McKenzie Therapeutic Arts

WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC ART?

Any creative activity done with the intention of increasing positivity!  This may include visual arts, movement or somatics, woodworking, aromatherapy, and eco-art.

Therapeutic art activities have physical, mental and spiritual benefits.  Sometimes we get caught up in the rush of life, caring for family, or just overwhelmed with the number of hats we are wearing - usually in the service of others - that we forget to look after our own well-being. We may experience overwhelm, grief, frustration, anger leading to sadness, isolation or despair.  We might be dealing with the loss of a loved one, anxiety due to financial changes, aging or forced downsizing.  Guided arts activities by a professional facilitator can open up your world again.

Explore the benefits of expressive arts such as Painting, sketching outdoors, eco-art therapy, dance and movement, work with textiles or sculpting with Margaret McKenzie, educator, artist and certified Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, specialized in eco-art therapy, Guided Drawing and Expressive Arts facilitation.

Margaret brings a diverse background in life experiences to the field of therapeutic art including time teaching High School, co-owning a graphic arts business, running community art events, offering art classes to seniors and operating the Silver Bowerbird Gallery & Studio.

HOW  DOES THERAPEUTIC ART BENEFIT YOU?

  Engaging in creative pursuits provide many positive outcomes:

*Enjoyment of making

*Relaxation and lowering stress levels

*Support wellness and balance

*Develops non-verbal communication skills

*Builds self-esteem through skill development and artistic achievement

*Gives an opportunity for social engagement

*Allows for observing self through the world

*Provide stimulation for those experiencing the early stages of dementia

*Discover personal meanings

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THERAPEUTIC ART?

Anyone!  You need only have curiosity, an open-mind, an interest in self-care.  Someone you know might enjoy the social aspect of making art with a group.  The arts are especially beneficial for those dealing with grief, loss, dementia, brain injury, and anxiety. 

If you are an employer who must restructure the company or work at team building, expressive art provides a non-threatening and playful way to engage employees in the change process. 

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Individual therapeutic art activities start with a 1/2 hr FREE introductory conversation to discuss your specific goals and we will work together to make a plan for a set number of sessions.  Each session after the introductory one is $45 for 50 - 60 minutes.

Couples may wish to work together on a creative 'conversation' through the art process.  An introductory session of 50 minutes is $60 and each session thereafter is $75 for 60-70 minutes.

Group sessions are $50 per person for a 2 hour session.  Minimum number in a group 4.



Margaret McKenzie

B.Ed., Expressive Arts Facilitator, Therapeutic Art Practitioner, Sensorimotor Art Therapy certificate.

Book an introductory Session Now or Ask a Question

ART ROOM

All art-making supplies are provided in a session.  Learn how to express emotions with paint, clay, pastel, chalk, textiles, sound, wood, plaster and more.  Re-discover ways to relax through the creative process.

                "It's the Process not the Product"

Eco-Art Therapy

When engaging in therapy outdoors we may meet at local parks, beaches or trails.  Suggestions welcome for each session.  Appropriate weather clothing is advised as service will go ahead despite weather unless otherwise advised.  Backpack of safety and art supplies will be provided.

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