Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there risks to Expressive Arts Therapy?
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I'm not an artist/musician/writer, can I still do EXAT?
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Who can receive EXAT? Is Expressive Arts Therapy right for me?
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​I'm concerned about privacy. Will anything said in sessions be shared with others?
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​What do I do if I have conflict and concerns about my therapist?
1. Are there risks to Expressive Arts Therapy?
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Therapy is an intense personal process and poses potential emotional risks. It can often bring forth unpleasant memories and emotions and can be a painful experience. It has the potential to change your beliefs or behaviours and may impact how you feel or act in your relationships. Most people receive many benefits to psychotherapy like helping you develop coping skills, improve quality of life, learn to manage mental and emotional challenges, and process pain and trauma. It is important to carefully consider the benefits and risks of psychotherapy before beginning sessions.
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2. I'm not an artist/musician/writer, can I still do EXAT?
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Yes! You don't need to know any art forms to engage in EXAT. Expressive Arts Therapy is not about critically analyzing the art work, but about the art making process and how it makes you feel.
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3. How is this different from art/music/drama therapy?
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EXAT is intermodal, which means I use all art forms in the psychotherapy process. I don't focus on a particular art form, and instead, use whatever material that is available. I often change between modalities as there are often surprises that can happen when shifting from one art form to another. It often deepens our therapeutic process, helps us engage with transformative feelings and experiences.
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4. Who can receive EXAT? Is Expressive Arts Therapy right for me?
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Anyone can receive EXAT. Sessions are usually tailored to meet the needs of a client, from children to seniors. However, it is up to the client to decide whether EXAT is right for them.
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5. Can you analyze my image and tell me what I'm feeling?
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No. A core idea of EXAT is that the client is the expert on their life experiences and feelings. As therapists, I am here to guide you, to accompany you and sit with you and your image, helping you experience the surprises and feelings that arises.
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6. I'm concerned about privacy. Will anything said in sessions be shared with others?
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Whenever we begin any group or individual therapy, we will have a confidentiality agreement that outlines the specific circumstances (to ensure you and others’ personal safety) that privacy will be breached. No information about the sessions will be shared outside of those circumstances. I will do everything I can to ensure the confidentiality and privacy.
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7. What do I do if I have conflict and concerns about my therapist?
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There may be times when you will be in conflict with me. It is my hope that you will come to me if I have done anything to make you uncomfortable or concerned. However, you can also contact my supervisor, who is a Registered Psychotherapist in the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) if there are any concerns. My supervisor and I are bound to the ethical responsibilities and legal obligations set out by the CRPO. (Details to be found in the website below)
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