Facilitating healing and growth through creative expression
Creativity is one of the greatest gifts of being human.
It is innately yours.
Through creative expression you can connect deeper to your truth, to your self, to your emotions, and face the fears, address traumas, release thought and behaviour patterns and habits that do not serve you.
I hold safe, supportive therapeutic space for you to use, or find your creative language. Allow your heart to unfold, to change, to grow, through drawing, painting, collaging, writing, sculpting, moving and sounding, sprinkled with a gentle touch of mindfulness.
About
Masha Andreeva
HonBA, DTATI(cand), RP(qualifying)
I am currently a senior student at Toronto Art Therapy institute, working on my research and thesis. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in the RP*(qualifying) status. I also maintain membership with OATA* and CATA*.
*RP is a registered psychotherapist with the regulating body CRPO
*OATA is Ontario Art Therapy Association
*CATA is Canadian Art Therapy Association
01.
One-on-one online art therapy. We will co-create an individual treatment plan, focusing on your desired outcome, and work creatively towards it.
02.
From time to time I offer 2-hour workshops or themed
8-10 week long group art therapy. Click the link below to see current and upcoming offerings.
03.
Book an hour-long in-person sound bath, individual or small group. Each sound bath will include a short assesment of your needs and goals for treatment and will be tailored to meet your needs and goals.
What is Art Therapy
Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.
Definition from CATA website.
Who is Art Therapy for
Art therapy is effective for people of any age. Art therapists work with individuals, couples, families or groups in various settings. The issues may range from severe mental heath problems to average life challenges.
You do not need to be an artist, or have previous experience in art-making. Art therapy is about creative expression and everyone is capable. The focus is on the process and the meaning of your creation is uniquely yours, it is not about the perfection or aesthetic appeal. Connecting to your creativity, in a safe and supportive environment, however, can in itself be therapeutic.
In art therapy, through the art, the emotions, thoughts and memories can be accessed and explored, facilitating self-reflection, understanding and growth.
The following feelings are signs that an individual might benefit from this type of therapy:
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Overwhelming feelings of sadness, stress, anxiety or helplessness.
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An inability to cope with everyday problems.
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Difficulty concentrating on work or studies most of the time.
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Drinking too much, taking drugs, or being aggressive to an extent that is harming themselves or others.
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A sense that problems never improve, despite receiving help from friends and family.
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Feeling constantly on edge or worrying unnecessarily.
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Finding oneself in the same scenarios or behaviour patterns despite wanting something different.
Why online therapy?
The ability to connect online allows many individuals to receive the psychotherapy quickly, from the comfort of home.
And added bonus is the ability to connect over long distances, saving travel time.
Typically a first session begins with a psychosocial assessment where I will ask you what it is that brought you into therapy and what your goals for treatment are. From here, I will be able to talk with you, ask questions and figure out a personalized treatment plan for you that best suits your individual needs. This treatment plan may incorporate some homework, curated therapeutic experiences including CBT-informed art therapy, trauma-informed art therapy and mindfulness activities where applicable.
The first session is typically to get to know you and what is going on in your life and how it is I can assist you on your life’s journey. After this, we will spend each hour-long session unpacking the things that are holding you back which include your past and present difficult experiences and your maladaptive patterning and coping mechanisms. I will offer compassionate listening, validation and support as we work together on making your life a more enjoyable experience for you and for those around you.
A free consultation
A free consultation is intended as an opportunity for us to meet each other before initiating therapy, for you to ask any questions and to get a better feel for whether this kind of therapy is a good fit for you. The consultation can take place over the phone or a video call and will last approximately 15 minutes. I do not offer psychotherapy during the consultation.
If you are currently in crisis,
or need someone to talk to immediately, please go to the WORLDWIDE crisis line: www.befrienders.org
~ If you are in CANADA visit: www.crisisservicescanada.ca or call: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
~ CANADA KIDS Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 for 24/7 support
~If you are in Toronto, visit Distress Centres of Greater Toronto or call 416-408-4357
