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What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

At the heart of transformative healing and personal growth lies the power of expressive arts therapy—a therapeutic approach that is as diverse and multifaceted as the human experience itself.

 

This unique form of therapy stands out as relational, client-centered, arts-based, co-creative, experiential, inter-modal, and resource-based. It's a practice that supports and nurtures individuals through their journey of self-discovery and healing, leveraging the profound and universal language of the arts.

My journey into the world of expressive arts has been nothing short of a lifelong devotion. From the healing sounds of Project Mariri to the grounding and rejuvenating nature-based activities and retreats rooted in indigenous mental health care practices, each step has been a testament to the arts' transformative power. Even the simple, imaginative play shared with my son has been a reminder of the creativity and wonder that lives within us all, waiting to be tapped and expressed in its full glory.

Today, as I pursue my designation as a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy, my commitment to this field deepens further. My approach is holistic, integrating arts, imagination, and play into coaching, creating a space where individuals can explore, express, and heal. The essence of this therapy lies in its ability to transcend traditional communication barriers, allowing emotions, thoughts, and experiences to flow more freely in a supportive and nurturing environment.

In my practice, I facilitate a variety of workshops, Art Hives, and nature-based therapeutic activities, both online and within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Ontario. These sessions are designed to be accessible and inclusive, offering a safe space for individuals from all walks of life to embark on their healing journey. The beauty of expressive arts therapy lies in its adaptability—it can be tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual, making it a profoundly personal and effective therapeutic approach.

Expressive arts therapy is not just about creating art; it's about using the creative process as a tool for exploration, discovery, and healing. It's a co-creative process where the therapist and client work together, using various art forms to explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and build new pathways to wellness. This inter-modal approach can include visual arts, music, dance, drama, writing, and more, offering a rich tapestry of modalities for expression and transformation.

As I continue to grow and evolve in this field, my aim is to broaden the reach of expressive arts therapy, making it more accessible to those who stand to benefit from its healing potential. Whether through online platforms or in-person sessions within the GTA, my goal is to create spaces where individuals can feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their path to wellness.

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Project Mariri

Project Mariri  is a collaboration between Mariya Garnet and Masha Andreeva based on their longstanding dedication to using music as medicine.

Their experience with traditional healing modalities of South and North America and Eurasia informs their shared values that nature is sacred and that we are all interconnected in the web of life on Mother Earth.

Masha and Mariya are integrating years of traditional apprenticeship with formal western education in psychology and psychotherapy to create safe space filled with healing sound for groups and individuals to journey through soundscapes.

"Mariri" means Force of Nature/Forest for Indigenous people of the Amazon, we feel that the name strongly correlates to our belief that nature is sacred and we are part of it.  "Mariri" is also a tribute to our plant medicine work.

Events

We host regular events and workshops in Toronto and GTA.

 

For complete list of events please visit:

 

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Sound

August Improv by Project Mariri ( www.projectmariri.com)

Mariya Garnet
August Improv by Project Mariri ( www.projectmariri.com)
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August Improv by Project Mariri ( www.projectmariri.com)

August Improv by Project Mariri ( www.projectmariri.com)

06:43
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Tribos Icaro. Northern Family (Mariya Garnet, Akienda Yanariskwa)

Tribos Icaro. Northern Family (Mariya Garnet, Akienda Yanariskwa)

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Tiempo

Tiempo

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Medicine Woman by Garnet Mode

Medicine Woman by Garnet Mode

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