Community involvement in the arts can remove barriers to access mental healthcare – art therapy in particular allows emotion that is not always verbal to be revealed. Along with the compelling body of evidence that involvement in creative activities is beneficial to mental health, arts participation fosters social inclusion in ways that other programs do not. People who are most marginalized in our society and need mental health support the most, often receive the least, assisting people struggling with mental health issues within their own community may allow care to those who will not seek help elsewhere.

Currently, I am co-facilitating a community-based arts group at an inner city outreach in Toronto with a clinical approach integrating cognitive behavioural strategies with art therapy. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association.