matches, crayons, oil pastels and pencil crayons with green leaves on white background

Your child is incredible.
You want only the best for them.

If you’re looking into art therapy, I imagine that your child is currently facing some difficulties.

There’s nothing more painful than seeing your child struggle.

Sometimes you know what’s causing the problem, but other times it can be a complete mystery.

Suddenly your child cries at the smallest thing, seems angry all the time, keeps getting into trouble, or has altogether stopped talking. You find yourself wiping away tears, giving time outs, and wondering what the heck is happening.

If this sounds familiar, I can help.

Emotional outbursts, difficult behaviours, or withdrawing might be signs that your child is facing a challenge that feels too big.

child from the shoulders down wearing jeans and running shoes jumping in a puddle on the sidewalk

When children are facing a challenge that feels overwhelming, often they don’t know how to identify and communicate exactly what’s happening. Asking them what’s wrong can lead to frustration and even more negative feelings.

Instead, art therapy acknowledges that verbal language is only one form of communication, and it’s not the most natural one for children. Art therapy uses play and creativity as a way for children to:

  • express themselves 
  • share their thoughts and feelings
  • practice their problem solving abilities

We all deserve to have a safe place where we feel accepted, supported and encouraged. When things are really challenging, this is more important than ever.

This safe place is what I provide for you and your family. 

Through art therapy, I use the creative process to help you figure out what’s up, determine what is and isn’t working, and find ways to overcome the difficulty.

shallow focus photo of wooden cup containing pencil crayons and a child's hand holding a pencil

Art therapy with me may be right for families who have tried it all but nothing seems to be working, or for families who feel unsure about trying talk-based strategies.

My approach is playful, warm, and gentle. I start with sensitive curiosity to learn everything I can about what’s happening. I spend time discovering what brings your child joy and what makes your family unique. Then I playfully introduce creative invitations to challenge the things that aren’t working.

My goal is to support you and your child to discover your resourcefulness – your innate ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

We do this by using what you have to make what you need. I know it may not feel like it right now, but I believe that your family already has what it takes to make it through this challenge.

It would be my honour to join you as an ally, a cheerleader, and a helper as we navigate the difficulties together.

antique compass with pencil crayon and crayons

Interested in working together?

Call to book your free 15-minute introductory meeting where you can see the office, meet me, and get a sense of whether Resourceful Me Art Therapy is a good fit for your family.

Black child holding binoculars up to her face

Services

Resourceful Me Art Therapy supports children and their families to creatively overcome difficulties by providing individual art therapy for kids, consultation for caregivers, and wellness workshops for community members.

Consultation for Caregivers

Collaboration between caregivers and therapists to set goals, discuss progress, and come up with creative problem solving strategies for the whole family.

Individual Art Therapy

One-on-one time for your child to express themselves and work towards goals with their therapist using art and play processes.

Hi! I'm Rubi.

I am an art therapist, art maker, and outdoor adventurer.

smiling woman with long red hair and green eyes

Rubi Garyfalakis,
DTATI, RP, RCAT

Registered Psychotherapist,
Registered Canadian Art Therapist

I feel the most resourceful when I’m making things. I love to take something that already exists, and transform it into something new. My favourite things to make are collages, cardboard crowns, sock puppets, and recycled robots.

I also feel resourceful when I’m outside. As a child I spent most of my free time in the forest exploring. I love to make camp fires, canoe on the Great Lakes, and sleep under the stars. Nature inspires my art and nourishes me.

Art and outdoor adventure have helped me to develop my creative problem solving abilities. My mission with Resourceful Me Art Therapy is to support you and your family to discover yours.

I truly believe that creativity is everyday magic – it allows us to re-evaluate, re-imagine, and re-create in ways that feel empowering and safe.

I invite you to join me in the adventure of discovering what creativity can do for your family.

Here are some of the ways I support kids and their families:

  • understanding big feelings like anger or worry
  • building creative coping strategies for managing anxiety
  • processing feelings about a transition (e.g. moving, a new teacher, the arrival of another sibling)
  • grieving the loss of a pet or a loved one
  • practicing social skills
  • building self esteem
  • embracing the gifts of exceptionalities like autism, ADHD, giftedness, or learning differences
  • navigating perfectionism
  • supporting introverted kids to develop confidence
  • developing emotional literacy and intelligence
  • supporting self regulation
small chalk board with hand written list of ways that art therapy can support families

Appointments

Learn more about our appointment options, or call the office to get started.

Office Hours

The art room is ready for you!

Tues11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wed11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thurs 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat - Monclosed

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