Rowesa Gordon
Arts-Based Psychotherapist/ Expressive Arts Therapist

The arts have a long tradition of play & imagination, offering a resource in critical times and an opportunity to explore & 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 have to draw upon and share.

Relationally-oriented psychotherapy recognizes that both therapist & client have expertise and supports an intention toward social change by honouring multiplicity & new perspectives, staying open to personal transformation & creative adaptability in all its many forms.

My approach is relational, non-binary & collaborative, client-centred & resource-oriented. I value the therapeutic relationship as an interactive, co-creative  process and encourge clients to become aware of, express & validate inner feelings, thoughts & imaginings. Together we look for new ways of responding, verbally & through the arts, to challening issues. As we enliven imaginal worlds, options & openings that might otherwise not be apparent begin to show themselves and are a resource in both critical & everyday situations. This is an opportunity to increase resilience, to live life more fully with a greater sense of self-understanding, self-compassion & 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 (30 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: On-going training in anti-racism, colonization & oppression; gender-based violence; IFS; Neurodivergence; understanding & treating chronic shame; involvement with the Woman's Building, a multicultural co-operative for women artists in Los Angeles; working with Paolo Soleri (visionary architect & philosopher at Arco Santi in the Arizona desert); 25 years training in the martial arts in the disciplines of Karate, Kung Fu & Tai Chi;  Butoh-inspired dance, voice.

Areas of Experience: I see clients (individuals & couples) who wish to explore issues of self-esteem; trauma; shame; disordered eating; relationship & communication; sexuality, gender identity & expression ((clear & questioning); creative longings & blocks; loss & grieving

Primary Arts practice: Drawing & Painting

Qualified for clinical supervision: Yes

Full fee: $180 +hst    Sliding scale: Yes (case-by-case basis)

Contact:     
Tel:  (416) 488-1928  or  [email protected]
Location:  sessions are online