Elly Boer - Registered Clinical Counsellor & Professional Art Therapist

Hello! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling and a diploma in Art Therapy. I have worked in the field of mental health for over 10 years now, when I first became aware of the profession called Art Therapy and began applying creative therapeutic and somatic approaches to traditional counselling therapy.

What is Art Therapy?

Although many have experienced the therapeutic nature of making art, the relationship between art and therapy may still seem mysterious. Many are familiar with the creative pleasure and satisfaction that expressing oneself through art can bring during everyday activities like taking photos, doodling, playing music, dancing, journaling and singing. Creativity is inherent in our humanity. It is a natural way of relieving stress, making sense of our lives, and bringing awareness to our subconscious and sensory experiences.

Making art during therapy is not product driven. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. It is process focused. The act of making art can bring a sense of well-being to the body and nervous system, as well as clarity to the mind. Many find art therapy to be intriguingly and surprisingly insightful in the way that it helps them to perceive their problems in a new light.

My past professional experience includes time spent wearing various creative and healing hats, including that of a ceramics teacher, working with adults who had developmental disabilities, a fiber arts artist and instructor, and a Certified Massage Therapist in California.

As a counsellor, I have led art therapy groups for the family and friends of people in hospice, children and youth in schools, and women healing from abusive relationships and occasionally offer these for those who are interested. I have also co-facilitated suicide prevention programs for youth in high schools.

I currently offer sessions in person, online, and by phone, as well as outdoor land art therapy for adults or children, and “walk and talk” sessions.

Works with:  Individuals, families and group counselling for adults, youth and children

Areas/Issues:  Anxiety, stress, depression, grief & loss, trauma, PTSD, identity, spirituality, gender & sexuality, anger, attachment issues, crime victims, separation & divorce, abusive relationships, communication skills, life transitions, creative blocks

Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities:  Art therapy, expressive art therapy, person-centred approach, compassion-focused therapy, cultural sensitivity, eco-art therapy and land art therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, attachment focused, CBT and non-violent communication skills for relationships, Internal Family Systems/ parts-based approach, and polyvagal and sensori-somatic approaches

*Note to please check with your benefits provider to ensure you are covered under your plan for an RCC.