Robert WebbWhere to Get Art Therapy in Vancouver
Art therapy is a profession that integrates the creative art expression process with counseling and psychotherapy to develop emotional, physical, and mental health.
It’s an excellent way to help people with various psychological problems that people experience, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and many other disorders.
Keep reading to find out where you can get art therapy in Vancouver.
Is Art Therapy Regulated in Canada?
Art therapists are regulated professionals who report to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
An individual must have completed an undergraduate degree in art school, or a psychology course and related fields, in order to enroll in an art therapy program.
To be able to practice art therapy, an individual must have completed an art therapy program that meets the education standards of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. Art therapists typically earn between CAD 30 and CAD 45 per hour.
Where to Get Art Therapy in Vancouver
Knowing where to get art therapy is really important, as you are looking for a professional therapist who can help you with your issues.
Art therapy is available in a variety of settings in Canada. It’s available in hospitals, therapy clinics, and psychology centers.
To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of art therapy clinics in Vancouver. Please keep in mind that this list is not in any particular order.
Estelle Baron
Estelle Baron is a multilingual art therapist based in Vancouver. She can speak English, French, and Spanish, and she specializes in trauma.
Estelle is a former corresponding secretary of the British Columbia Art Therapy Association, and she’s a trained behavior interventionist.
Her sessions are more focused on personal development, also known as hope-oriented counseling. Growth counseling methods help people deal with their pain while maintaining realistic hope.
She offers three different packages, each with different duration: a 30-minute session costs CAD 60, a 45-minute session costs CAD 100, and a 60-minute session costs CAD 120.
Estelle also offers art studio packages in which you can express yourself through art and other visual materials, similar to how paintings are showcased in art galleries.
Heather Hassenbein from Constellations Counselling
Heather Hassenbein of Constellations Counselling leads a team of registered art therapists in Vancouver. This company specializes in working with people dealing with various issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship problems, among others.
Heather is a registered clinical counselor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and currently serves as Membership Chair on the Executive Board of the British Columbia Art Therapy Association.
During her sessions, this psychotherapist uses a trauma-informed approach in which she sets objectives and targets with her clients. She then develops a personalized treatment plan to help them achieve their goals.
Heather’s 50-minute counseling session costs CAD 140, while a 30-minute parent meeting costs CAD 70.
If you get hungry after your session, this clinic is close to a variety of shops, including Western and Japanese restaurants.
Lesley Holm of Vancouver Psychology Centre
Lesley Holm of the Vancouver Psychology Centre offers art therapy and counseling to patients of all ages. Lesley takes a strength-building approach with her clients, teaching them that self-expression and creativity can lead to growth and healing.
Some of her specializations include anxiety reduction, depression treatment, self-esteem growth, trauma recovery, and communication skills.
Lesley offers both in-person and telehealth services, so give her a call to discuss which you prefer.
Shauna Kaendo of Hey Shauna Art Therapy
Shauna completed her Art Therapy training at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. She is a member of the BC Art Therapy Association (BCATA) and the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA).
Shauna employs a collaborative approach to counseling that provides a safe and creative space for clients to express their feelings through art, movement, and somatic awareness.
Shaun also has a bilateral drawing club where clients are to draw with both hands to light up both hemispheres of the brain. She believes this activity encourages ideas to flow and helps us process complex interactions and emotions.
A 60-minute session with Shauna costs CAD 150, while 30-minute sessions cost CAD 75.
Linda Lin of Decipher Counselling
Decipher Counselling focuses on Narrative Therapy, in which art therapists assist patients in identifying their values and skills. They assist clients in putting together their narrative by examining their life events and the meanings they have assigned to these events.
Linda Lin, the founder of Decipher Counselling, specializes in anxiety, stress, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and a variety of other mental health issues.
We recommend Linda to those looking for a more person-centered art therapist because she actively works with her clients to prioritize their feelings and is very accommodating when it comes to special requests.
Art therapy is an excellent way to help you deal with issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. However, going it alone can be difficult if you’ve never done art therapy before.
We hope this article gave you enough information on how you can seek the help you need to get you started on your path to recovery.
If you want to get a full health check-up to see how your health is doing, we recommend reading our article on the best doctors in Vancouver.
If you’re looking to simply relax your mind and body, check out our list of the best spas in Vancouver, which offer a variety of relaxing massages and treatments.
