Jessie Buchanan

Art therapy is kind of a creative shortcut.  Without speaking much or at all, you can define, describe, or understand not only what pains you, but also what you want and how you can get it.  Most people haven’t even heard of art therapy, but it can give you intuitive, natural, and unique calmness and clarity.  My clients often notice a difference after or during the first session, and most people find that the more they do it, the more they enjoy and benefit from it.

You don’t need to be artistic at all to benefit from art therapy.  If that was the case, the world would not have many “tortured artists.”  If you can draw a smiley face or a stick figure, your art skills are more than enough.  Speaking of which, some other points you may not know about art therapy:

1. You don’t need to draw or paint.  You can, of course, but any medium is fine.  (During an initial consultation we can figure out what format you might like to start out with.)
2. Art therapy can benefit adults or kids (I can work with kids 8+).
3. It’s not silent.  We’ll speak a little bit, at least.
4. It’s not just for people who have a hard time “finding the words.”  Talkative, very articulate, or very cerebral people benefit from art therapy as much as anyone, partly because they often aren’t used to conveying anything with art.
5. We’ll ease into it.  We might start with a scribble or color association and see where that takes us.
6. You can pick the mixture of art therapy and talk therapy you like, from week to week or even within a session.  You’re not necessarily committing to one or the other.
7. As with “talk” therapy, you don’t need to prepare in any way.  All you need are your thoughts, and even those don’t need to be composed.
8. You can express any emotion you want.  The art can express anger, a peaceful mood, or just about anything else.
9. Art therapy is relaxing.  Research shows that creating art can engage the brain’s emotional centers, including the amygdala, which processes fear and stress, while also stimulating the vagus nerve and activating the parasympathetic nervous system – the part of the body that promotes calm and relaxation.  
10. Art therapy engages the senses and helps release stored trauma that words alone often cannot reach.  So, for one thing, you may find that you are very mellow after (or during) an art therapy session.
11. I (Jessie) may draw, compose, or otherwise create with you (if it makes you more comfortable), but I don’t need to. It’s 100% up to you.
12. I won’t critique your art (unless you want me to!), and you don’t need to explain it (unless you want to!). Art therapy is a completely non-judgemental space.
13. You don’t need to show anyone (even me) your art.  You can frame it and hang it in your living room, or never show it to another soul.  Whatever amount of sharing works for you. Whatever you choose, you will probably find that the mere process of creating art (or doodling!) helps get you closer to where you want to be.

Can you picture yourself giving art therapy a try?  If so, feel free to contact me to book a free 20-minute consultation.  We can meet here in Guelph or in an online setting.

About me

As you’ve probably gathered, I love art, but I’m also a wife, mother, and fellow traveller.  I enjoy jogging and camping, and am a work-in-progress at baking.

I’m Indigenous, and have a fairly good understanding of the many issues many First Nations people experience.

Some years ago I also sought therapy, though I hadn’t pictured myself ever wanting or needing it.  It ended up being very helpful, but it felt like a leap.  The point is: I know what it’s like in the other chair, and hope you feel free to express anything.