My values as a an
Anti-Oppressive Expressive Arts Therapist

“ If we carry inter generational trauma, (and we do) then we also carry inter generational wisdom. In our genes and in our DNA.”
-Kazu Haga

I know that as People of Colour and QTBIPoC our bodies hold a lot of power, wisdom and strength. There is a resilience and intuition that lives inside of us even if we are disconnected from it. For so many marginalized folks who are exhausted and continue to survive this disconnection is a reality to us. Disconnection to our bodies, to our stories, to our cultures etc. I believe arts practices are a way to connect back in.

Where there is pain there is also power.
Where there is struggle there is also magic.
Where there are wounds there is also new growth.
Expressive Arts Therapy constantly reminds me of these concurrent truths.

Being Trauma informed
My practice and work is rooted in being trauma informed this means I aim to support folks to access their own inner resources, to understand their trauma and work towards their own unique healing journey. The Art will hold what you bring to it. You can put your pain, struggle and uncertainty into the Expressive Arts using paint, drama, song, movement, writing etc. and I will hold space for you delve in what you want to address and work on. Our work together is guided by you and I’ll hold space and support where you need it. In our work together we will explore trauma gets stuck in our bodies and how it can affect us. We will work with what is there and gently support a process of awareness and healing.

You are the expert of your experience
I don’t have all the answers and I don’t consider myself an expert, you are the expert of your own life, your experiences and what you need. I have: a lot of art supplies, an in depth understanding of trauma, a deep, nuanced anti oppressive framework and an deep intention to witness, listen and hold space for you.

Everyone is creative and deserves to have access to the arts
No one owns creativity; the title of ‘artist’ is not only for certain people with training or schooling. You are an artist. We all are creative and can delve into our imaginations and creative right brains anytime. I create a space of permission with arts creation: to get messy, to make ‘weird’ ‘bad’ unconventional art that can only come from you, to create a new way to do it and to explore different art mediums and have fun. To use art as a tool for self expression and self exploration.

Accessibility
Is very important to me. It is something that I aim to get better at. I will only work out of spaces that are physically accessible. I aim to support folks with access needs and have conversations around how to support in the best way I can. When seeing me individually or in a group please check in with me if you have access needs you would like support with.

Marginalized voices to the front
I work with predominately BIPoC because I want to center the experiences of those who for so long have been marginalized. Queer and Trans people & People of Colour your voices are important. I want to hold space for you to take up space.

Please see more about Expressive Arts Therapy here