Body Love for Women*:
Art Therapy Group for Body Appreciation
*Everyone who identifies as a woman and non-binary is welcome. It’s important to note the focus of this group will be centred on the socialization experiences of women and girls. If you have any questions, please email janet@twopinesarttherapy.com.
It can be challenging to silence those body-shame monsters. We receive a constant bombardment of messages that tell us our bodies are not good enough: boobs, skin, legs, butt, stomach, nose, shoulders, cheekbones, lips, hands, feet, our size... it goes on and on.
It can be difficult not to be affected by those messages and internalize them. We may start to adjust ourselves to try and reach the ever-changing ideal and can get down on ourselves for not meeting the expectations.
Through art-making, we can explore these challenging emotions and unhelpful thoughts as well as learn how to to nurture a better relationship with our bodies. Group art therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment where participants can share their experiences while building self-awareness and coping skills through art.
In the Nurturing Body Appreciation Art Therapy Group, we’ll be:
👍 Exploring our relationship with our inner critic
👍 Uncovering societal and family messages**
👍 Bringing awareness to our unhelpful thought patterns
👍 Making room for self-compassion
👍 Learning coping strategies
👍 Practicing body appreciation
This art therapy group is for adults 18 years of age or older. We welcome people of all races and ethnicities, body part shapes and sizes, and physical abilities. No previous art skills are required to participate!
**Please note this group does not specifically address the aspect of body appreciation within the context of experiences related to ableism and physical disabilities.
Group Details
Starting Monday, January 8, 2024
For: Adults 18 years and older. All races and ethnicities, body part shapes and sizes and physical abilities are invited to attend. No previous art experience is required!
When: Every Monday, 6:30–8:30pm for 8 weeks
Where: Virtual (a list of suggested art materials will be sent out in advance, including media available at the Dollar store and common household items)
Fee: $480 for 8 weeks ($60 per 2-hour session).
We offer 2 sliding scale spots to those who are experiencing financial difficulties. The rate for each sliding scale spot is $360 ($45 per 2-hour session).
*All prices include tax.
Note: Group art therapy may be covered by insurance plans that cover psychotherapy. Check with your insurance company to confirm.
Get in touch here to register for this group with the subject line “Body Love”
About the Facilitators
Janet Ho is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Professional Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapist Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University and previously worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Addiction Research. In her work with clients, Janet brings a trauma-informed, strength-based approach that nurtures mindfulness, play, self-awareness, self-expression, growth and resilience to lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Stephanie Myles is a graduate student at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She completed her Bachelor of Arts, Honours, at Carleton University, in Psychology with a minor in Indigenous Studies. She is a lifelong artist with multi-media experience, including illustration, painting, fiber arts, clay and fine metal work.
Stephanie has facilitated numerous groups including focuses on grief and bereavement, adult survivors of childhood sexual violence, and body-image and disordered eating. She utilizes play and artistic experimentation to give voice to the inner child and works from a client-centered, trauma-informed approach that draws on mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems and psychodynamic therapy.