Creative Arts Therapies

Music Therapy.

According to The Canadian Association of Music Therapists, Music Therapy is a discipline in which a certified music therapist uses music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.

Art Therapy.

Art therapy, according to The Canadian Art Therapy Association, 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.

Drama Therapy.

The North American Drama Therapy Association defines Drama Therapy as the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapy is an embodied practice that is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis. Through drama, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced. 

Dance/Movement Therapy.

Dance movement therapy, according to The Dance Movement Therapy Association in Canada is based on the premise that body and mind are interrelated and is defined as the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a relational process that furthers the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual. The elements of dance (body awareness, rhythm, time, space, gesture, posture, dynamics) are applied as a framework for exploration, discovery, learning and effect changes in feelings, cognition, physical functioning, and behavior.

Horticultural Therapy.

According to The Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association, Horticultural Therapy is a formal practice that uses plants, horticultural activities, and the garden landscape to promote well-being for its participants. Horticultural therapy is goal orientated with defined outcomes and assessment procedures. Horticultural therapy sessions are administered by professionally trained Horticultural therapists.

Play Therapy.

The Canadian Association for Play Therapy defines Play therapy as a psychotherapeutic treatment approach specifically developed to help children explore and resolve problems through the therapeutic use of play. A trained mental health professional, called a play therapist, works with a child to in a counselling space called a playroom, which is equipped with specially chosen toys that will encourage the safe expression of feelings and also support the development of healthier behaviors.