Ginkgo Centre for Creative Arts Therapies

Home
Canada
Ottawa, ON
Ginkgo Centre for Creative Arts Therapies

Our services art offered in both English and French.

Ginkgo Centre for Creative Arts Therapies currently provides virtual counselling, psychotherapy and art therapy services to adults of all ages living in Ontario.

12/03/2025

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁?

Join us tonight for a free peer consultation where Paul Hay, Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) talks to us about « Exploring a Neuroaffirming Approach to Therapy »

Link to register: www.ginkgotherapies.com/sign-up-peer

Looking forward to see you!
Ginkgo team 🌿

11/21/2025

Audrey-Anne just finished Your Brain on Art and honestly, it reminded her why she fell in love with the healing power of creativity in the first place. 💛🎨

This book by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross is a beautiful blend of science and wonder. It dives into how the arts—whether through painting, music, movement, or even the spaces we inhabit—literally transform our brains and bodies. The authors make neuroscience feel accessible and inspiring, showing how creativity isn’t just “nice to have,” but essential for well-being, connection, learning, and resilience.

If you’re curious about why making art feels so grounding, how beauty impacts our nervous system, or why creative expression can be so powerful in therapy, this book is a gem. It’s filled with research, practical examples, and reflections that speak directly to anyone who believes (or wants to believe!) that the arts truly change us.

Highly recommend for therapists, educators, parents… and honestly anyone who wants to live a more vibrant, intentional, and creatively engaged life.

11/11/2025

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙤?

It’s not just about making art.
An art therapist is a trained and accredited professional (M.A., ATPQ) who offers a safe and supportive space where creative expression becomes a language of its own.

Through the art-making process, clients explore, discover, and give form to what words cannot always express. Bit by bit, this process can lead to greater self-awareness and positive change.

In art therapy, every line and colour can become a doorway to yourself.
𝙌𝙪’𝙚𝙨𝙩-𝙘𝙚 𝙦𝙪’𝙪𝙣·𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙩-𝙩𝙝é𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙩, 𝙖𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚?

Ce n’est pas simplement « faire de l’art ».
L’art-thérapeute est un·e professionnel·le formé·e et accrédité·e (M.A., ATPQ) qui offre un espace sécuritaire et bienveillant où l’expression créative devient un langage en soi.

À travers la création, la personne explore, se découvre et donne forme à ce que les mots n’arrivent pas toujours à exprimer. Peu à peu, ce processus favorise une plus grande conscience de soi et un changement positif.

En art-thérapie, chaque trait et chaque couleur peuvent devenir une porte vers soi.

10/30/2025

🌿 New at Ginkgo! 🌿

We’re excited to launch our Peer Consultation Group — a monthly space for creative arts therapists, psychotherapists and counsellors to reflect on their practice, exchange perspectives, and support one another.

🗓 First session: Wednesday, November 5th, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
📍 Online (link provided upon registration)
🌀 Held monthly

What to expect:
Participants bring clinical or professional situations for discussion. Together, we explore themes such as boundaries, ethics, self-care, and creative process. The format emphasizes shared reflection, confidentiality, and mutual respect.

💡 Please note: peer consultation is a collaborative learning space and does not replace formal clinical supervision.

✨ Join us in cultivating reflection, connection, and professional growth within a supportive community.

👉 To register, link in bio. To learn more, contact info@ginkgotherapies.com

10/15/2025

🌷 New Workshop Announcement! 🌷

We’re excited to invite you to our new virtual group workshop: Living Your Values — Identifying What Matters and Putting It into Action.

In this gentle and interactive 90-minute session, you’ll be guided to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. Through meaningful conversation and simple hands-on activities, you’ll explore your core values—what inspires, grounds, and guides you—and learn how to bring them more fully into your daily life.

✨ Together, we’ll:
• Discover how values can support wellbeing and direction
• Explore ways to make decisions that feel aligned and authentic
• Nurture motivation, purpose, and resilience

Led by an experienced Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), this workshop offers a supportive space to reflect, share, and grow—at your own pace and from the comfort of your home.

For more information or to register: follow the link in bio

09/26/2025

✨𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙨, 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨!

We’re launching a brand-new 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 🎉 — a space to connect, share, brainstorm, and support one another in our work.

But before we set it in motion, we'd love to know which days and times would work best with your schedule!

We’ve created a super quick 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 (promise, it takes just a minute) so you can let us know your preferences. Your feedback will help us shape a group that works for everyone.

𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 = community, creativity, and collaboration. Let’s make this space together.

Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/9V89Hi4YjisZDDQk8

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙

09/18/2025

One of the mots common comment we receive as an art therapist is “Oh I couldn’t do art therapy… I can only draw stick figures”.

Here’s the truth : Art therapy isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about expression, connection, and discovery.

Stick figures, scribbles, messy colors, abstract shapes—all of it is welcome. In fact, sometimes the simplest marks hold the deepest meaning.

Art therapy isn’t an art class. There are no grades, no “good” or “bad” drawings—only your unique way of exploring what’s inside.

So yes, your stick figures are more than enough. They might even surprise you.
L’un des commentaires qu’on reçoit le plus souvent comme art-thérapeutes, c’est :
« Ah, je ne pourrais jamais faire d’art-thérapie… je ne sais dessiner que des bonhommes allumettes. »

La vérité : L’art-thérapie n’a rien à voir avec la création d’un chef-d’œuvre. Elle porte sur l’expression, la connexion et la découverte.

