
Stephanie Myles, DTATI, R.P. (Qualifying), Professional Art Therapist
Most of us will encounter a difficulty at some point in our lives that we cannot overcome alone. It may come as a sudden, life changing event that transforms the way we see our lives into a Before and After. Or, it may have come in repeated or prolonged moments of hurt, isolation, or feeling unheard or unseen. In any case, we all endure some type of pain from which we must heal. Healing does not always mean going back to what we were; rather, it can involve becoming something new. I liken this journey of healing to that of the sea glass. A piece of glass which falls upon the ground may continue to break, but the glass that falls into the ocean can be transformed into something new. Your therapy journey can be like that ocean for you, and together we can identify and develop the resources and supports that make up its vastness.
I support clients in their healing journeys both with art therapy and with traditional psychotherapy. I describe my art therapy and traditional psychotherapy practices below.
Art Therapy: Art therapy may help you where words and language cannot. During art therapy sessions, we will use various art mediums and processes to explore emotions, questions, conflicts and experiences you have had. Art therapy does not necessitate previous artistic skill or ‘talent’: all skills levels are welcome. In art therapy, we focus not on artistic skill building, critique or technique, but instead utilizes artistic spontaneity to answer questions and receive messages through your art about you, your suffering, your strengths and your pathway to healing. Together, we will reflect on your artwork to find personal meaning and associations. Whether you embrace your creative soul or are simply curious about it, I welcome you to work in art therapy.
Psychotherapy: In our work together in psychotherapy, we will aim to identify your goals for therapy, help build internal resources, and increase inner strength and self-efficacy. As a psychotherapist, I take a client centered, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach that draws on mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy, internal family systems, psychodynamics, object relations and narrative therapy. I work with individuals struggling with mood, anxiety, and disconnection from emotions and feelings, and have a keen passion for working with individuals who are experiencing grief and loss. I also have experience working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, as well as supporting those with eating disorders. If you have experienced traumas or difficulties that have left you feeling separated from yourself or others, I would be honoured to work with you.
I am a graduate of the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, and am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and registered with the Canadian Art Therapy Association as a Professional Art Therapist. At the Centre For Interpersonal Relationships, I work under supervision of Dr Karine Cote, C. Psych. I am also under supervision of Sharlene Friedman, RCAT, RP. I am a lifelong multidisciplinary artist. My experience includes illustration, painting, digital arts, fiber arts, clay/sculpture and fine metal work.
Treatments
- Anger & Emotion Regulation
- Anxiety & Stress
- Depression, Mood & Grief
- Eating, Weight & Body Image
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Personality
- Self-Growth & Self-Esteem
- Trauma Psychology & PTSD