Areas of Expertise:

Art therapy, OEI (Observed Experiential Integration), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy)

cecelia’s Story:

Cecilia is a registered clinical counsellor and an art therapist. She has worked with various populations including those struggling with single -incident and complex trauma, eating disorders, addictions, clinical anxiety, and depression.

Every client’s therapeutic experience is different and unique. Cecilia’s clinical approach honours the clients’ individuality by adhering to a client-centered perspective while integrating the following approaches:

• Art therapy

• OEI (Observed Experiential Integration)

• DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy)

She believes in collaborating with, and empowering clients in their therapeutic process.

“What we cannot hold, we cannot process. What we cannot process, we cannot transform. What we cannot transform haunts us” - Joseph Bobrow  

It is this therapeutic ‘holding’ that Cecilia hopes to offer clients as they journey through their recovery in search of the restoration and healing that await them.

Art Therapy

Cecilia discovered her own personal healing through art therapy and has dovetails art and psychotherapy together in her practice.

Research shows that brain growth and personal development are influenced by memories and experiences. We mature emotionally through our ability to manage our feelings. When words are not enough to convey our stories, art can help to communicate feelings that are generated by events and encounters.

Art is more than a therapeutic tool. It fosters a sense of coherence and meaning. It taps into our creativity that heals our wounds, transforms our attitudes, and rejuvenates our vitality. It balances the whole person through reaching to a deep psychic place, and gives voice to our spirit.

OEI

With the advent of neuroscience, we are now able to see that traumatic experiences are stored in the non-verbal, fight-or-flight part of the brain. They systemically impact the whole person, and affect us physically, emotionally, and relationally.

Based on this understanding, Cecilia’s treatment begins with the focus of achieving safety and stability through the easing of trauma symptoms.

Cecilia practices OEI (Observed Experiential Integration) asa therapeutic modality. It focuses on getting to thecrux of the problem by targeting emotional material through sensory processing.

This is a non-verbal, sensory oriented approach that focuses on the emotional centre of the brain where trauma is lodged.

OEI is gentle, but often effective inmanaging traumatic symptoms, allowing for a degree of relief. It can reduce the hold of trauma and can foster mental access to the thinking brain.

It is this therapeutic ‘holding’ that I hope to offer my client as they journey through

their recovery in search of the restoration and healing that await them.