Catherine Marrion
Expressive Arts Therapist, IFS Practitioner, Somatic Movement Therapist

I am an expressive arts therapist in private practice in Toronto (currently online due to Covid-19) using both expressive arts and internal family systems (IFS) therapeutic modalities. I have witnessed and experienced the transformative power of making art and the freeing power of creative play, so it is an enduring joy and an honour to be a companion for others on their healing journeys. An embodied, multi-modal approach is a strong value in my work and is well supported by my somatic work and extensive experience as a voice and movement teacher in a training program for actors. Expressive Arts is my home to which Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a great complementary approach.  My “informed intuition” comes from a long legacy of training, practice, my life in the arts and my many years as a child, sister, mother, daughter, grandmother, auntie, life partner and friend.

Credentials:
  • MA Expressive Arts Therapy, European Graduate School, 2019
  • The Create Institute 2010 (3-year program in Expressive Arts Therapy)
  • M.F.A. in Performance, York University 1986
  • Somatic Movement Therapy, Moving On Center 2001
Additional training: IFSCA Stepping Stones, '22; extensive attendance at workshops and training in expressive arts and theatre arts.

Professional affiliations:
  • OEATA (Ontario Expressive Arts Therapists Association)
  • IEATA (International Expressive Arts Therapy Association)
  • Board of Directors, The Create Institute

Areas of expertise & experience:
WHAT I OFFER:  Expressive arts therapy, often including somatic and mindfulness elements; also IFS (Internal Family Systems) in tandem with arts-based therapy for clients who are interested.  ExAT and IFS are the framework for our work together, but what I really offer is a safe place for healing,   

WHO I WORK WITH:  Adults and older teens of various ethnicities and gender identities. FYI: I am cis-gendered, an immigrant and daughter/granddaughter of immigrants, culturally Jewish (non-practicing, non-Zionist), and I am a mother, grandmother and in a long partner relationship.

ISSUES I ENCOUNTER:  In my current practice I see adults dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, history of trauma, self-esteem, addictive behaviours, life transitions, cultural legacies and relationship issues.  I have also worked with adults with chronic illness and disabilities, teens in residential treatment centres and adults in hospital psychiatric wards.

WAYS WE MEET:  Online or in person (West End, Toronto).
HOURS:  Weekdays, 10am - 6:30pm, with occasional exceptions. 

Arts Practice:
Visual arts, singing, movement improvisation and writing (journaling, stories and poems).  

In addition to my private practice as a therapist, I continue to work as a voice coach for actors and dancers.  I have facilitated “Giving Voice” expressive arts workshops for CATA and IEATA conferences in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Winnipeg and Berkeley

Fee:  $140 for a 60-minute session 
Sliding scale: Yes (for students and those with limited means or temporary extenuating circumstances)
Contact:  Tel#: 416-904-4356  [email protected]