About my practice

Through the therapeutic process together, I provide support in helping you identify what challenges may be coming up for you and work through ways to overcome. This can be using self-expression, nervous system regulation techniques and practical methods that you can apply to your every day life.

I strive to create a safe space where you can express yourself freely through out the therapeutic art-making process, supporting whatever comes up in session, be it stuck-ness, playfulness, clarity or challenging emotions.

A typical session involves a check-in, warm up and delving into the creative process using materials of your choice with paints, pastels, collage, and a variety of other mediums available at the studio. We leave space towards the end of the session to observe and reflect together on the art piece created in session, the experience of making it and how it relates to your life.

What is Art Therapy?

 “Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.”

- Canadian Art Therapy Association

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can be used for children, youth and adults, regardless of your skill level or experience in art-making. This method of self-expression in a supported counselling environment can help you work through challenging thoughts, feelings and sensations, and improve your relationship with yourself and others.

Who do I work with?

I offer individual sessions for adults, along with children and youth age 7 & older.

I also offer groups and customized arts-based workshops in the community for all ages.

ART Therapy can be helpful for ADULTS dealing with:

  • Work-related stress, burnout or trauma

  • Caregiver or parenting stress and burnout

  • Anxiety, depression and trauma

  • Coping with chronic health conditions or medical procedures 

  • Nervous system regulation

  • Recognizing and working through core or developmental wounds & triggers

  • Navigating life transitions

  • Supporting creative expression

ART Therapy can be helpful for CHILDREN & YOUTH dealing with:

  • Sensory/nervous system regulation

  • ADHD/autism/neurodivergence

  • Navigating transitions such as changes in family structure or switching schools

  • Supporting creative expression

About Mira

The practice of art-making has been an important part of my life since as far back as I can remember.  Making marks on a page, creating collages from existing images, crafting words into drawings, and sculpting clay are all ways that have been helped during challenging life events or when I was experiencing emotions that I was trying to understand and couldn’t yet find the words for.

I have been working as an occupational therapist since 2004, and practicing within the field of mental health since 2013. I have worked with people in various settings and backgrounds, with a particular focus in the last few years on workplace-related stress and emotional injuries. My intention is to support clients to fully engage in activities that are personally meaningful during times of struggle, while tolerating and even learning from the whole range of emotions that goes with that. 

Art-making and journaling were transformative for me during a particularly challenging time during my career: I was on the brink of burnout, juggling an extremely high caseload, complex client situations and systemic challenges all at the same time.  Making art brought me into a dialogue with myself that helped me regather what was important to me in my life, and particularly as a healthcare worker.  This fostered my desire to focus my therapy practice on introducing others to this powerful modality, and in 2019 I pursued a post-graduate diploma program in Art Therapy at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.

I continue to work as an occupational therapist, which complements my art therapy practice. When working with clients, I focus on helping you more deeply understand your unique situation and needs, guided by a belief that we all have the potential for self-discovery and healing.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

BOOKING

intro session

I offer a complimentary 20 minute introductory session by phone, video or in-person. Depending on your comfort level,  I can provide you with a broad overview of who I am, how I practice, and what is art therapy; or ask you to share some of what you’d like to address is therapy and what you are hoping for out of our work together.

SESSION RATES

- 60 minute standard session: $130 + GST

- 20 minute virtual intro session: Free

- 30 minute initial session with parent: $65 + GST

I also offer groups and customized workshops, please contact me at info@mirarobin.com for details.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, or RTC, under the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada, session costs are covered under some extended health benefits plans. Please check with your provider directly, referencing ACCT #3296.

SCHEDULING

My hours of work are Mondays 11am - 7pm

Sessions can be booked by phone at (778)697-1367, email at info@mirarobin.com or through booking page.

PAYMENT

Payment is due at time of session. Cash, cheque or e-transfer to info@mirarobin.com is accepted.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please note that I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Missed appointments or appointments cancelled with less than 24 hour notice may be charged the full session fee.

LOCATION

My practice is located in a bright, cozy studio space located at the entrance to Granville Island in Vancouver, BC, just off the False Creek seawall. The studio is well-stocked with a variety of art materials to use such as pastels, paints, collage and clay.

Please note that there is a flight of stairs to enter the space via the main entrance, therefore if you have any accessibility needs access via the elevator can be arranged.

I also offer home-based individual sessions and off-site workshops, please inquire at info@mirarobin.com for further information.

GETTING HERE:

The office is accessible by foot or bike along the seawall, transit, and by car. If you are driving, please allow ample time to find parking. Pay parking is available throughout Granville Island, using the paybyphone app. Off-Island parking on Hemlock, or 2nd or 3rd Avenue is a short walk away. For more info on getting to Granville Island click here.