Art Therapy

When words aren’t enough, art therapy can help

What is art therapy?

Through art therapy, you’re invited to explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words through imagery, colour, and shape. It combines the healing power of creativity with psychotherapy to help you explore and understand what you’re going through, and engages all your senses to help relax your nervous system. A great option for all ages, art therapy is often used with individuals, couples, families, and even large groups.

The focus isn’t on making art–it’s on using the process as a way to slow down, feel safer in your body, and make space for what you’re experiencing. Sessions are guided by clinicians making this approach especially helpful for trauma, grief, anxiety, and other experiences that can feel heavy to talk about.

You may find art therapy useful if you:

Feel overwhelmed but can’t put it into words.
Are processing grief, trauma, or loss
Feel disconnected from yourself or your emotions
Want a gentle, sensory approach to therapy
Are supporting a child or teen who expresses themselves through creativity

What can art therapy help with?

Art therapy helps you work through difficult experiences without needing to relive or explain your pain in detail. Many people find that having something to focus on outside of themselves makes it easier to reflect, process, and feel less overwhelmed.

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress are normal, but if they are taking over your thoughts, we can help you learn to understand it and find calm and steadiness to move forward.

Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

When everything feels heavy, even small steps matter. Find the space you need to heal at your own pace.

Life Transitions

Change is overwhelming, even when it’s positive change. From career shifts to new stages of life, find the support you need to adjust and grow in healthy ways.

Caregiver Burnout

Caring for others is both deeply meaningful and exhausting. We’ll help you find balance, tend to your own needs, and help build connections to resources that will lighten the load.

Life-limiting Illness, Dementia, and End of Life

When you or a loved one is facing illness, fear, sadness, and uncertainty can come in waves. We’re here to help you process with care and dignity.

Grief, Separation, and Loss

Loss changes everything, and grief shows up in unpredictable ways. We specialize in grief and loss to help you find meaning, healing, and connection.

What can you expect during Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Accelerated Resolution Therapy sessions are generally 1.5 hours long. They involve a guided process where your therapist leads you through a series of eye movements and imagery techniques to shift difficult sensations, memories, emotions, behaviors, or thoughts.

Most of the work happens in your own mind–you will be given instructions and will complete the eye movements, but you do not need to share the details of your trauma unless you choose to.

Clients often describe ART as a transformative and empowering experience, and that even after their first session, they feel like they can start to breathe again.

We may use art therapy in

Couples Counselling

Couples counselling creates space for mutual understanding and growth, helping partners strengthen their communication and support one another better.

Corporate Wellness

Grief-sensitive counselling, critical incident debriefing, workshops, and resources that help your team feel supported and foster a compassionate workplace culture.

Grief and Loss Counselling

Designed specifically to support you through the emotional and physical toll of a significant loss.

Group Therapy

A supportive space where people with shared experiences can connect, learn from one another, and gain new perspectives, guided by a skilled facilitator.

Individual Therapy

A one-on-one, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the support of a trained therapist.

Meet the Facilitators

Anna Jongeleen

Daniella Kersey

Elizabeth Agbator

Heather Ruhl

Kayla McLachlan

Nessa Hill

Sarah Karesa

Ready to take the next step?

Located in West Edmonton, we offer both in-person and remote appointments.

Ready to talk? Book your free 30-minute telephone or video consultation to be matched with the best therapist or group for you.

You can book online or contact us by phone at 780-454-1194 or email at ehc@jfse.org.

We will get back to you within two business days.