Expressive Art Therapy Group

The 8-week expressive arts therapy group provides a supportive and creative environment for survivors. Participants engage in various art forms, including visual arts, music, movement, and self-reflective writing, to foster self-expression, personal exploration, and mutual support.

This group-based therapy encourages healing, personal growth, and self-discovery through non-judgmental and creative activities. It offers a sense of community and belonging as individuals connect with others who share similar experiences.

The goal of Expressive Arts Therapy is to achieve the following outcomes on our Theory of Transformation:

  • Build Coping Strategies
  • Develop Self-Compassion
 
Led by CREATE Institute or Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) Practicum Students and a Gatehouse Peer Facilitator, this closed group requires intake, and no new participants are accepted after the second week. For full details, see the “How to Apply” section below.
Requirements
Topics
Risks/Benefits
  • Must be a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
  • Completed The Gatehouse Phase 1 program within the last 5 years.
  • Not registered in any other group at The Gatehouse during this group (you may only participate in this group and no others at the same time).
  • All registrants will be contacted to complete an intake meeting, with a $50 fee for the intake meeting.
  • All registrants must reside in Canada.
  • Grounding
  • Boundaries, Building Trust, and Building Safety with self and others
  • Emotional Awareness, Regulation, & Expression
  • Exploring Uncomfortable Emotions
  • Letting Go – Expectations vs Reality
  • Inner Strength & Resilience
  • Self-care, Self-Compassion & Self-Love
  • Building Community – Moving Beyond Trauma

The Expressive Arts Therapy Group engages in discussions where individuals may share their experiences with triggers, inner child, addictions, boundaries, shame/guilt, and moving forward. These discussions might include sharing individual perceptions and core beliefs.

Such activities may bring up feelings of fear, sadness, and anxiousness in the group. It is strongly recommended that participants have a support network outside of The Gatehouse, including peers, therapy, or social work support.

Additional Resources:

  • To search for additional mental health support in your community, check out the e-mental health website here.
  • For a list of crisis numbers in Ontario, click here.
  • For a list of Domestic-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Resources in Ontario, click here.

How to Apply

Step 1: Email Zada at zada@thegatehouse.org with the following information:

    • Your first and last name
    • Your pronouns
    • Your email address
    • Your cell phone number
    • Your date of birth
    • Your age
    • Emergency contact name
    • Emergency contact phone number
    • Emergency contact relationship to you
    • Approximate date you completed the Gatehouse Phase 1 Program
    • Whether you are/will be registering for any other groups at The Gatehouse during this group
    • Whether you are physically able to go up and down stairs (In-person groups are in the basement at The Gatehouse.)

Step 2: Specify in your email whether you are interested in the Online or In-Person group and include the dates you are interested in.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

Please note: it may take up to two weeks for an intake meeting to be scheduled.

Expressive Art Therapy Group Details

Where

The expressive arts therapy support group is offered both in-person at The Gatehouse and online via Zoom meetings. It is led by CREATE Institute or Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) Practicum Student(s) and a Gatehouse Peer Facilitator.

  • Group Options: Expressive arts therapy is offered as an all-genders group only.
  • Scheduling: Groups are available throughout the year.
  • Contact: For questions, please reach out to Zada at zada@thegatehouse.org.

As of August 2024, the program fee is $350 for in-person groups (materials included) and $300 for online groups (materials not included).

  • You will be invoiced via email.
  • VISA, MasterCard, cheque, or e-transfer are acceptable payment methods.
  • E-transfer payments should be sent to Maria Barcelos at mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org.
  • Payment is due before the program start date and is non-refundable.
  • Cheques should be made payable to “The Gatehouse” and mailed to 3101 Lakeshore Blvd W., Toronto, ON, M8V3W8.
  • Sliding Scale Payment is available, contact Zada for details.

Please Note: A $50 intake fee is due following the intake interview.

Start Date
End Date
Time
Days
Format
May 5, 2025
June 30, 2025
6:30-8:30 PM
Monday
Online
July 7, 2025
Sept. 8, 2025
6:30 -8:30 PM
Monday
In Person
Sep. 22, 2025
Nov. 17, 2025
6:30-8:30 PM
Monday
In Person

Questions? If you have any questions about the Expressive Arts Therapy Program, please email Zada.

New to online meetings? Check out Participants – Tips to Enhance Peer Support Group Meetings.