Bonhommes allumettes, gribouillis, couleurs qui débordent, formes abstraites… tout est bienvenu. En fait, ce sont parfois les traces les plus simples qui révèlent le plus de sens.

L’art-thérapie n’est pas un cours de dessin. Il n’y a pas de notes, pas de « bons » ou de « mauvais » dessins—juste ta façon unique d’explorer ce que tu portes en toi.

Alors oui, tes bonhommes allumettes sont amplement suffisants. Ils pourraient même te surprendre.

06/20/2025

Meet Ramak ✨

𝐀 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞:

I’m a bicultural therapist, born in Iran and raised in Toronto after my family arrived as refugees. That early experience continues to inspire my commitment to supporting people who have experienced displacement and marginalization. I’m dedicated to nurturing relationships grounded in safety, trust, and curiosity, because when we feel truly seen and secure, deep healing and growth become possible. My work is guided by values of connection, collaboration, and resilience.

𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:

I support youth and adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, major life transitions, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and the impacts of trauma. My background includes work with LGBTQIA+ individuals, newcomers, and children, youth, and caregivers involved in the foster care system.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡:

Applying feminist, intersectional, and strengths-based frameworks, I draw from evidence-based therapies such as narrative therapy, CBT, and solution-focused approaches to tailor each session to your unique experiences and goals. You are the expert on your life—my role is to support you in reconnecting with your inner wisdom and strengths.

06/05/2025

🎨 From Passion to Profession: Becoming an Art Therapist in Canada
Have you ever wondered how to turn your love for creativity and helping others into a meaningful career?

Our latest blog article breaks down the steps to becoming an art therapist in Canada — from educational pathways to certification, and everything in between.
Whether you’re just starting to explore this career or ready to take the next step, this guide is for you.

What you’ll learn: ✔️ What art therapy really involves ✔️ Required education and credentials ✔️ Key associations and provincial differences ✔️ Tips for finding the right training program

Your passion for art and healing can become your profession. Let us show you how.

Link for full article in bio
🎨 De la passion à la profession : Devenir art-thérapeute au Canada
Vous vous demandez comment transformer votre amour de la créativité et votre désir d’aider les autres en une carrière enrichissante?

Notre plus récent article de blogue vous guide à travers les étapes pour devenir art-thérapeute au Canada — du parcours scolaire à la certification, en passant par les différences entre les provinces.

Que vous soyez en pleine exploration ou prêt·e à passer à l’action, cet article est pour vous.
Vous y découvrirez : ✔️ Ce qu’implique réellement l’art-thérapie ✔️ Les formations et qualifications requises ✔️ Les associations clés et les spécificités provinciales ✔️ Des conseils pour choisir un programme de formation adapté

Votre passion pour l’art et la relation d’aide peut devenir votre métier. On vous explique comment.

Le lien vers l’article complet en bio

06/03/2025

🌱 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝘼𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉: 𝘼 𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚-𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜

Ever felt like you had to be the “adult” in your family growing up? Or like your feelings were invisible, dismissed, or too much?
📖 Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson is a compassionate, eye-opening guide for anyone who grew up feeling unseen, unheard, or emotionally neglected.

This book gently helps readers: ✨ Recognize the signs of emotional immaturity in caregivers ✨ Understand how those early dynamics shape adult relationships ✨ Set healthy boundaries and reclaim their emotional life

If this resonates with you— this one might be for you. 💛
🌱 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝘼𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙇𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙀 : 𝙐𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙪𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝙧é𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩

Avez-vous déjà eu l’impression d’avoir dû être “l’adulte” dans votre famille en grandissant ? Ou que vos émotions étaient invisibles, rejetées ou “trop” ?

📖 Les enfants adultes de parents émotionnellement immatures de la Dre Lindsay C. Gibson est un guide à la fois bienveillant et révélateur pour toute personne ayant grandi en se sentant négligée ou incomprise sur le plan émotionnel.

Ce livre aide à : ✨ Reconnaître les signes d’immaturité émotionnelle chez les parents ✨ Comprendre comment ces dynamiques influencent nos relations adultes ✨ Poser des limites saines et reprendre le contrôle de sa vie émotionnelle

Si ceci résonne avec vous — ce livre pourrait être pour vous. 💛

05/13/2025

𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠! 🧠💚
Our creative wellness session offered space to pause, reflect, and recharge—together.
It’s always a joy to support workplace well-being and open conversations about mental health.

✨ Thank you for trusting us with this meaningful moment.
𝙉𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙨 𝙙’𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙚𝙡 à 𝙪𝙣𝙚 é𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙥𝙚 𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙙𝙪 𝙜𝙤𝙪𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 à 𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙩é 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚 ! 🧠💚
Cet atelier de bien-être a permis un moment de pause, de réflexion et de ressourcement pour cette équipe.
C’est toujours un privilège de contribuer au mieux-être en milieu de travail et de nourrir les discussions autour de la santé mentale.

✨ Merci de nous avoir fait confiance pour ce moment significatif.

04/02/2025

Where do you find your inspiration?

In the sounds, the nature, from meaningful relationships, through your mouvements. Inspiration can come from anywhere 🌿
D’où vient ton inspiration?

Dans les sons, la nature, de relations significatives, à travers tes mouvements?
L’inspiration peut venir de partout 🌿

Address

Ottawa, ON
K2P2N2

Website

https://ginkgotherapies.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ginkgo Centre for Creative Arts Therapies posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Ginkgo Centre for Creative Arts Therapies:

Shortcuts

Featured

Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health
14 Chamberlain Avenue

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Ottawa?