Rowesa Gordon Arts-Based Psychotherapist/ Expressive Arts Therapist
The arts have a long tradition of play and imagination, offering a resource in critical times and an opportunity to explore and engage with the complexities of what it means to be human, to co-exist in this world with others. Our lived experience is the language of our art making and this is the creative potential we each have to draw upon and share.
Relationally-oriented psychotherapy recognizes that both therapist and client have expertise and supports an intention toward social change by honouring multiplicity and new perspectives, staying open to personal transformation and creative adaptability in all its many forms.
My approach is relational and collaborative, client centred and resource oriented. I value the therapeutic relationship as an interactive, co-creative process and encourage clients to become aware of, express and validate, inner feelings, thoughts & imaginings. Together we look for new ways of responding, verbally and through the arts, to challenging issues. As we enliven imaginal worlds, options and openings that might otherwise not be apparent, begin to show themselves and are a resource in both critical and everyday situations. This is an opportunity to increase resilience, to live life more fully with a greater sense of self-understanding and ease.
Credentials:
Certification of Advanced Graduate Studies (European Graduate School, Switzerland)
Masters Degree in Expressive Therapies, with a minor in Psychology (Lesley University, Cambridge MA)
Associate Degree (Ontario College of Art and Design)
Certification (Toronto Teacher’s College)
Graduate, Former Director and Core Teaching Faculty (The CREATE Institute)
Adjunct Faculty (European Graduate School)
Private Practice (over 25 years as an expressive arts therapist, clinical supervisor and consultant in the field)
Professional Affiliations: Registered Psychotherapist, The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA) National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
Additional Training: Ongoing trainings in antiracism, colonization & oppression, gender-based violence, involvement with the Woman's Building in Los Angeles (a multicultural co-operative for women artists), working with Paolo Soleri (visionary architect & philosopher) at Arco Santi in the Arizona desert, 25 years training as a martial artist in the disciplines of karate, tai chi & kung fu, butoh inspired dance, voice classes
Areas of Experience: I see clients, both individuals & couples, who wish to explore issues of self-esteem, trauma, shame, disordered eating, relationship & communication, sexuality, gender identity & expression (questioning & clear), creative longings & blocks, loss & grieving.
Primary Arts practice: Drawing & Painting Qualified for clinical supervision: Yes Full fee: $165 +hst (Sliding scale for weekly clients)
Contact: Tel: 416 488-1928 or rowesag@gmail.com Address: sessions are online
