PATHWAY
Psychotherapy& Counselling
Virginia (Ginny) Thurston, BA ARCT RCAT RP
Psychotherapy or Art Therapy?
I am passionate about helping people find and follow their pathway to healing.
In working with me, you can choose to follow the path of traditional talk therapy, or we can explore Art Therapy together. As a Registered Psychotherapist and a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, I can also create a blend of the two approaches for you. I work with adult clients including older teens and seniors, individually and in strength-based online groups.
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My specializations are trauma, chronic pain, grief and loss, immigration issues, addictions, depression and anxiety, and mental health diagnoses. I also treat musicians who are struggling with performance anxiety or creative blocks (I'm a Registered Music Teacher and performer). I am happy to supervise other therapists, too.
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I am deeply committed to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. I am a Humanist and Person-centred therapist, meaning I can be here for you, with whatever you bring.
Most major insurance companies will cover therapy with an RP, just check with your adjuster first. I'm seeing most of my clients virtually at the moment, but I am actively moving towards finding a beautiful space to hold therapy sessions in person!
Where to begin and what to expect
The first big step is deciding to begin or return to therapy. The next step is finding a therapist who "gets you", who creates a safe and comfortable place for whatever you bring there. That may seem daunting at first, but it can also be a creative exploration of who you are, what you need, what you don't want, where you wish to be.
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I offer "discovery calls" free of charge: This is your opportunity to outline for me what your goals are, what seems to be in your way, a bit about your history. I also invite you to ask me about my training, specialties, and approaches: transpersonal therapy, Internal Family Systems, CBT and DBT, dreamwork.
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If we agree that we are a good fit, we begin our journey together on your healing path. My role is to walk beside you holding a light, carrying some maps and a compass, and picking up things like hope and courage if you drop them along the way, and handing them back to you. I have faith in the awesome and inspiring human spirit inside all of us.
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How does Art Therapy work?
You don't have to see yourself as "artistic" to benefit from Art Therapy. We can start by exploring the creative things you enjoy -- like gardening, photography, knitting, woodworking, writing, organizing, making playlists, D&D, fashion -- and work with them. You might be surprised by how creative you actually are. If you're an artist, you already know the power of creativity. Either way, as we explore your strengths, skills and resources, we use them as a lifeline, a "pathway", to approach and attend to the things that brought you to therapy. I can offer specific art invitations, or you can follow your own impulse, or a combination.
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We then use your art to track your healing process: to see how far you've come, celebrate your insights, reflect on your transformation. The results can be foundational and integrating for your life as a whole. The further we go, the more you learn about where you are and what you need. Some of the side paths are useful, too. And there can even be shortcuts, because with art you can "see" your way.
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Sometimes, we only use Art Therapy now and then, to bring something important to light.
There is no obligation to commit to this mode of therapy, if you find that words work better for you. All healing is a creative process, for everyone.
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