Art Therapy

Art Therapy

Creative Pathways to Connection

1:1 ART THERAPY SESSIONS

Connections Behaviour Consulting now offers Art Therapy sessions led by a Professional Art Therapist. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression—such as drawing, painting, and other visual art forms—to help individuals explore their emotions, increase self-awareness, and support mental well-being.

Art Therapy may be particularly helpful for children and youth who find verbal communication challenging. Through colour, shape, and imagery, clients are supported in expressing thoughts and feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. This process can help promote emotional regulation, social connection, and cognitive growth.

All sessions are tailored to the individual needs of each client and are grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship. Our Art Therapist is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with specialized training in creative arts and mental health in the form of a Masters Diploma in Art Psychotherapy.

Common Art Therapy Goals include:

Emotional expression and regulation
Building self-esteem
Developing coping strategies
Reducing anxiety and stress
Supporting communication and social connection

Art Therapy can be offered as a standalone service or can be combined with other supports such as ABA therapy or parent coaching to create a holistic plan.

Meet Stefanie Ly

Stefanie is a Professional Art Therapist (CATA) and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with Honours Degrees in Fine Art (Wilfrid Laurier), Developmental Psychology (University of Waterloo) and a recent graduate of the Masters Diploma in Art Psychotherapy from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT). Working in various capacities with families, caregivers, children and adults with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diagnoses for the past 25 years, she strives to provide a space for all people to feel accepted as they are, express themselves freely on their terms, and support their personal goals for therapy.

Who can benefit from Art Therapy?

Art therapy is beneficial for children, youth, and adults, especially those who find it difficult to express their emotions verbally. It’s particularly effective for individuals on the autism spectrum, those with anxiety, social challenges, or emotional regulation issues, and anyone seeking an alternative to traditional talk therapy. No prior art experience is needed—just a willingness to explore and create.
Does my child need a specific diagnosis to participate in Art Therapy?

No, a specific diagnosis is not required to participate in Art Therapy. Art therapy is open to all children and youth who could benefit from creative expression as a way to explore emotions and improve mental well-being. Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, the therapy is tailored to their unique needs and challenges. If you’re unsure whether Art Therapy is the right fit, feel free to contact us for a consultation.
Does my child need art skills to participate?

Not at all! Art therapy is about the creative process, not the final product. Your child doesn’t need any art skills or experience to participate. The focus is on self-expression, building emotional awareness, and promoting mental wellness, rather than creating perfect pieces of art.
How does art therapy differ from doing art as a hobby?

While both involve creativity, art therapy is guided by therapeutic goals, structured and purposeful, designed to promote emotional and psychological well-beingwithin a therapeutic relationship with a qualified Art Therapist. While arts and crafts can be therapeutic in nature, Art Therapy provides an outlet for expression and exploration of emotions, thoughts and feelings held and witnessed by someone with appropriate training to do so.
My child is very busy - do they need to be able to sit still to participate?

Not necessarily. Art therapy sessions areflexible and can be adapted to your child’s unique needs. Many children find it easier to express themselves through creative activities while being active or moving around. Our Art Therapist will work with your child to ensure they feel comfortable and engaged, whether they are sitting still or moving during the session.
What does a typical session look like?

Each session is personalized to meet your child’s individual needs. A session usually begins with a check-in through art making or conversation tomeet the child where they are in the moment, and adjust sessions plans accordingly. For example, the Art Therapist may have planned an activity based on the previous session, but what the child is bringing this session may alter those plans, and the therapist can adjust accordingly to meet the needs of the child in front of them, not the child in last week’s session.After the check in, the therapist may introduce a directive art invitation or invite the child to choose from a variety of curated art materials for a non-directive, client-led approach. Materials and art making may include: painting, modelling clay, pastels, markers, to name a few—to express emotions, explore senses or share a special interest. The session may end with a developmentally appropriate discussionabout the art made, and/or art making process, focusing on insights or feelings that came up during the activity.
Can I use insurance to pay for art therapy?

It depends on your insurance plan. Many insurance companies offer coverage for psychotherapy services, and art therapy is often included as part of mental health benefits. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for art therapy sessions and whether a referral from a healthcare provider is needed.
Can I use core services funding to pay for Art Therapy?

Yes, in many cases, Core Services Funding through the Ontario Autism Program can be used to cover art therapy sessions with a licensed psychotherapist.
Where can I learn more about Art Therapy?

To learn more, you can look at this great resource on the Autism Ontario page.

Finding the Right Plan for You

The first step of beginning services with us is consulting with one of our clinicians to discuss which service will best suit your needs