Fortunately, in the modern world, we understand how important it is to take care of our mental health. The most interesting and enjoyable way to do this is through art therapy. Art therapy combines art and psychology for healing, self-expression, and internal transformation. In Edmonton, there are many studios that offer art therapy classes for adults and children. In this article on edmontonka, we will tell you about such places.
Art Therapy for Adults and Children at “Level Up Wellness Group”
“Level Up Wellness Group” is a Psychology and Wellness Foundation that aims to provide inclusive and comprehensive mental health care. The Foundation has its own wellness centre that offers people tools for physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational well-being. The centre literally gives people the opportunity to achieve balance and self-realization.
According to the centre, there are seven dimensions of well-being. The first dimension is physical well-being. Physical well-being is possible through exercise, proper nutrition, sleep, and regular medical care. The second dimension is emotional well-being, which includes the ability to effectively cope with life’s challenges, the ability for emotional regulation, and resilience. The third dimension is intellectual well-being. This literally encourages lifelong learning. Next is social well-being, which involves building social relationships. Spiritual well-being is the ability to find purpose, meaning, and harmony. Environmental well-being is the creation of spaces that promote sustainable interaction with nature. And the last dimension is occupational well-being, which is a balance in work, volunteering, or personal efforts.
Art therapy at the centre is one of the keys to achieving these seven dimensions. Art therapy at “Level Up Wellness Group” allows children and adults to communicate more effectively and process thoughts and feelings through art. You will be able to better express your emotions, improve problem-solving skills, enhance communication with others, and also just have fun.
At the centre, you can also undergo classic psychotherapy, consult with a psychiatrist, receive occupational therapy, and attend numerous women’s workshops.
“Ebb and Flow Art Therapy”
If you want to feel more connected to yourself and your loved ones, and also want to develop self-compassion, the “Ebb and Flow Art Therapy” centre will help you with this. Here you can discover new possibilities through the creative process, improve self-awareness, and increase resilience.
Art therapy sessions at the centre are led by Jillian, for whom relationships in life are the most important thing. Jillian believes that art therapy can change your life. The unique practice that takes place during the sessions can help build a strong foundation within, similar to the trunk of a sturdy tree. With such a foundation, you can fully unlock your potential.
Jillian Paschen is an art therapist and psychotherapist. Jillian has specialized education, so your mental health will definitely be in safe hands. Sessions at “Ebb and Flow Art Therapy” are inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly.
Importantly, you do not need to be an experienced artist to undergo art therapy. You can choose the materials and methods that spark your interest. The centre offers individual, group, and couples art therapy. Art therapy for couples helps in creating healthy relationships.
An art therapy session here lasts a full hour. All necessary materials for the work are provided in the studio. If you want to participate online, you purchase the materials yourself. The art supplies do not need to be professional grade. It is important that there are no age restrictions for Jillian’s classes. She is ready to work with children of all ages, as well as with the elderly.
Red Threads Art Therapy Inc.
Red Threads Art Therapy is a unique therapy offered by Lucy Lu. Lucy is an art therapist and artist. She is also a certified psychologist and supervisor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She came to art therapy through her family’s history. Her family survived the Vietnam War and migration. This strongly influenced Lucy Lu’s worldview.
Her artistic and therapeutic practice helped her find meaning in the red threads associated with war, trauma, and migration. Her passion is supporting individuals, families, and communities in building resilience and acceptance for a healthy and peaceful life.
The red threads symbolize all the connections in your life. Our life is a collection of stories that we have created or that have been told to us. There are threads that we inherited from our ancestors, threads passed down in blood memories, and also threads that were passed down by society. Some threads give a sense of belonging and meaning, while others seem to weigh us down. Through the creative process, we can rethink different stories that no longer suit us and create a new story.
Lucy Lu works with children, youth, and families who are involved with Child and Family Services in the “Kahkiyaw” program. Lucy also works with clients who would like to overcome anxiety, depression, complex personal trauma, intimate partner violence, and more. For the past 15 years, Lucy Lu has focused her work on women and children from urban Indigenous communities.
Her approach is based on feminist and culturally-oriented principles. Art therapy contributes to her counselling practice and provides a foundation for creating new meanings in life. Lucy’s practice includes art therapy, sand tray therapy, movement therapy, exposure techniques, and other mindfulness-based approaches.
“Insight Psychological”
“Insight Psychological” is another psychological centre in Edmonton that offers art therapy services. Here, clients use their imagination to approach complex emotions, feelings, and thoughts. These courses are particularly useful for youth and people with developmental delays where, for example, motor skills exceed verbal skills.
Art therapy is known for its ability to strengthen determination and provide a foundational strength to overcome life’s difficulties. Art promotes stable self-esteem and allows for a deeper dive into unspoken self-perceptions. At the centre, art therapy sessions are available for people of all ages. A therapist will personally explain to each client what they hope to achieve with this approach.
The centre warns that art therapy is not a magic solution. You get out of it what you put into it. Therapy may require real work and honesty from you, so it will not be simple and easy. Sometimes it is very difficult to face the truth, but only from this discomfort can one come to healing and growth.
Insight therapists are also available for in-person, online, or telephone counselling in several locations in Alberta.
So, art therapy is not just trendy; it is a truly effective approach to healing and self-discovery. Everyone can find the best place for art therapy in Edmonton. Be sure to try at least one session. It is a wonderful, safe space for self-expression, understanding yourself, and building a strong foundation.