Expressive arts therapy for children and youth
Individual therapy offers children and young people a consistent space to explore feelings, experiences and strengths through the ways they communicate most naturally. Sessions may include art, play, story, music, movement, imagination and conversation.
In-person appointments are available across west and central Toronto. Some therapists also offer online sessions across Ontario.
More ways to express what is happening
Children do not always make sense of their experiences by talking about them directly. They often show us what is happening through play, imagination, movement, stories and making. Expressive arts therapy gives these natural forms of expression a place in therapy, alongside conversation.
Your child does not need to see themselves as artistic. There is no pressure to create a finished artwork or express something in a particular way. Sessions follow each child’s interests, comfort, boundaries and individual pace.
What might happen in a session?
The therapist follows what feels accessible and meaningful for each child. The approaches used can change from one session to another, and not every session includes every art form.
Making, shaping and building
Drawing, painting, clay, collage and other materials can offer ways to explore, experiment and communicate without needing to begin with words.
Play, story and imagination
Figures, dramatic play, storytelling and imagined worlds can allow children to approach experiences indirectly, try out possibilities and follow their curiosity.
Movement, sound and music
Music, movement, voice, body-based awareness and conversation may become part of a session according to the child’s interests and comfort.
Creative approaches are always invitations. A child can participate in their own way, decline an activity or choose something different.
A relationship at the centre
At the heart of the work is a trusting, responsive relationship built over time. The therapist pays attention to the child’s cues, strengths and ways of communicating, making room for playfulness, uncertainty and difficult feelings without pushing the child to disclose or perform.
The pace and direction of therapy will be different for every child. Therapist and caregiver can discuss what they are noticing and whether the work continues to feel useful.
How caregivers are involved
Caregivers are an important part of the process. Before therapy begins, a caregiver usually completes an intake form with information about the child’s strengths, interests, relationships, experiences and current concerns.
A separate caregiver consultation may be recommended before the child begins, or arranged later when more conversation would be helpful. These consultations can focus on what caregivers are noticing, the child’s goals and ways of supporting the work outside therapy.
The therapist will explain how consent, confidentiality and caregiver communication apply to the individual child. The approach may differ depending on the child’s age, capacity, needs and circumstances, with care taken to support caregiver involvement while protecting the child’s therapeutic privacy.
Beginning together
1
An initial consultation
A complimentary initial consultation is offered to help you ask questions, briefly share what is bringing your family to therapy, and consider whether the therapist’s availability and way of working feel like a good fit.
2
Intake and consent
Before therapy begins, the caregiver completes an intake form and reviews consent, confidentiality, fees and other practice information with the therapist. If a longer caregiver conversation would be helpful, the therapist will discuss this and any associated fee in advance.
3
Individual sessions
The therapist and child begin building a relationship at the child’s pace, drawing on conversation, play and creative approaches as they work together.
Practical details
Sessions and fees
- Therapists currently work with children and youth ages 4+
- Individual sessions are 50 minutes
- Fees are $130–$150, depending on the therapist
- Caregiver consultations are available as needed; length and fees vary by therapist and are confirmed in advance
- Receipts are provided under the treating therapist’s professional designation
- Please confirm eligibility for reimbursement with your insurance provider
Locations and online therapy
In-person appointments are available in the Annex, Little Italy near College and Bathurst, the Junction and Roncesvalles. A Brockton Village location near Lansdowne and Dundas is coming soon.
Some therapists offer online sessions across Ontario. Availability and whether online work is appropriate depend on the therapist and the individual child.
Find a therapist for your child
Explore the therapist profiles or tell us what matters most to your family. We can help you consider the available options.