Gwen Shandroski, Expressive Arts Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist M.Sc, S-LP(C), R.P.

I just moved to the County. I have been working with adults and adolescents in Toronto for 30 years.  I am seeing clients online and in person . I trained in Expressive Arts Therapy and in Relational Psychotherapy at the Toronto Institute of Human Relations (TIHR) where being a client and examining oneself was very important in becoming a therapist. I learned in expressive arts to take steps to create something with how I was feeling. The focus was high sensitivity, low skill in art making. Then speaking to my Relational Psychotherapist, I was able to relate what I had made to my past or my current life situations and make decisions.  Now I work this way with my clients through a combination of expressive arts and relational psychotherapy. I do not diagnose. It’s not my training.

Treatment Approach

field pathI use art, sandtray, writing and talking during my sessions. I find that clients are often surprised at what they talk about during their sessions. My approach is called “client centered” which means, I follow their lead.  Clients begin talking about a concern, an image they’ve made or drawn to or something they are aware of in the moment. I listen for what feels unresolved or ambivalent. By gently probing , feelings and memories can come up. Often an unexplored part of themselves is revealed.

“The gift of an image is that it provides a place to watch your soul.”

– James Hillman

Education & Credentials:

  • License #: 003099
  • License State: Ontario
  • Practicing Since: 1996
  • Education: B.A. (advanced) Psychology
    M.Sc. in Audiology and Speech Sciences
    3 yr, Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy (CREATE)
    Internship Toronto Institute of Human Relations
    Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy training