Working Together

There are many ways to support kids when they’re struggling. Some therapists meet with kids and parents separately, some work with kids and parents together in the same session, and some use a combination of individual, parent-child, and family sessions depending on the situation.

In my practice, I do not offer family or parent-child sessions. Instead, I meet separately with kids and parents.

If we work together, I understand that you and your child are already a team, and I am temporarily joining your family’s team. What we can do as adults to support your child with their goal is different from what your child is going to do to move towards that same goal. So when I meet with parents, we focus on what we’re doing to support your child’s progress, and when I meet with kids, we focus on what they’re doing to reach their goal. This approach allows me to offer my full attention and most effective support for all members of your team. 

This way of working is a great fit for some challenges, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Your child’s developmental stage, readiness for therapy, and current challenges all impact the type of therapy that will be most effective.

Here are the steps we take when I work with kids and their families:

Step 1: Introductory Phone Call

20 mins

(just for the grown-ups)

This is our first conversation where you share more about what you’re looking for, I share about my approach to working with kids and families, and together we determine if it feels like a good fit. If so, we discuss next steps. If not, I can offer you some ideas about alternative options.

Fee: Complimentary

Step 2: Art Therapy Orientation Meeting

75 mins

(just for the grown-ups)

I meet with parents/ caregivers first before starting art therapy with your child. During our orientation meeting, you can share in much more detail about what’s bringing you to art therapy, and we will collaborate on goals and a plan for therapy.

Fee: $254.25

Step 3: Art Therapy Sessions

50 mins per session

(just for your child)

Now the art therapy process begins! I meet individually with your child and we use the creative process to explore their feelings. I recommend an initial commitment of four art therapy sessions. This gives us time to get to know each other and begin working towards our therapy goals.

Fee: $169.50 per session

Step 4: Parent/ Caregiver Check-in

25 mins or 50 mins

(just for the grown-ups)

After your child has attended four art therapy sessions, we will meet for a parent check-in. I will share what I’ve been noticing and give feedback about how things are going. I invite you to share your observations and feedback too. We will revisit our goals and therapy plan, and make any necessary adjustments.

Fee: $84.75 for 25 mins, $169.50 for 50 mins

Step 5: Repeat

(art therapy sessions for your child, meetings for the grown-ups)

We follow our co-created therapy plan by repeating steps 3 and 4 as needed. The total number of sessions is determined by our therapy goals, progress, and your personal circumstances. When we agree that our goals have been met, we create a plan for ending therapy. Ending is an important part of the process that deserves care and intentionality.

Fee: $169.50 per session

Ready to take the next step?

Get in touch to book your introductory phone call.

More about Rubi

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Canadian Art Therapist. Resourceful Me Art Therapy is my private practice where I work with kids and their families, supporting them to creatively overcome difficulties.

I’m also an artist, an outdoor adventurer, a big sister, an oldest child, a highly sensitive person, a grown-up gifted kid, a craft fairy, and a firm believer in the everyday magic of creativity.

Art Therapy for Kids

I work one on one with children ages 4-13, providing individual art psychotherapy to help kids learn to befriend their feelings, including (and especially) anxiety.

During art therapy sessions, I will invite your child to share about how they are feeling and what’s been happening that’s important to them. They can share by talking, but they can also share using art materials.

Support for Parents and Caregivers

If we work together, your child will be my client, but parents or caregivers are essential team members who play a very important role as kids work towards their goals.

I meet with parents (separate from kids) at several key points in their child’s therapy journey. When we meet, we focus on what we can do as the adults to help kids move towards their goals.

 FAQs

  • In my practice I do not offer family sessions, sibling sessions, or work with siblings individually. This means that only one child in a family can be my client. It is my experience that therapy is most effective when each child has their own unique space and safe neutral person to support them with their thoughts and feelings. If you are interested in art therapy for more than one child, I am happy to help you find appropriate referrals.

  • Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy, which is not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health care benefits do provide coverage for psychotherapy. Your insurance provider can help you determine the coverage with your plan. Please check with your insurance provider directly to confirm. Registered Psychotherapy services can be deducted as a medical expense on your Ontario tax return.

  • I require 24 hours notice of cancellations or changes to appointments. If appropriate notice is not given, the regular session fee will apply for the missed, cancelled, or rescheduled appointment.

  • Payment is due at your appointment time. Our office accepts cash, debit, or credit payments.