Individual Expressive Arts Therapy Sessions

Individual Expressive Arts Therapy Sessions for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), and support persons of CSA survivors Abuse, ages 18+

Our Expressive Arts Therapy services are provided by CREATE Institute, or Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) Art Therapists in training completing their Art Therapy Practicum. Expressive Arts Therapists in training students are being supervised by a CRPO Qualified external supervisor and the onsite supervisor Maria Barcelos, MA, RP, Executive Director. 

We are now offering personalized sessions designed to address the unique needs of each survivor or their support person. Please note that all individual expressive arts therapy sessions are provided ONLINE only at this time.

The sessions emphasize emotional validation and creative expression, offering a judgment-free space where survivors and/or their support persons can share their experiences and emotions. The aim is to help them feel heard, and supported throughout their healing journey.

In addition to creating a supportive environment, our therapists-in-training equip survivors or their support persons with expressive arts techniques to help manage the challenges associated with childhood sexual abuse. By integrating art, movement, and other creative modalities, we provide survivors with tools to build resilience and maintain a positive lifestyle.

Each participant is eligible for up to 10 individual Expressive Arts Therapy sessions, with the possibility of extending sessions if a therapist- in-Training is available.

Fees:

  • $50 for the initial expressive arts therapy intake
  • $65 per expressive arts therapy session

How to Sign Up for Expressive Arts Therapy Sessions:

  1. If you are a CSA survivor, you must complete an Initial Intake with The Gatehouse to access our programs and services. If you are a returning participant (CSA survivor that has completed a Gatehouse program) and have been away for more than 6 months, you must complete a new intake form and intake meeting. Karen MacKeigan coordinates initial Gatehouse intake meetings karen@thegatehouse.org. If you are a partner/support person (non-survivor) please go directly to step 2.
  2. Complete the Expressive-Arts-Therapy-Individual-Participant-Intake (Word Doc) and email it to zada@thegatehouse.org. Download Expressive-Arts-Therapy-Individual-Participant-Intake PDF
  3. An Art Therapist-in-training will schedule and conduct a consult call with you. There is no charge for the 30 minute consult call.
  4. Following the consult call, an Expressive Arts therapy intake meeting will be scheduled. There is a $50 fee for this intake meeting. An invoice will be sent to you. This meeting will take between 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
  5. Expressive Arts Therapy sessions will be arranged based on the availability of both the survivor and the therapist-in-training. Sessions are available online only. There are two forms, consent to treatment and confidentiality that will be emailed to you for completion as well.
  6. Fees are $65 per individual expressive arts therapy session.

For questions about the Intake process, contact zada@thegatehouse.org. Fees may be subject to change with 60 days’ written notice.

Confidentiality
All information shared during expressive arts therapy is confidential, except in the following situations:

  • Risk of imminent danger to an identifiable third party or oneself.
  • Suspected child abuse or neglect.
  • Court-ordered disclosure.
  • Reasonable belief of sexual abuse by a health professional.
  • Reasonable belief of abuse or neglect in Long-Term Care Facilities or Retirement Homes.
  • Need to share information with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers for supervision or auditing.
  • With the participant’s consent to share information with third parties (e.g., doctor, psychiatrist). Contact your therapist or zada@thegatehouse.org to request a consent form.

Method of Payment:

  • Credit Card (processed via PayPal, E-transfer, debit in person payment at Gatehouse or cheque payment at the end of each session.
  • E-transfers should be sent to Maria at mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org, with a separate email for the password along with a note with Practitioners name and session date.
  • If paying by cheque – Cheques should be made payable to “The Gatehouse” with a session number and therapist name in the memo section.

Cancellation Policy:

  • A 24-hour notice is required for appointment changes or cancellations. A $65 fee applies for missed appointments or changes without 24-hour notice. Services will be discontinued for non-payment, but the expressive arts therapist will provide information on alternative services before doing so.

More Information

What is Expressive Arts Therapy

Frequently asked questions about expressive arts therapy

Art Therapists-in-training Bios

Find Additional Mental Health Supports:
For more mental health resources in your community, visit the e-mental health website: e-mental health

Crisis Numbers in Ontario:

TORONTO DISTRESS CENTRE (416) 408-4357 or 408-HELP

GERSTEIN CENTRE (416) 929-5200

ASSAULTED WOMEN’S HELPLINE: 416-863-0511

If you are in crisis, please call 911 or 988.