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1. What is art therapy mental health counselling?

Art therapy mental health counselling is a holistic form of art therapy that uses creative expression—such as painting, drawing, and sculpture—to support emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. This therapeutic counselling approach can benefit individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, or life stressors. Art therapy sessions are integrated with traditional talk therapy sessions in my Edmonton practice or online. 

 

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-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 or virtually across Alberta.

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

©2025 by Ania Telfer

Psychotherapy, counselling, and art therapy services for veterans, children, adolescents, couples, and adults in Edmonton, and online—offered by Ania Telfer, M.C., Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) specializing in trauma-informed, somatic and mindfulness-based therapy for anxiety, trauma, and personal growth.

Nightingale Psychotherapy gratefully acknowledges Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta - the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Métis, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, and Nakota Sioux. I respectfully acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations and continue today. I am grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today, those who have gone before us and we acknowledge those yet to come.

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