Listening to the Deepest Parts of Self
Grief Alchemy
Rites of Passage
Trauma Healing
Grief is not so much a set of linear stages but a terrain we walk through. This terrain changes us deeply, at times scouring us out like a slow glacier and then deluging us like a voracious tidal wave. Taking the time to honour and witness our grief is key to sojourning through this landscape. The therapeutic space allows us to surrender to and build compassionate stamina for the way grief is altering us.
What do you do when you go through a profound life change that has no external signifier of your transformation? In my Master's thesis, I developed a 3-stage process that entails Locating (where have I been and where am I now?), Tending (what losses am I holding space for and what seeds am I planting?), and Sensing (what is the nature of emptiness and what wants to emerge?) Come create a ritual of your own and listen in to the new Self that is being birthed.
I have been trained to work in a trauma-informed way. This means that in dealing with trauma, we go slowly and pendulate between grounding in a safe place, and bringing new insight to the wounded places. We listen for what the vulnerable Self knows and needs, integrating this into our self-care. We reframe unhelpful core beliefs and simultaneously build resilience. We do this all the while trusting the body as it holds us and releases us from the pain of the past.
What to Expect
A session begins by taking a moment to arrive, to connect, to feel grounded in the present moment and present in your body.
We will talk about what you want to focus on.
Then we will move into expression, which can include any of the following:
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art
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movement
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sound (voice, instruments)
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collage
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poetry
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photography
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free writing
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sand tray
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sculpting
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drama
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ritual
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We may reverse the process, starting with art and seeing what comes up.
From there, we will move into a harvesting phase, where we listen back to what you’ve created and listen inward for new insight.
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You can expect me to hold space, use humour, offer suggestions, ask questions, listen actively and empathically, all within a safe and confidential atmosphere.
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Your role can be to open up, listen in, create, express, say yes to challenge, say no when something doesn’t fit, and most of all be willing to experience your inner world.
We will start and end in a grounded place.
What is Expressive Arts Therapy?
Expressing yourself through the arts has always been a way that humans process their joy and pain.
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Expressive Arts Therapy harnesses the power of creativity in service of healing, health and wholeness.
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This way of working is "low skill / high sensitivity" meaning you do not need any artistic skill.
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Bringing the arts into your healing process allows you to work in a much deeper way.
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It expands your range of play and helps you to create new pathways to joy.
Booking Details
Sessions are $150.
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Sessions range from 60-75 minutes to allow time for bridging into and out of the creative process.
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Availability: Monday and Thursday evenings, and Fridays during the day.
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Sessions are offered online, by phone, or in person at Sparrow Creative Counselling Centre in Edmonton AB.
My services can be covered by Sunlife, and other extended benefits plans that cover Liscenced Professional Counsellors. Direct billing is not available at this time. Sliding scale can be available, please inquire.