Lydia Jane Charak, RP, MA (EXAT), BSc, BAA Expressive Arts Psychotherapist
I believe that everyone has a story and should have the opportunity to be seen, heard and understood. It is through the telling of their stories, by being witnessed, acknowledged and supported that clients find the capacity to develop a clearer understanding of themselves. Through a process of creative expression, clients can access their emotions, thoughts, feelings and memories which may be difficult through strictly verbal and cognitive means. The focus is on the process and what the artwork means for the client – not the aesthetic outcome. With warmth, acceptance and non-judgement, I offer a safe space for my clients to discover and reconnect with their inner resources through the combination of the arts, dream work and talk therapy. This approach to psychotherapy strives to integrate the client’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social functioning capacity, leading to an enhanced level of self-awareness and healing.
Credentials: MA (EXAT) – European Graduate School - Saas Fee, Switzerland EXAT Diploma – The CREATE Institute, 2015 - Toronto Art of Trauma Certificate – The Create Institute, 2015 - Toronto Adult Fine Art Diploma – CTS, 2009 - Toronto BSc. Psychology and Criminology – U of T, 1994 - Toronto BAA (Hons) Media Arts – Ryerson University, 1994 - Toronto
Experience with agencies: Hospice Toronto, Hincks-Dellcrest, Ontario Corrections, Toronto General Hospital - Psychiatric Unit, Fairview Senior Residence, Margaret Frazer House and Art with a Heart.
Professional Affiliations: CRPO (College of Psychotherapists of Ontario) OEATA (Ontario Expressive Arts Therapists Association)
Areas of expertise and experience: Individuals and groups of all ages wishing to explore through the arts, dream work and talk therapy issues of trauma, life transitions, grief & loss, stress, depression and anxiety. Adults and seniors working with the concept of legacy and a desire to be more creative.
Arts Practice: Visual Arts (Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking, Painting) & Poetry
