F.A.Q.

In our initial session, we would establish specific goals, including but not limited to addressing self-esteem, childhood trauma, and mental health coping techniques.

A counseling session can take two approaches. It may involve an art directive, where you engage in a specific art project, or you are free to create whatever you desire. Art directives are particularly useful when you may not be feeling overly creative, as they provide guidance through the art-making process and help you focus on specific issues. Regardless of whether an art directive is utilized, a typical 50-minute one-on-one session with me generally follows this structure:

Opening: I often begin with a poem, a brief breathing exercise, and a check-in to understand how you are feeling and what you would like to focus on during the session. We also review any homework assigned from the previous session.

Middle: You engage in art-making using any medium, with the possibility of incorporating talk therapy during the creative process.

Review: Before concluding the session, I ask you to share insights about the art you created. I pose questions and provide support as needed.

Closing: I typically conclude with a grounding exercise to help you leave the session feeling centered and prepared for the day. Often, there is homework assigned for completion before the next session.

Additionally, group sessions follow a similar structure but account for the presence of multiple participants, resulting in longer sessions. These groups typically focus on a common theme, such as depression or addictions.

Please see my cost breakdown at the bottom of this page. Sliding scale available based on financial situation.

$90 - online*

*Please see the bottom of the homepage for additional details.

As per the Canadian Art Therapy Association: Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.

Yes, art therapy works. But just like any therapy, the true work lies with the client being ready to work on their issues. Having clear goals that are developed along side the Art Therapist can help guide the sessions and help with healing. The very process of making art can behave as a buffer between the therapist and the client, making the client feel more comfortable to talk about their issues as sometimes anxiety can hinder the client from opening up, the art can act as a calming technique.

No, you do not need to be “good” at art to get value out of art therapy. Often those with less art experience have an easier time letting go and enjoying the process and focus less on the final product.

Everyone’s benefits and insurance are different. I encourage you to check with your coverage to confirm. I am insured, licensed to practice as an Art Therapist, and a Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. I do not have direct billing.

Currently, my sessions are available online only. Once I am set up to take in-person sessions, I will be following all provincial and federal guidelines around providing a safe space for all who attend in person.

Group sessions run a minimum of 2 hours and one-on-one sessions are 50 minutes.

I have been working as a Professional Art Therapist at my private practice since 2021. I focus on adult women, but open to others. I have worked with children in a school setting, with people who have disabilities at Residents for Independent Living, provided a group session via North East Mental Health Team, Co-Facilitated a men’s addictions group via Together We Can, worked with adult women at the VATI Art Therapy Clinic and interned with Moving Forward Family Services and via them at John Volken Academy, working with women in addiction recovery. I also have private clients.

I hold a Professional membership with the Canadian Art Therapy Association and am fully insured.

It is just Maria. My family is Croatian, thus the “weird” J in my name. Think of the J more like the Spanish J, more like a Y. But please just call me Maria.

No you do not. Please come with whatever you have. A piece of paper, a pen, half a crayon. Whatever you have around you. Do not feel you have to spend any money on materials unless you want to.