What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA) is a dynamic therapeutic approach that taps into the power of creativity to help individuals overcome a range of challenges—whether emotional, psychological, behavioral, or related to life transitions, trauma, or relationships. 

EXA believes that every person holds the innate ability to express and heal through creative expression.

By engaging with different art forms, we step into a space where imagination and possibility take center stage. Here, solutions that might seem out of reach in our everyday lives begin to emerge. EXA doesn’t focus on what's "wrong" or what needs fixing; instead, it focuses on what’s already within us—our strengths, creativity, and capacity for growth.

In an EXA session, artistic expression becomes more than just a creative outlet—it’s a tangible way to connect with and process our emotions. As we engage in visual art, movement, music, or other creative practices, we build an emotional bridge to our experiences, helping us recognize our own resilience and find new perspectives. Through the guidance of an EXA therapist, clients are encouraged to explore their own potential and apply these insights to everyday life.

Expressive Arts Therapy has the potential to offer a powerful, holistic path to healing and self-discovery, allowing individuals to process emotions, engage with their creativity, and transform their challenges into opportunities for growth.

I deeply value the complexity and diversity of human identities, experiences, and creative expressions. I recognize and respect how the intersection of these factors continuously shape our journeys. Each person’s story is unique, and I approach this work with an open mind, understanding that our differences are integral to the healing process.

If you’re looking for a safe(r), non-judgmental, and nurturing space to explore your experiences, I’m here to listen. I believe that every individual is the expert of their own life, and I honor that perspective in our work together.

Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA) can support a wide range of individuals, including:

• People experiencing emotional challenges
• Trauma survivors
• Individuals with communication difficulties
• Those seeking personal growth
• People navigating grief and loss
• Individuals coping with substance use/abuse
• Those living with chronic illness or disabilities
• Anyone looking to reduce stress and find balance

In today's world, marked by heightened anxiety, and ongoing social injustices, many individuals grapple with emotional turmoil and a sense of isolation.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in fostering relationships, and it begins with the connection between you and me. I hold an assumption that relationships and connections are pivotal in sustaining and nurturing one's mental and emotional well-being. In our sessions, I pay careful attention to various types of connections and the meanings they hold for you. This includes your relationship with yourself, your interactions with others, and your connection to the world and beyond. My aim is to assist you in gaining awareness and insights into how life's events and challenges impact you on multiple levels.

Transitions in life can be hard; nurturing relationships can help.

Colonization goes beyond the mere establishment of one country's dominance over another. It encompasses a deeper and more insidious influence, wherein colonial frameworks have become ingrained as the normative culture, shaping our subconscious behaviors, learning patterns, and ways of conducting ourselves. 

I am acutely aware of how dominant systems, including white supremacy, cisheteropatriarchy, and capitalism, have played and continue to play significant roles in perpetuating violence and oppression against numerous individuals. This extends to the provision and accessibility of mental health services within Canada as well. 

In my practice, I operate from a racially and socially conscious perspective, with a particular focus on recognizing how trauma stemming from oppression and colonization is intertwined with mental health. I am dedicated to offering individuals the tailored support they require in this context.

My commitment to social justice within my clinical work begins by acknowledging the profound impact of dominant systems. It involves ongoing critical self-reflection, continual education in anti-oppressive frameworks, political awareness, and a commitment to receiving ongoing quality supervision. This commitment drives my efforts to provide inclusive and compassionate mental health support while challenging the systems that perpetuate harm and inequity.

I have completed my education and hold a Master's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy with a minor in Psychology, which I earned at The European Graduate School in Switzerland. Additionally, I have obtained a postgraduate diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy from the Centre for Expressive Arts Therapy Education in Toronto.

I am a Professional Member of both the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). These affiliations reflect my commitment to stay current and connected in the field of therapy.

I’m dedicated to making therapy accessible to those who need it and understand that financial situations can vary, so I offer a sliding scale fee for individuals with low or no income.

Feel free to reach out to discuss rates at v.jahyu@gmail.com

Full Session Fee: $160.00

Please note, I don’t bill insurance companies directly, but I can provide an invoice that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.