Karen@therapytoronto.ca
Yonge-Eglinton
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Karen Freud
BA, Dip.AT, Member CATA, Member OACCPP
Finding the right words to express difficult thoughts and feelings does not come easily for everyone. Fortunately, art therapy - which combines art with psychology - is a very flexible way of making it all easier.
In my experience, the combined power of art and psychotherapy can help everyone from children to adults cope with challenges such as:
- low self-esteem
- depression/stress/anxiety
- social isolation
- chronic illness
- cognitive impairment/developmental disabilities and delays
- anger issues
- conduct disorder
- abandonment
Art therapy tends to work particularly well for children, adolescents or adults who…
- are shy or withdrawn
- are highly defended against sharing their feelings
- cannot or will not talk
- do not form relationships readily
- have not responded well to other treatment methods
- have reached a “block” or have become stuck in their current treatment method
Many of my clients have reported that art therapy…
- helps them feel at ease and comfortable with the idea of therapy
- makes it easier for them to verbalize their thoughts, feelings and emotions
- alleviates their stress and/or alters their mood
- helps them identify primary struggles and conflicts
- allows them to understand familiar issues from a new perspective
- encourages them to address issues that they had previously tried to hide or deny
- makes it easier to identify and clarify themes and patterns of thoughts, behaviours, etc.
- helps them develop more effective coping mechanisms
- promotes greater self-acceptance
What happens in a typical art therapy session?
Art therapy sessions may be conducted with individuals or with groups. Clients use simple art materials such as paint, markers, or pastels in order to create art - either spontaneously based on a theme or specific directive that I may suggest. Some prefer to talk while they work on their art while others prefer to work in silence. Time for reflecting upon, and discussing any artwork produced and/or the art making process is included in the session. Our discussions might include exploring metaphors and symbols in the artwork and/or feelings, thoughts or emotions that were experienced before, during and after the art making process. I will not interpret the art, but will help individuals make their own self-interpretations. The sessions also include time for discussing and working towards achieving therapeutic goals.
About me
For several years I worked as an assistant in a kindergarten/daycare centre. I was particularly intrigued by the children who had assumed the roles of either the "bully" or the "victim". I wanted to understand what motivated their behaviours and attitudes. I also wanted to know how I could help them. During this period, I was introduced to the field of art therapy and after researching this therapeutic modality and learning how it works - and how well it works - I began the journey of becoming a qualified art therapist. This included undergoing my own personal psychotherapy.
I currently hold a graduate level diploma from The Toronto Art Therapy Institute and I am a member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, the Ontario Art Therapy Association and a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists. Since completing my art therapy training, I’ve had the pleasure of working with children, adolescents and adults and it’s been exciting to witness how art therapy can be successful with individuals of all ages.
Via the combination of verbal and non-verbal psychotherapy, I employ a client-centred approach and conduct my art therapy sessions in accordance with the unique needs of each individual. Art therapy is about self-exploration and healing and not about making "good" art; therefore, prior experience or skill in art is not required in order to successfully engage in art therapy.
My current focus is on providing on-site art therapy services within various community organizations (long term care facilities, community centres, mental health centres, social service programs, schools, residential treatment centres, hospitals, private clinics, etc.) I am also able to see some clients privately. If you would like to discuss how art therapy could meet your needs or if you have any questions, please contact me to book a free consultation. I am based in the Yonge/Eglinton area but will travel to most regions in Toronto.
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