About Me
Chelsey Thorpe, BA, MA, RCAT, RCC
I am a Registered Art Therapist (RCAT) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) serving the Oak Bay and Westshore communities.
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I bring with me 10 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults who have been marginalized within society. I lead my practice from a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens. Additionally, I bring a strong knowledge of children and adolescent development, welfare and protection, gender-affirming care, creative-therapeutic environments, and the Canadian Justice System. I hold an Associate Degree in Pre-Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies, a Post Bachelor’s Diploma in Art Therapy, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Youth Probation Certificate. My passion is helping children and youth within the community flourish to their full potential.
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Throughout the years my work has led me to advocate for youth, gender equality, reconciliation, the housing crisis, and mental health. My front-line work transitioned smoothly into a therapy role and has allowed me to apply empathy and hold space for others who need it. When not working, you can find me painting, listening to music, reading mystery novels, working on community projects, and wandering around in the city testing out all the
coffee shops.
My Practice
What is Art Therapy?
Not every emotion or feeling can be expressed through words. Art therapy can assist in bringing out emotions and feelings that you have left untouched, or are unable to touch alone. Art therapy allows an individual to create verbally and physically through different mediums, in a safe, and non-judgemental space. It is helpful for children, youth and adults who have difficulty expressing their emotions, or those who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, mental health setbacks, learning challenges, behavioural challenges, family problems, attachment issues. Individuals do not need to have artistic skill to attend art therapy, as it only requires an imagination. Art therapy is beneficial to an individual’s health due to the relaxation aspect of the nervous system. This results in improved self-regulation, reduction of anxiety, and acceptance and integration of one’s self. Art therapy assists with self-awareness, problem-solving and self-esteem.
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The effectiveness, efficacy and practical applications of an art therapy practice.
Art Therapy is an effective, efficient and practical way of expressing feelings and working through challenges, no matter how big or small. Research has shown that trauma is a sensory experience, and therefore art therapy can allow a relaxation response and increase the ability to tolerate life stressors. I believe that art therapy has the ability to benefit anyone in their moments of need. Art is a universal language and although we may feel affected by emotion or trauma, art has the ability to express how we feel with minimal words. It is not the art therapist’s responsibility to analyze and create meaning to a client’s work. The meaning behind the work is found through meaningful conversation about the art work when the client is ready. Creating art supports individuals in addressing trauma, and reconnecting
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Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy surrounds the idea that individuals are born into their stories, shaping their reality, culture, and influences and leading to their therapeutic mechanisms. This theory empowers individuals by exploring their narratives and allows them to introduce themselves to new stories. Doing this also allows the uncovering and finding of skills and abilities that may have not been used prior. Counsellors who use narrative therapy use a non-judgemental and respectful approach that centers individuals as the experts of their own lives. Providing clients with narrative therapy interventions, allows them to explore tools that enhance the self- management of their mental health.
The effectiveness, efficacy and practical applications of Narrative Therapy
There are several benefits of narrative therapy for children, youth and adults. Creating a story, allows individuals to understand their presenting concerns clearly on their terms. This includes using familiar language and conversation through narrating experiences with a counsellor and making sense of their past. The use of language also helps externalize emotions and reframing of experiences. By externalizing, a client can understand their past but also reconstruct them to include aspects of hope, empowerment, and flourishment. This can assist in reintegrating the client back into their life.
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Services
