us to link to from their listing. For details, see Toronto therapy directory Please state your professional affiliation (i.e., licencing body or professional association which provides you with your code of ethics and malpractice insurance).
For therapists elsewhere in North America
Expressive arts therapists from other geographical areas are also invited to send articles or brochures, which will be visible to the search engines and available to searchers. See the home page for details at therapy directory .