Expressive Arts Therapy

Healing Through Creativity, Expression, and Play

woman painting
Decoration

Sometimes, words just aren’t enough.

When it feels hard to talk about what you’re going through, Expressive Arts Therapy offers another way — through creativity, movement, and imagination. Whether it’s painting, writing, music, or clay, this approach helps you explore emotions and experiences in ways that feel safe, empowering, and deeply personal.

You don’t need to be “artistic” to benefit from this work — it’s about the process, not the product. Together, we’ll use creativity to help you express, release, and make meaning from what you’re carrying.

Who Is it For?

People who find it hard to express emotions with words or who feel drawn to creative outlets as a path toward healing and self-discovery.

What it helps with:
What to expect:

A creative, non-judgmental space that integrates art, movement, writing, or music to help you express emotions, process experiences, and connect more deeply with yourself.

Signs You May Benefit from Expressive Arts Therapy

What Is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy integrates multiple creative forms — such as visual art, writing, movement, music, and drama — to support healing and self-discovery. It recognizes that creativity can access parts of the brain and body that words sometimes can’t. By engaging in the creative process, you can safely explore emotions, release tension, and discover new insights about yourself and your story. At Rise and Reflect Counselling, we use expressive arts as part of a trauma-informed, integrative approach. Whether through painting, storytelling, collage, or sound, we tailor each session to your comfort level and personal goals, creating space for exploration, regulation, and renewal.
A child draws with colored crayons, which are stored in a jar beside them.
A table cluttered with colorful post-it notes, pens, and various office supplies arranged for brainstorming activities.

Benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy

A woman with glasses sits at a table surrounded by paint brushes and art supplies, focused on her creative work.

Goals of Therapy

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Annita Phypers

(She/Her)

BA, MC, CCC,

Its nice to meet you!

For myself, life has been an adventure. Some mountaintops with amazing views, some valleys of loss, learning and growth. I have lived half of my life in the far north (Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories). In relationship I have been privileged to experience family, chosen family, parenting and partnership. I love any creative process, which sometimes looks like making pottery, writing, painting or just taking the backroad.

One of my greatest life adventures has been working with clients in counselling. I have been employed in the mental health field for many years and love the creative process of supporting clients with mental health and wellness.

My hope is that those who come in to counselling might find it to be a grounding experience, a solid base. As individuals leave counselling I hope they can move from this solid base with clear direction, connected with self and others. No matter what your lived experience may have been so far, I am happy to work with you as you actively create what you want going forward.

Neeshali Piekutowski

(She/Her)
BsFS, MACP, CCC, RP (Qualifying)

Its nice to meet you!

It can be hard to know who you are. We base everything we do off our personal values and the experiences we’ve had. Sometimes you can feel lost, not knowing where to go next, not knowing who you are. Maybe you’re wanting to change careers because you’re not enjoying the daily routine, maybe you find yourself with unsatisfied about who you are and who society wants you to be, or maybe you’ve followed your family’s ways for so long that you are left wondering who you are as an individual. How do we know who our authentic selves are? What does it mean to live our authentic lives? Have you felt different than those around you?

In our sessions we will explore your strengths, values and life goals. I support clients through a non-judgement, empathetic, and genuine approach. Together we work through your current struggles and identify your barriers are to living the life you want to live. I strive to create a calm, safe space to allow you to express yourself and engage in change. As someone part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and being bi-racial, I can understand what it is like to feel different and not like those around you. Feeling like maybe you don’t fit into the social groups or people within the community. I want to help you have the self confidence to be who you are and find your people.

Together we can help you overcome the obstacles that stop you from living your most authentic life. I am here to ask the hard questions and take a deep dive into you are and who you want to be. I look forward to helping you find your true self.

Upcoming Events

Join us for retreats, group therapy, and community events designed to support your growth and healing.

Online Yoga

8 week group for all skill levels

Sign up here

Yoga group at the park
Healing Pathways

Sundays April 6 – May 4 @ 1pm MST (Skipping Easter Sunday)

Thursdays April 10 – May 1 @ 6pm MST

Sign up here

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