Studio Therapy | Pencils & Problems

The Therapy

Try therapy the creative way

Got pencils and problems? Let's talk.

(and make some art)

Let's get right to it. What is Studio Therapy?

It’s just regular talk therapy with a little bit of art. Each session will consist mostly of a CBT driven approach (talk therapy), then, at the end, we play around with some art making related to your session.

Why do we implement a bit of art making into each session? Well, art can be a very compelling expression of our innermost thoughts. It's pretty much as simple as that, but if we want to dig into it a bit deeper, keep reading...

Art is a powerful approach to processing an issue. Human beings have been using art for self-expression for many millennia. Ever heard of the saying, "art imitates life"? The creative process is so often inspired by true events or based on some aspect of our experiences, memories, or identities, and as such, you may find that the creative outlet can be a natural pairing with the pursuit of emotional well-being.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” -Pablo Picasso

"What art is, in reality, is this missing link, not the links which exist. It's not what you see that is art; art is the gap." -Marcel Duchamp

Session Breakdown

What's a typical session like?

What brings you to therapy?

30 Minutes

Express it visually

15 Minutes

Let's explore your piece

15 Minutes

Simply put, during our time together, we will explore and express thoughts and feelings by talking AND creating (AKA we’ll talk a little, we’ll draw a little). Our process at Studio Therapy is not about skilled brush strokes or impeccable lines. You’re not here because you’re “a great artist” - whatever that means. You’re here to use another form of expression (pencils) to better understand ourselves (and our problems).

Just show up as yourself with a virtual connection, colouring tools of your choice and a place for them to land (from canvas to scrap paper) and you’re ready to try out Studio Therapy!

The Therapist

Shiva Saleh

R.P.

As you probably know by now, my name is Shiva Saleh & I'm a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in Ontario, Canada. I work primarily with adults & have been offering a broad range of mental health services since 2015. I founded Studio Therapy in 2021 & primarily practice psychotherapy from a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) approach.

Background

Mental Health & Art

My professional background is in mental health, and I have a particular interest in the arts. That's about it. I'm not a "professional artist", I just like using art to help us better understand our thoughts & feelings. Your session at Studio Therapy is less about your art and more about using art as a vehicle for reflection and understanding.

Mediums

Anything you're comfortable with!

-Markers

-Crayons

-Pencil

-Paint

-Pastels

-& more!

We adjust the art component of your session to your comfort level, and if the thought of freehand expression is a barrier to you trying out Studio Therapy, we’ve thought of you and we offer pre-made art templates which you can print from home & use during our sessions!

Remember, there is no experience required!

(reimbursement of select mediums available)

FAQ

Who do you work with?

Clients 18+ looking to gain/improve coping skills to help manage:

-Generalized Anxiety

-Depression

-Stress reduction

-Mindfulness

Do you accept insurance?

As a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, Canada, I am able to provide receipts submittable to extended health benefits for reimbursement. For more information, please reference your provider plan.