Magdalena Angel Expressive Arts Therapy Student

03/03/2026

"imagination acquires a function of utmost importance in human behavior and development, becoming [a means to] broaden the experience of the man who, being able to imagine what he has not seen, by being able to conceive, based on the stories and descriptions of others, what he has not personally and directly experienced, is not confined to the narrow circle of his own experience but can go far beyond its limits by assimilating, with the help of his imagination, the historical and social experiences of others" ~Vygotski (1982):

02/19/2026

"All kinds of people can engage in [Expressive Arts Therapy] – for example, individuals interested in personal growth work, individuals with mental health issues, the elderly, children with autism, parents, victims of abuse and those with terminal illnesses."

Expressive arts therapy (EXA) is a way of using the arts to help people with psychological or other problems. EXA assumes that everyone has the capacity to respond creatively to the situations that they find themselves in. By engaging in play and the arts

02/06/2026

"Art therapy helps lower the perception of pain by moving your mental focus away from the painful stimulus. It is not simply a distraction, but rather a way to teach you how to relax and alter your mood, so the pain doesn't control your emotional state."

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02/03/2026

“Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.” — Shaun McNiff

We are accepting registrations for the Art and Expressive Arts Therapy Diploma, Creative and Expressive Arts Certificate, and Métis Creative Arts Certificate programs, launching in July 2026.

📩 Book your free consultation call with WHEAT Director Darci Adam: info@wheatinstitute.com

02/02/2026

As part of my studies I am discovering and determining my theoretical orientation. A Person Centered approach comes from Humanistic Theory. "Humanistic psychology began as a philosophical movement to understand what it truly means to be human.
Early humanistic therapists aimed to help their clients in a holistic manner, by looking at the whole of the individual (such as their passions, lived experiences, and relationships) beyond psychiatric conditions.
A humanistic approach to psychotherapy is one that focuses on the whole of the individual. It is built on the notion that all humans possess the capacity to achieve their full potential in life..the therapist creates an environment in which the client is empowered to take ownership of their therapy. In doing so, the client guides the direction of their therapy, while the therapist accompanies them on the journey. The humanistic therapist provides space for the client to express their concerns and feelings, then helps the client reflect and clarify on what they have shared."
~Foundations of Art Therapy by Meera Rastogi, Rachel P. Feldwisch, Michelle Pate, Joseph Scarce

01/20/2026

"art is a normal and necessary behavior of human beings that like talking, exercising, playing, working, socializing, learning, loving and nurturing should be encouraged and developed in everyone" ~Dissanayake (1992)

01/17/2026

Where I have the privilege of learning the world of expressive arts therapy. "Within our core training in art and expressive arts therapy, students integrate holistic connections between theory, embodied learning, history, connection to nature, and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. These priorities are threaded through our philosophy, curriculum, and practice. Using this integrated learning process, we endeavour to train arts therapists and practitioners to work with creativity, sensitivity, awareness and integrity."

Within our core training in art and expressive arts therapy, students integrate holistic connections between theory, embodied learning, history, connection to nature, and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. These priorities are threaded through our philosophy, curriculum, and practice. Usin...

01/12/2026

Myth about Art Therapy

01/10/2026

Are Expressive Art Therapists "real" therapists?
Expressive Arts Therapists are professionals who have training in both counselling psychology and the therapeutic use of the expressive arts. Expressive arts therapists require a master’s degree or a master’s level diploma with extensive direct client contact hours and clinical supervision with a Registered Expressive Art Therapist. We are totally real!!

01/07/2026

Artists can submit their work through Graffiti Art Programming by February 2 at 4 pm. Selected artists will be compensated.

The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and Graffiti Art Programming are excited to invite interested artists to create artwork to be installed on the childhood cancer and blood disorders ward at the Children's Hospital. All artwork should radiate the spirit of "Let's Make Anything Possible" – creating a sense that no dream is too big, no goal unreachable, and every day holds potential for wonder and magic.

Artwork for the ward will provide daily inspiration for children of all ages during the weeks and months of treatment, and offer families and caregivers, spending long hours at the bedside, positive focal points during difficult conversations and procedures.

Calling all local artists! 🎨

You’re invited to help reimagine the childhood cancer, blood disorders and transplants ward at HSC_Winnipeg Children’s Hospital with nature-inspired, child-friendly artwork that brings comfort, inspiration, and hope to children and families during long and challenging hospital stays. ❤️

Artists can submit their work through Graffiti Art Programming by February 2 at 4 pm. Selected artists will be compensated.

Learn more and apply at graffitigallery.ca ✨

01/06/2026

What is Expressive Arts Therapy? "In Intermodal Expressive Arts, two or more arts modalities are typically sequenced or layered.

An experienced expressive arts facilitator or therapist guides the effective interweaving of modalities to provide maximum benefit to the client.

Reclaiming the intermodal aspect of the arts is essentially remembering that we were born with the ability, and the right, to express ourselves creatively in myriad ways."

https://www.ieata.org/what-is-intermodal-expressive-arts/

01/02/2026

This new year I will be facilitating a wellness/support group for women who are spouses/partners of First Responders. It'll be a small group of six of us, and I will be working alongside Daniela from The Often Unseen. If you or someone you know is interested in more information please e-mail me at mangel@dearborntherapy.ca

For our group we will include many roles as First Responders, if your spouse falls outside of this list and you feel that you would benefit from this community group please don't hesitate to reach out mangel@dearborntherapy.ca

Police Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) like EMTs/Paramedics, along with 911 Dispatchers; other roles like Correctional Officers, Public Works, some Medical Staff, and Military

Medical: Doctors, Nurses, Hospital Staff (especially during mass casualty events).
Correctional: Correctional Officers, Probation/Parole Officers.
Public Works: Personnel who restore essential services during disasters.
Volunteers & Specialized Teams: Community First Responders, Wilderness First Responders, Search & Rescue.
Military: In certain disaster scenarios.
Forest Fire Fighters