Rowesa Gordon

Expressive Arts Therapist

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Description:  As an expressive arts therapist/psychotherapist, I believe that therapy, the arts and education must also be a conscious and intentional act of social change, honouring multiplicity and staying open to the possibility of personal transformation, in all its many forms.
 
The arts have a long tradition of both play and imagination. They offer a resource in critical times and an opportunity to explore and engage with the complexities of what it means to be human. Our lived experience is the language of our art making. This is the creative potential we each have to draw upon and share.
 
As a feminist, my approach is relational and resource oriented. I value the therapeutic relationship as an interactive, co-creative process and I encourage clients to stay aware of, accept and express inner feelings and needs. Together, we look for new ways of responding, both verbally and through the arts, to the restrictions we all face. As we enliven our imaginal worlds, we find openings and options that otherwise might not be apparent. Exploring these openings, in both critical and everyday situations, helps us to increase our resilience and to live our lives more fully, more hopefully, with a greater sense of ease.
 
I offer space for both talking and play/work through the arts; writing, visual art, theatre, movement, voice.

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)
  
• The Create Institute (formerly, ISIS Canada) Graduate, Co-Director and Core Teaching Faculty
  
• European Graduate School, Saas Fee, Switzerland (Adjunct Faculty)
  
• Private Practice (over 20 years as an expressive arts therapist, supervisor and consultant)
  
• Studio Practice (visual art, voice and movement)
  

Professional Affiliations:
Registered Psychotherapist, The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
The Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA)
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)

Additional Training: Study in Mexico at the Instituto de Allende, involvement with the Woman’s Building, a multi-cultural co-operative for women artists in Los Angeles, training with Paolo Soleri, visionary architect and philosopher at Arcosanti, his urban archeology in the Arizona desert, 25 years training as a martial artist in the disciplines of karate, tai chi & kung fu, issues of diversity, anti-oppression, cultural competence  

Areas of Experience: I work with individuals & couples who wish to explore issues of self-esteem, trauma, disordered eating, relationships, sexuality, gender identity (questioning & clear), creative longings & creative blocks, loss & grieving.

Primary Arts practice: Drawing & Painting
Qualified for supervision: Yes

Contact:     
Tel: 416 488-1928
Address: 470 Grace Street, Toronto (Across the street from the Christie Subway Station, at Bloor)
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday