Express Yourself: Expressive Art Therapy Client Kit for Moms
Expressive art therapy is better (but I’m biased) then talk therapy for moms because…
… it helps you convey:
the stuck, and hard parts of motherhood when words don’t quite cut it
the bittersweetness of being a mom
the hard and the joy
the pain and the growth
the resentment and the resilience
“The task of therapy is not to eliminate suffering but to give a voice to it, to find a form in which it can be expressed. Expression is itself transformation; this is the message that art brings. The therapist then would be an artist of the soul, working with sufferers to enable them to find the proper container for their pain, the form in which it would be embodied.”
P.S. There is no previous art experience required.
What is Expressive Art Therapy?
Expressive art therapy, also referred to as "art as therapy" or "therapeutic art," is a vibrant and transformative approach to healing and self-discovery. It integrates mindfulness, visual arts, movement, music, writing, and other creative modalities.
“Expressive arts therapy uses various arts—movement, drawing, painting, sculpting, music, writing, sound, and improvisation—in a supportive setting to facilitate growth and healing. It is a process of discovering ourselves through any art form that comes from an emotional depth. It is not creating a “pretty” picture. It is not a dance ready for the stage. It is not a poem written and rewritten to perfection.”
Why art as therapy for moms?
It’s a quicker way to feel grounded and connected to your authentic self, empowering you to create a life you don’t have to escape from.
Develop self-awareness, recognizing the signals your body is sending you when you feel triggered, and learning how to regulate your emotions.
Explore the ways motherhood has changed you.
A supportive space where you can share your experiences without judgement or unsolicited advice.
Through creative expression, such as art and music, we'll explore your emotions and build your resilience, while also cultivating mindfulness, self-care, and self-compassion practices.
You gain a deeper understanding of yourself leading to wisdom and breakthroughs that may not be easily accessible through words alone.
You will explore new ideas, build acceptance, process emotions and create solutions to life's problems all through the creative process.
So, although it might be initially nerve-wracking, in the end, expressing yourself with creativity will open up new possibilities, and perspectives and turn the chaos into calm (aka. help you feel alive, vibrant and more chill as a mother).
It’s tough to admit when you feel lost, stuck or invisible as a mom. I get it.
About Kayla Huszar, your creative coach + therapist:
I am a registered social worker using expressive art therapy supporting you through the highs and lots of motherhood with mindfulness and creativity.
Certifications and Trainings:
Bachelors Of Social Work
Prairie Institute of Expressive Art therapy
Level 1 + 2 Expressive Art Therapy Certificates
Postpartum Support International
Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C)
Certified Fair Play Facilitator
Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings
IN PROGRESS: Canadian Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist (CC-PMH)
Booking your appointment
Go to the website or the Better app and look at the available appointments*
Request an appointment
*Hours of availability: So that you get the best version of me, I protect my energy, capacity and burnout by mainly working around the school schedule, and most days, the hours of availability are 9am-3pm MST. I am available and take appointments outside this window upon request on a first-ask, first-serve basis.
1:1 thearpy sessions go like this:
Arriving
Easing into the session with an update from you, transitioning into a question, topic or theme you want to explore.
Moment of stillness, mindfulness or meditation (guided or unguided).
Creating an art piece or other creative self-expression then reflective writing about your art piece.
Closing discussion of what you have created, your process and how you feel, and any ah-ha moments or takeaways.
"My sessions with Kayla are different from other counsellors I have seen; she cares, listens & she knows me. This type of work is invaluable in a society that pressures women to be perfect. She invites you to be vulnerable while exploring yourself in a nonjudgmental environment & safe way. During every session, I learn something new about myself.
She often has an inspiring quote, piece of wisdom, song to listen to, or book to explore to help with whatever I am struggling with.
Thank you for holding this space for women."
Preparing for your virtual expressive art therapy session:
Reflect on a question or list of topics or themes you would like to focus on during the session.
Make sure you have a comfortable, quiet space to focus on the session with minimal distraction. You don't have to be at a desk or table, squaring your shoulders and looking straight at the camera. I encourage you to use a space and posture that feels nourishing.
Note: I am no stranger to kids and babies being around during sessions.
Gather your art materials before the session: Art journal, paper, pens, markers, pastels, watercolours, and/or collage materials. If you don't have access to materials, let me know, and I will mail you some.
Click join meeting.
One Mom’s Story
"While meditating, I felt the tension release from my shoulders and neck without knowing it; I was tearing up. The smallest softening had already started. After the meditation, I opened my journal; visual art wasn't where my heart was today. I took 20 uninterrupted minutes to write a stream of consciousness (everything on my mind). I wrote about the day's frustrations and the complicated layers of each. I dropped a few tears in my notebook but didn't entirely give in to the emotion. Kayla then gave me some writing prompts, and I processed a triggering moment from my day. I felt layers of sadness, anger, frustration, confusion, and pain peel back.
I cried and wrote and cried. Within the space Kayla held, I found answers to questions I didn't even know I had.
Kayla facilitates what I need; the space to drop into my body, emotions, and soul. I need this time to unravel, let things fall, and plan my next steps.
I am smart and relatively emotionally intelligent; still, I don't give myself permission. The permission needed to step back from "real life" and sink deeper into me; the art provides this space for me. When I attend 1:1 sessions, I have that permission. 90 minutes of dedicated space and time just for me that I've committed (and paid) for. I am so grateful for this space."
Session Fees + Payment
Hourly rate is $195
Payment is expected by the end of the session.
You can claim this fee on your benefits under “Registered Social Worker” for Saskatchewan and Alberta residents.
Payment plans and sliding scales are available; please discuss these options with me before booking.
Payment plan: pay the full price in increments (50% at time of booking and 50% on date of session).
Sliding scale: paying a rate based on your household income.
As a social worker, I respect the fact that people have different levels of access to services. Recently, I came across the concept of investment versus hardship when it comes to accessing services.
If you want to go to therapy because it will improve your life, and your basic needs* are already met, but you'll have to adjust your disposable income** to afford it, it's considered an investment. This might mean giving up ordering food, buying coffee, or getting new clothes or lashes, but if these adjustments are worth it to you, then it's a good investment.
However, if going to therapy will actually harm your financial situation, such as having to choose between paying rent or buying food versus going to therapy, then that's considered a hardship. In this case, you should be able to access services at a lower cost.
It's important to recognize the difference between investment and hardship. The sliding scale rate is determined by your annual household gross income, which is the sum of all household earners' wages, salaries, profits, compensations, and other forms of earnings before any deductions or taxes. The sliding scale is based on an honour system, so you do not need to prove your income.
Up to $50,000 = $105/hour
Between $51,000 and $75,000 = $125/hour
Between $76,000 and $100,00 = $145/hour
Between $101,000 and $150,00 = $195/hour
Between $151,000 and $200,00 = $245/hour
Between $201,000 and $300,00 = $295/hour
$301,000 + = $395/hour
* Basic needs are food, shelter, healthcare, and transportation.
** Disposable income is what's left after paying for these basics, and can be spent on non-essentials like coffee, movies, lashes, nails, new clothes, and books.
What’s next?
Sign up for a consult call.
Book your 1st session.
Be the chill mom you desire to be!
P.S. For those who read all the way through, here's a treat for you! YOU can join The Motherload FREE for a month. Email me to join.
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