frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you can see the schedule online and directly choose an appointment time that works for you.
How often do we have appointments?
It depends on your situation and hopes, but ultimately it's your decision. Research shows that attending regularly improves your outcomes. That could mean connecting weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or longer. Some people choose to connect as needed, which works best if you have a fairly flexible schedule. If your schedule is tight, you might want to book several sessions in advance to secure your preferred time.
Is online counselling secure?
I have consulted with a Privacy Expert to ensure the tools I use are compliant with relevant health legislation. The Jane App, Zoom Pro and HushMail offer end-to-end encryption and other security features.
How is my privacy protected?
Keeping your information confidential is my professional duty. I store all your information electronically within the Jane platform and also maintain cyber insurance. There are a few situations where all therapists are legally obliged to share your information, including times when your sharing indicates that there is high risk of harm to you or another person, risk of neglect or abuse towards minors, and / or when your counselling records are subpoenaed by law.
Is it hard to use technology to connect?
It's not hard, but it's okay to feel anxious about trying something new. If you are unsure you can book a complimentary 20 minute Meet & Greet to try out the platform and meet me - no strings attached. You will need a device with a microphone and camera, or we can have a simple phone session if you prefer. Laptops are ideal for virtual art therapy so that the screen is large enough for us to look at the details in your art together.
How are social workers different than other mental health professionals?
Social Work explores the environments / systems around us and acknowledges the ways this impacts us. This is called a person-in-environment perspective, and recognizes that larger forces come into play that impact personal power, choice, and privilege. Social justice is an important value for social workers.
How well are social workers trained?
Social workers can have a diploma, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in Social Work. The advanced counselling training usually occurs in master's level program. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work with a Clinical Specialization and have also completed a Post-Master's Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy. More practically, I have 15 years experience of learning in relationship with my clients.
Are there any other protections for clients?
It's always good to check that your therapist belongs to a regulating body as these will dictate codes of ethics and standards of practice. I am registered with the Colleges of Social Work in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and as a professional art therapist with the Canadian Association of Art Therapy.
Can I switch between regular counselling and art therapy if I'm not sure which I will prefer?
Absolutely. We will be actively creating your process together every step of the way, which means we can shift and adjust as we go.
What is the path to becoming an art therapist?
In Canada and the US art therapy training is usually started after or as part of completing a master's degree in a related field. You may come across other titles such as Creative Coaches, Expressive Arts Therapists, or Therapeutic Arts Facilitators - these are different paths with different training requirements.
Do I need to be good at art to do art therapy?
No, this is a common misperception. Humans are born with creative instincts and the uniquely human ability to imagine and visualize,though often these resources have been buried as we age. Art therapy is an excellent way to reconnect with and reclaim your innate creativity.
What art materials do I need?
For virtual services, we will start with whatever you have on hand and explore additional materials as you desire. It's helpful to have variety (in terms of colour, size, texture, pliability, precision, and permanence) so that you have more choice and can experiment. For in-person sessions, I will provide an inspiring collection of materails to explore. You may use my contact form below to request an Art Materials Discovery Guide if you'd like more information.
What happens to my art afterwards?
Your artwork is yours, you can choose what you do with it. Some people like to create a special folder or box to store their art in, which can be nice way to see how your art/process transforms over time. This can also help with emotional containment if your art feels a bit intense. Others take photos and dispose of the physical objects when storage is tight. I may ask you if I can take a photo or screenshot of your art to support our therapeutic process, and sometimes we will look back at your collected creations in a slideshow to discuss the narrative or themes over time.
Do you analyze my artwork?
You are the expert on you. Your creations are considered a third part of our working relationship, and we will witness and explore meaning-making together. My job is to support you in connecting your creative experience with the rest of your life. Art gives us the opportunity to experiment, try on, edit, pivot, cut out, build up, feel through our senses, and slow down.
What is Guided Drawing?
Guided Drawing is a specific form of art therapy that is particularly helpful with trauma. It's considered a "bottom-up" body and movement-based art therapy (this is called a sensorimotor approach) that attends to the nervous system activation that happens when our body has been in fight/flight/freeze/fawn mode. I am certified to use this approach and would love to tell you more, please inquire if you are curious.
