Guard that blue spark within you - that blue spark that is your genius, your inspiration, your wonder, the seed of your most secret and inviolate dreams. - Slippery Elm, poet

The Blue Spark Art Studio offers ART THERAPY and opportunities for visual exploration and creative expression through art-making, either in individual sessions or in groups.

Art therapy is the combination of visual art and psychotherapy using a creative process, such as painting.  It uses the visual creation as a starting point for self-exploration, insights and understanding.  Thoughts and feelings are often expressed in greater intensity and with greater ease through images, rather than words.  With guidance from an experienced art therapist, feelings and inner conflicts may be put into visual form.  Through the creative act, it is possible externalize a feeling, resolve it, and then re-integrate it, providing closure and understanding.

Sometimes we need a fresh way of seeing the world and that can open up a new way of being in the world. It can even change the world.

Art therapy can be used for individuals, groups of people, and families.  Art therapy can be an effective alternative to traditional talk therapy. It is also an opportunity to honour the need for a creative outlet. There is no limit on age for art therapy, as all ages can benefit fully from the process.  Previous art experience is not needed, as the focus is purely on personal expression and art-making can be guided by the art therapist.

Art therapy can be helpful for people dealing with:

• anxiety

• depression

• life transitions

• grief and loss

• search for meaning

• critical illness

• creative block

• lack of focus

• challenges affecting self-esteem

• the need to communicate an experience that may otherwise be inexpressible...because sometimes there are no words.

If you are dealing with something you wish to explore or work towards understanding, art therapy with a professional art therapist could be right for you.  Please contact me to find out more, and to begin your journey towards health and enhanced well-being.

The principles of art therapy can also be effectively applied in an organizational or a community setting - either during special gatherings such as retreats or with regularly scheduled sessions for workplace teams or community members to help increase innovation, resilience and engagement.