Candace Holtzman, B.A., D.T.A.T.I., O.A.T.R
Registered Art Therapist
Art Therapy for Children, Adolescents and Adults
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that incorporates the process of art making as a means of communication in the therapy process. It is a gentle, but effective way of allowing clients to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions about particular issues, without solely relying on the spoken word. The art becomes a tool for communication, self-discovery, personal development, healing and growth.
Why use Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is beneficial to those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, or who are seeking an alternative or complement to traditional therapy. As a facilitator to the Art Therapy process, I provide a therapeutic environment for clients to express themselves, with the opportunity to reflect on the process, the art they have created, and its relationship to their life. It is through this process that clients can gain a new perspective of their issues, discover things they would like to improve or change, and implement strategies for achieving their goals.
Who can benefit from Art Therapy?
Art Therapy can benefit people of all ages dealing with a variety of issues and concerns.
I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group therapy sessions.
Children
Sometimes children may not have the vocabulary or the ability to express what they are thinking or feeling in words. The use of creating art in therapy takes the emphasis off verbal communication, and offers a creative way for children to express themselves.
Adolescents
Adolescents experience much change and transition during this stage of life, and are often guarded with their thoughts and feelings. The art allows them to express themselves freely and offers a safe and constructive outlet for thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Adults
Art Therapy can help adults deal with a variety of issues and concerns in a supportive, creative and empowering way, whether it entails day-to-day issues or long-standing concerns. It may also offer a different perspective into things that may have not been able to be resolved previously.
What types of issues can Art Therapy effectively address?
In my work with clients, I have found Art Therapy to be beneficial for many issues and goals:
- anxiety
- stress
- grief and loss
- depression
- relationship issues
- separation and divorce
- family conflict
- eating disorders and body image
- shy or highly sensitive nature
- behavioural and emotional issues
- self-esteem and confidence
- addictions
- work related issues
- school difficulties
- issues with peers
- building social skills
- gaining self-awareness and insight
- improving coping abilities
- developing strategies for problem solving
Do I need to be artistic to benefit from Art Therapy?
Artistic skills or experience are not necessary to benefit from Art Therapy. The focus rather is on self-expression, not the artistic quality of the art.
What should I expect in an Art Therapy session?
The first part of a session is devoted to the art making process, and a variety of art materials are provided (for drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage, to name a few). The environment is safe, supportive, confidential and non-judgmental. For many, the act of creating art can be very therapeutic in itself.
The remainder of the session is devoted to a discussion of the art experience and what has been created, which often generates further discussion of an individual’s issues. In Art Therapy, the art is not interpreted by the therapist, as it is the client who holds the meaning of their art. The art is used as a tool to help clients express and communicate what they are thinking and feeling more clearly, which assists the therapist in helping clients work through their issues in support of their goals.
What are the fees?
A 50-minute Art Therapy session is $100. Art Therapy and counselling fees may be covered under your Extended Health Care plan.
About the Therapist
I began practicing Art Therapy in 1996. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. I am a Registered Member of the Ontario Art Therapy Association.
In addition to working in private practice, I have spent several years working with clients in schools, multidisciplinary centres and hospitals, including North York General, Women’s College, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group therapy sessions, and have specialized in working with Eating Disorders, Separation and Divorce, Substance Abuse, Behavioural and Emotional Issues, and Self-Esteem and Confidence Building.
How to get started
Please call or e-mail me for a complimentary phone consultation or to book your first session. My office is conveniently located at the Leaside Therapy Centre, on the east side of Bayview Avenue, just south of Davisville. There is free parking on adjacent side streets, and the Centre is easily accessible by TTC.
Leaside Therapy Centre
1395 Bayview Avenue
Toronto,
(416) 871-4796
“The aim of art therapy is not to produce art, but to use that which comes
from hidden sources – which can be brought to light through art media – to promote understanding, consciousness, growth and transformation.” –Carl Jung
