Since the beginning of times, human beings have been representing the world that surrounds them, for instance with cave paintings, sculptures, fabrics and by using colours from diverse mediums. Play is also a natural process we do as children in order to explore, learn and interpret the world around us. It is never too late to use those mediums to engage into a healing process that begins by expressing what remains unconscious. Art therapy and Play therapy enhance the ability to engage and support the therapeutic process. Both approaches are intrinsically motivating, reduce anxiety, improve brain functions, help to connect with others, communicate the unspeakable or anything that would be otherwise difficult to articulate. They increase self-esteem, capacity for empathy and can improve social skills by reconnecting with your natural state of being and with your inner self.  

Neuroscience research in both fields, Art and Play Therapy, has proved that symbolism and art expression bring numerous benefits for all people of all ages experiencing anxiety, bereavement, depression, interpersonal issues, trauma and coping with physical health conditions just to name a few. For instance, Art and Play Therapy can be very beneficial for children as they are still developing and may not have yet all the words and tools to express themselves. Using Play and
Art Therapy allows their thoughts to become observable and gives them an avenue to tell their story. This allows the therapist to have the opportunity to reorientate and educate when necessary while working closely with the parents. 

No, and that is the benefit of Art Therapy. You may never have done art before and it is perfectly fine. Art Therapy is the use of colours, shapes, imagery as part of YOUR OWN creative process in order to express yourself and your feelings. It is about you and your creative therapeutic process. Nathalie is not there to teach you how to do art, but to be by your side, by listening, supporting and guiding you in integrating your life experiences and feelings into your artwork and by helping you to reconnect with positive emotions. 

No, not at all. Art Therapy and Play Therapy can happen only with a qualified therapist trained professionally with a minimum of a master’s degree in a mental health discipline and a master’s level diploma in Art and/or Play Therapy. The Art and Play Therapist has studied extensively in psychotherapy and is by your side to help you express your feelings and discover your healing process as art and play use a creative process for healing. In other words, it is counselling using  different approaches from talk therapy alone, but they also can be all combined into one approach.