What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a form of therapy that allows you to tap into your emotions to grow and learn more about yourself. It’s different from a traditional therapy session because it doesn’t always need words. Making art is a way to understand and deal with thoughts, feelings, and experiences that might be hard to explain.

At Stone Silo, our certified Art Therapist guides your sessions. They know how much being creative can help your mental health. Whether you’re feeling anxious, sad, stressed, or just want to grow, we’re here to help with Art Therapy.

Art therapy allows people who find it hard to talk about their feelings to express themselves. You don’t need to be good at art to take part in art therapy.

Children might not have the words to explain how they feel, but they can show it through art. It’s also helpful for older adults to keep their brains active and healthy. Making art involves problem-solving, like choosing colours and arranging things, which is good for the brain. 

Art Therapy

We recognize that each young person is unique, so we work to create a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. Our team of licensed therapists specializes in helping the best art therapy. 

$160

Per clinical hour

How Does it Work?

At Stone Silo, our experienced art therapists works closely with clients to tailor sessions to their specific needs and goals. Through various art mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage, clients are encouraged to express themselves without judgment.

Benefits of Art Therapy:

Art Therapy offers a wide range of benefits for individuals of all ages and backgrounds:

  1. Emotional Expression: Art provides a safe and therapeutic outlet for expressing complex emotions and experiences. Through the act of creation, individuals can externalize their internal struggles, allowing for a deeper understanding and processing of their feelings.
  2. Self-Exploration: Engaging in the creative process can lead to greater self-awareness and insight. Art Therapy encourages individuals to explore their thoughts, beliefs, and identities in a non-judgmental and reflective manner, fostering personal growth and development.
  3. Stress Reduction: Creating art can make you feel calm and relaxed, lowering stress. Focusing on art can help you feel more centred and in the moment, giving you a break from life’s challenges.
  4. Communication Skills: For individuals who struggle with verbal communication, art can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. Art Therapy encourages individuals to communicate through visual language, enabling them to express themselves in ways that may feel more comfortable and authentic.
  5. Empowerment: Through the act of creation, individuals can reclaim a sense of agency and empowerment over their lives. Art Therapy promotes feelings of competence, mastery, and control, helping individuals build resilience and confidence in themselves

Who Can Benefit?

Art therapy can benefit individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those struggling with mental health issues, trauma, grief, chronic illness, and relationship difficulties. It’s also useful for personal development and self-exploration.

Art Therapy

Our Team

Ally Dunphy

Art Therapist, RP, DTATI She/Her

My specialties: Anxiety (General, Social, School, Test, Performance), Anger Management, Changing Family Dynamics & Sibling Issues, Communication Skills & Healthy Self-Expression, Coping & Distress Tolerance Skills, Depression & Loss, Emotional Regulation & Exploration, Grounding & Mindfulness Techniques, Life Transitions & Adjustment, Non-Suicidal Self Injury (Self-Harm Alternatives, Harm Reduction), Parental Separation & Divorce, Peer Issues & Bullying, School/Life Stress Management, Self-Care & Wellbeing, Self-Concept Development (Worth, Identity, Esteem, Confidence, Body Image), Self-Soothing & Calming Strategies

Age groups I work with: 3 years old and up
Serving Waterloo and Listowel

Parental separation & divorce
Anger management
Anxiety
Depression/suicide ideation
Self-esteem
Learn More

Ally is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, holding a Bachelor's degree from the University of Waterloo and a Diploma of Art Psychotherapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (DTATI). She became an Art Therapist to combine her passions for art and supporting others and draws from her personal experiences of coping with school anxiety and parental divorce. She utilizes her background to better connect and empathize with children facing similar challenges.

Ally employs diverse creative arts-based approaches, including Art Psychotherapy, Child-Centered Therapy, Play-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Art Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy, and DBT-Informed Art Therapy. She emphasizes the process of creating ahead of the final product, recognizing that emotions can be messy and unpleasant. Art therapy serves as a medium for expressing feelings, offering metaphors, and allowing children to communicate visually.

Ally Dunphy

Book An Appointment