Supporting Residents in Every Moment
Life in long-term care can feel overwhelming — art therapy offers a meaningful outlet
Residents face many challenges — from memory changes to emotional stress — and deserve a space to express, connect, and find calm.
Art therapy goes beyond just making art or creative expression — sessions are intentionally grounded in therapeutic goals that promote psychosocial well-being across emotional, cognitive, social, behavioural, spiritual, and physical domains. It offers residents a safe and supportive way to process emotions, stimulate memory, and build social connection, all tailored to their individual needs.
What Is Art Therapy in Long-Term Care?
A compassionate, clinical approach beyond arts & crafts
Art therapy combines creative expression with psychotherapy to support residents’ emotional and psychological well-being.
Art therapy isn’t just an activity — it’s a therapeutic process led by a trained professional. Sessions are available for individuals or small groups and are customized to meet a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and communication needs.
Residents are always met with care, consistency, and confidentiality, with deep respect for their dignity and lived experiences. Art therapy is effective across levels of functioning and adapts to each person’s way of engaging.
And because art-making transcends verbal language, art therapy can be especially meaningful for residents living with dementia, aphasia, or language barriers.
Unlike crafts or recreational art, art therapy isn’t about the finished product — it’s about the process and the therapeutic relationship. The focus is on creating space for personal meaning, healing, and emotional expression — not performance or perfection.
Art Therapy May Be Right for Residents Who…
Could benefit from tailored emotional and social support
Art therapy can help residents who:
- Are experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress
- Are coping with grief, illness, or major life transitions
- Have cognitive impairments, including dementia or memory loss
- Struggle with communication or express themselves non-verbally
- Feel isolated, withdrawn, or disconnected
- Need support adjusting to long-term care living
How I Work With Long-Term Care Teams
Collaborative care with clear communication and clinical expertise
I partner with your team to ensure art therapy complements care plans and meets residents’ goals.
Referrals can come from nursing, social work, recreation, or family members when a resident may benefit from additional psychosocial support. I offer both short-term, assessment-based care and longer-term therapeutic support — always designed with flexibility to meet your residents’ and home’s needs.
With experience across many long-term care homes, I understand the rhythm, complexity, and compassion required in these settings. I’m proficient in using PointClickCare and adaptable to other documentation systems, allowing me to integrate clinical notes and progress updates directly into your workflow.
Based in North York, I am able to serve long-term care homes throughout Toronto.
Why Professional Art Therapy Matters
A meaningful investment — for residents and for your team
Art therapy is a skilled, clinical service with benefits that extend beyond the resident.
While art-based programming led by recreation staff or volunteers offers enjoyment, art therapy facilitated by a professional who is both a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Art Therapist provides targeted mental health support grounded in clinical training and experience. This may make a meaningful difference for residents facing complex emotional, cognitive, or behavioural challenges.
Art therapy may contribute to a more supportive environment for staff by:
- Reducing residents’ agitation and anxiety, helping to create a calmer environment
- Encouraging residents’ engagement and motivation, improving participation in care
- Supporting residents’ social connection, reducing isolation that staff often witness
- Fostering trust and communication between residents and caregivers
Investing in a trained and qualified Art Therapist isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a strategic way to enhance residents’ quality of life — while contributing to a more manageable, supportive care environment for staff and the entire home.
Art therapy: More than art — a pathway to healing and connection
To learn more about the variety of customized services I offer to support communities and organizations, please visit my Partnerships & Collaborations page.
If your long-term care home in Toronto is exploring ways to support residents' emotional and psychological well-being, please reach out. I’m happy to offer a consultation to discuss your community’s unique needs.