McAtee Psychology
Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive arts is a way of supporting people (of all
ages) to express, understand and discover while using experiential mediums such as paint, writing, drawing, photography, movement, music, crafting etc. This page will give you a little more information on using expressive arts as an adjunct to therapy and as a way of supporting the changes and solutions you are looking for.
Expressive Arts is a Little Different from Art Therapy:
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Expressive arts uses many different ways for people to do the work of reflection and change. Expressive arts also uses something called the intermodal process.
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The Intermodal process means:
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using multiple mediums in one session in order to gain a deeper understanding. For example, you might start by creating an image and then you may write about the image or you may start by listening to some music and creating a drawing in response.
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Expressive arts can be helpful for all ages (children and adults alike!) and all stages. You don't need to be an artist or even to think you are creative. All you need is a little bit of curiosity and an open mind. It can be as simple as starting with scribbles or creating a mini sculpture with pipe cleaners.
Specifics
How is expressive arts going to help me with my mental health? When clients use expressive arts in session, often times, they are surprised at what they notice and what comes to their awareness. Expressive arts can help people transform an emotional response (e.g. anxiety to calm). Express arts can help people put into images or art feelings and thoughts that are difficult to put into words. Expressive arts can also help take an experience that feels scary and big and make it into a tangible creation that isn't as overwhelming.
Specifics
Expressive arts can be used occasionally during sessions as an adjunct, an additional way to process thoughts, feelings, experiences. It can also be used as the main technique of your counselling process. You and your therapist can discuss what this can look like and find the right fit for you.
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What are the steps I need to take to begin the couples counselling process?If you or your partner are worried about your relationship the first step you need to take is requesting a free 20-minute consultation. From this point we will book an appointment in person or online and then develop goals from there to best meet your needs.
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What do you cover in couples counselling?I will work with you to develop a therapeutic plan designed to address your unique needs, goals, and problems/issues. Together we will prioritize which goals you would like to "target" first.
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What's your clinical counselling timings?At the Thrive Business Centre: Tue & Thurs: 12 pm - 9 pm & Wed: 2 - 8 pm, At the Sunalta location: Monday and Friday from 12 pm - 9 pm. Subsequent sessions focus on your individualized goals. Appointments are between 1 - 3 weeks apart to give you opportunities to work on the skills you have learned from the previous therapy sessions.
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How can someone outside my relationship really help me?Seeing a therapist can help you identify issues that you may not have seen at the time and then equip you with the tools you need to fix these issues and develop a better connection with your partner.
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How long does the couples counselling process last?This process is a little different for everyone. It will depend on how much work you have to do, how often I see you, and how hard you work towards your goals.
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Will my health insurance cover most of the costs of couples counselling?Almost all Extended Health Care Plans cover all or a portion of the costs for a psychologist under "psychologist services", "psychotherapy", or "counselling". Contact your insurance agent for more information on reimbursement procedures and coverage information. Direct Billing can be performed for a number of companies. Direct billing is where the Psychologist will bill your insurance company and you will only be responsible to pay for your portion of the session cost. Click here to see if yours can be directly billed.
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Will my partner and I always attend couples counselling sessions together?Attending couples counselling sessions together works best for the relationship. It will help to see both sides of the story and different perspectives on the issues you wish to tackle. If for whatever reason you or your partner can not make it to the session we can always reschedule up to 24 hours beforehand.
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Can I come for couples counselling without my partner?We recommend coming together, but if one of you can not make it we can reschedule up to 24 hours beforehand. We also offer individual counselling for individual issues outside the relationship: anger management, communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional expression