People sometimes seek help when they feel anxious, depressed, or are having relationship problems. But normal developmental phases and life transitions can also be very challenging, creating feelings of loneliness, stress and confusion. Talking with a counsellor can help people relieve stress, connect with their strengths and find fresh perspectives.

Counselling sessions provide an opportunity for individuals to be heard and responded to from a respectful, compassionate and objective perspective. Counsellors help clients focus on the issues of concern to them, set meaningful goals, and explore the obstacles and pathways to those goals.

While every counselling session is different and can be hard work, clients usually find that at the end of the session they feel better, stronger, and have new strategies for addressing their problems.

Art therapy is different from counselling in that the process of making art, and the art product itself, can provide information for the client that helps them understand themselves and their situation better.

While some people decide to see an art therapist because they already know they find strength and healing in creative expression, others choose art therapy because they can’t find the words to describe their problems or experiences. Some choose art therapy because they want to connect with their creativity. For everyone, art therapy has the potential to teach them about themselves and expand their sense of who they are and what they are capable of.

Art therapy sessions include both art making and talking. Each session is unique and is shaped by the needs of the client. Usually, the client chooses from available art materials to make whatever they wish.  Sometimes, the art therapist provides a starting point or specific art activity that is suited to the client’s therapeutic needs.

There is no wrong or right way to do art therapy and no artistic ability is required. Whatever is made will be ‘right’ and is usually illuminating for the client. This is the chief power of art therapy; the paradox that the artwork itself provides new information to the client—about themselves—helping them learn more about who they are and where they need to go.

Some extended health care plans cover all, or a portion of, Dawn’s fee. Contact your extended health care provider for details of your coverage.

Individual therapy: $145 per hour plus tax.

Couples therapy: $155 per hour plus tax.
Workshops, events, and groups: Fees vary. Please contact Dawn for more information.

Dawn accepts payment by email transfer.