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1. What is art therapy mental health counselling?

Art therapy counselling is a holistic, trauma-informed approach that uses creative expression—such as painting, drawing, and sculpture—to support emotional, psychological, and overall well-being. This form of therapy can be especially helpful for individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, stress, or life transitions.

In my practice in Edmonton, AB and Victoria, BC, as well as through online counselling across Canada, art therapy is integrated with traditional talk therapy to support deeper emotional processing, insight, and personal growth.

 

2. Do I need to have artistic skills to participate in arts based mental health counselling therapy sessions?

No artistic skills or experience are needed to participate in art therapy counselling sessions. This practice is accessible to everyone—whether you’re a seasoned artist or have never picked up a paintbrush. In art therapy the focus is on the healing power of the creative process, not the final product. 

 

3. How can art help with stress and anxiety?

Art therapy helps reduce stress and anxiety by engaging the brain in calming, creative activities. It fosters mindfulness, emotional expression, and nervous system regulation. Neuroscience research shows that making art strengthens brain connectivity and supports integration of emotions, body, and mind.

 

4. What are some examples of art therapy activities in a counselling session?

Here are a few art therapy activities I offer in my counselling sessions:

  • Somatic (body-awareness) drawing

  • Mindful painting and mark-making

  • Vision board creation

  • Working with clay or sand for grounding

  • Movement exercises to increase emotional regulation skills

These creative practices support emotional release, body-mind connection, and joy. All are available in my Edmonton and Victoria based art therapy practice.

 

5. Are you covered by insurance?

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and sessions are eligible for coverage under most extended health insurance plans in Canada. Please check with your provider to confirm your specific coverage.

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6. What are your rates?  

My current rates are:

  • Arts Based Therapy Sessions (75 minutes): $240 per session

  • Talk Therapy / Counselling Sessions  (50 minutes): $160 per session

  • Sliding scale rates available. Please inquire!

  • All sessions are offered in-person in Edmonton, AB until July and in Victoria, BC starting August, or virtually across Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Remember, the key to promoting healing through art therapy is to focus on the process rather than the outcome.

Allow yourself to be playful and experimental, and don't worry about creating a perfect artwork.

For thousands of years, humans have turned to creativity for emotional healing and connection. Art therapy continues this natural process.

When we experience joy, our intellect becomes sharper and we feel more equipped to tackle life's challenges with a positive attitude.

The act of creating itself can be a joyful and therapeutic experience.

hello@nightingalepsychotherapy.ca

©2026 by Ania Telfer

Psychotherapy, counselling, and art therapy services for veterans, children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, offered by Ania Telfer, M.C., Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). My practice integrates trauma-informed, somatic, equine assisted therapy, Equusoma, mindfulness-based, expressive arts, art therapy, and arts-based approaches to support anxiety, trauma recovery, life transitions, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.

Until the end of July, I offer in-person counselling and art therapy services in Edmonton, Alberta, serving clients from Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Leduc, Morinville, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain. Beginning in August, I will offer in-person services in Victoria, British Columbia, including Saanich, Langford, Brentwood Bay, Sidney, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, View Royal, and the Greater Victoria region.

Secure online counselling and art therapy are available for clients throughout Canada.

Nightingale Psychotherapy respectfully acknowledges that, until the end of July, services are provided on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta. These are the ancestral and traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, and Métis peoples. I honour the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples whose relationships with these lands span countless generations and continue today.

Beginning in August, services will also be provided on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples on southern Vancouver Island.

I am grateful to the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members who have cared for these lands across generations, those who are with us today, those who have gone before us, and those yet to come.

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