This holistic approach to Therapy was
developed by Marie-José Dhaese to help individuals of all ages—from
young children to the elderly— cope with symptoms, stress, or adversity.
Expressive therapy incorporates the
use of verbal counseling, art therapy, play therapy, sand play (creating
worlds and images with miniatures in a tray of sand), and a wide variety
of other expressive therapies (e.g. story telling, writing, music,
movement, photography and sewing).
Particular attention is paid to creating a soothing and nurturing
environment that supports the healing process.
Each method is used according to age,
natural inclination and the unique struggles, needs and life
circumstances of the individual.
For
Adults:
Although verbal counseling is the usual primary mode of therapy used
with adults, expressive therapies can help them further explore
difficult issues that words sometimes cannot reach. Within the safety of
the therapeutic relationship, images are created through drawing,
painting, collage, sewing, photography, writing, working in clay or sand
play. These images are then reflected upon for the purpose of finding
solutions to underlying issues. Guided imagery, family of origin work
and EMDR (a therapeutic tool particularly effective in facilitating
recovery from specific traumas) are also used when appropriate.
For Children:
The younger children are, the more limited is their ability to express
themselves verbally; but through play they can show what they think,
feel and how they experience and understand the world in which they
live. Just as adults talk things out, children play things out. Since
play is the natural means of expression for children, the most effective
mode of therapy for them is play therapy.
The
therapist provides a wide variety of carefully chosen play and other
expressive materials to help the child bring into the open the behaviors
and blocked feelings that have interfered with healthy emotional growth.
Through this active expression, inner strengths are discovered that can
help the child deal with past experiences and cope with present life
situations in more beneficial ways.
After an
initial meeting with the parents, therapy is generally conducted with
the child alone. Periodic meetings are then set up with the family to
discuss progress and to help them support and enhance the child's
healing process.
The length of therapy varies with each person, depending on many factors
such as the seriousness of the difficulties experienced, the degree of
personal resilience and the amount of support available in the present
living situation.
Expressive
Therapy has proven to be particularly helpful to children and adults
experiencing the consequences of a variety of stresses and traumatic
experiences, including:
Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
Accidents, illness and hospitalization
Attachment issues, foster care, adoption
Grief, loss, bereavement
Life transitions (moves, employment
change, menopause, retirement etc… )
Separation and divorce
Stress in the workplace
Traumas of all types
Expressive Therapy is highly effective in
promoting healing for those experiencing:
Autism spectrum
Chronic pain
Physical or mental challenges
Spiritual crisis
Withdrawn, overactive, controlling or
aggressive behaviour
and can address a variety of symptoms such as:
Anxiety
Depression
Fears
Sleeping problems
Training and counselling can be conducted in
French or in English.
Weekly or bi-weekly counselling sessions for children and adults.
The length of the sessions vary from one to two hours.
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
Therapy can be conducted in French or English.
Cost: $100 to $120 +GST per hour.
Financial assistance may be available through: Victims
assistance program, ICBC claims , Employee & Family Assistance Plans
and other private insurance plans.
In blocks of time of 2 – 4 hours per day, from 2 – 5 days.
Such retreats are particularly suitable for those who have to
travel far or would like to work more intensely on a particular
issue.
Each day (from 3 to 5 hours per day) will be spent in
self-exploration focusing on the most pressing needs of each
individual. The remainder of each day can be spent journaling,
walking, swimming, cycling,
kayaking, lying on the beach, bird watching; a time to nurture
oneself, rest and recreate.
Retreats are available all year round allowing you to choose the
season best suited to your schedule and/or your recreational
interests.
Follow-up and/or ongoing support is offered by phone as
suitable.
Cost: $100+GST per hour.
Food and accommodations are not provided. Accommodations of all kinds are available, including
Bed & Breakfasts, cabin rentals and
organized campsites in
Parksville.
Please click
if you would like to make an appointment or inquire about any
of the above information.
The
therapist provides a wide variety of carefully chosen play and other
expressive materials to help the child bring into the open the behaviors
and blocked feelings that have interfered with healthy emotional growth.
Through this active expression, inner strengths are discovered that can
help the child deal with past experiences and cope with present life
situations in more beneficial ways. 
