Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy is a creative and embodied approach to self-discovery and healing. It invites the use of visual art, movement, music, writing and other forms of expression to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be difficult to access through words alone.
The focus is not on artistic skill or creating finished products, but on the process itself-each gesture, colour, or sound offering insight and connection. This therapeutic approach gently supports the unfolding of inner experiences in a way that is non-judgemental, intuitive, and deeply personal.
Rooted in both creativity and psycho-therapeutic practice, Expressive Arts Therapy can support emotional resilience, trauma integration, and personal growth. Over time, the creative process becomes a companion- revealing what needs to be seen, felt and held with care.
Intera Expressive Arts Therapy
creativity.presence.care.
Intera weaves together Latin words inter- meaning between, or among, terra-meaning earth and engrare-meaning to make whole.
It speaks to connection, wholeness and the grounding nature of creative expression. An exploration of self, through relationship, process and the living language of the arts.
Meet Amanda
Expressive Arts Therapist | Movement Artist | Educator
BFA, EXAT
For over 20 years, I have dedicated my life to the language of movement, creativity and the healing potential of the arts.
My work as a professional dancer, art educator, choreographer and Expressive Arts Therapist is grounded in the belief that the arts are essential to how we process and navigate life, build resilience, stay connected to ourselves and each other.
My own lived experience has shown me the profound capacity of creativity to hold what words cannot. Movement and artistic expression have carried me through all aspects of life, and its from this place that I meet clients in their journeys. Whether navigating feelings of anxiety or stress, grief and loss, exploring identity, self-esteem and building self-awareness, I believe the arts offer a unique and compassionate space to explore, connect and express.
This understanding shapes all aspects of what I do, whether I am creating, working 1:1 with clients or facilitating classes and workshops.
To learn more about my current offerings, click here.
Therapeutic Work
As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I offer a client-centred, trauma-informed and relational approach rooted in compassion, safety and creative exploration.
I currently work in collaboration with Hospice Toronto as a member of their clinical team, supporting individuals and their loved ones through end-of-life journeys, care giving and grief work.
My professional experience as spans a wide range of communities, populations and settings, including working with Sherbourne Health’s Women In Need ‘Klinik’ (WINK), The Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA), danceAbilities-supporting clients post-stroke and advancing research through movement and dance, and creating custom workshops for young artists focused on self-awareness, growth and creativity.
In all of these contexts, I use a variety of creative modalities-visual arts, movement, writing, sound- as therapeutic interventions to support emotional processing, identity expression, and meaning-making. My aim is to meet clients where they are and co-create a space where they can connect to their own creativity as a source of curiosity, grounding and personal expression-where new ways of being can gently take shape.
To learn more about my current offerings related to both individual and community Expressive Arts Therapy, click here.
Education
Training and Education
Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy, The Create Institute
Bachelor of Fine Arts,Theatre Performance Dance, Toronto Metropolitan University
Professional Associations
Professional Member: Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA)
Client-Centered
Prioritizes the individual’s needs, choices, and pace-empowering clients to lead their unique healing journey through creative expression.
Trauma-Informed
Creates a safe, supportive space that acknowledges trauma’s impact and intentionally avoids re-traumatization, using creative methods for grounded, empowering expression.
Relational
Builds trust, empathy and mutual understanding-recognizing the theraputic relationship as central to transformative healing through art.
Creative & Intermodal
Integrates multiple expressive forms-like visual art, movement, music, drama, and writing-within a unified process, honouring the versatility of creative healing.
Process- Oriented
Values the creative journey itself-celebrating play, curiosity, and exploration as transformative, rather than focusing solely on the end product.
Cultural Humility
Commits to lifelong self-reflection and openness, recognizing clients as experts in their own cultural identities, addressing biases and working collaboratively to honor their lived experience.
Anti-Oppressive
Actively challenges systemic bias by centering equity, cultural relevance, and social justice-ensuring practices support liberation and shared empowerment.
Intera Therapeutic Core Values
Therapy Begins with Connection
If you’re curious about working together, you’re warmly invited to reach out. Whether you are navigating grief, change, uncertainty,or simply feeling the call to reconnect with your creative self-this space is here for you.
No need to have the right words or a clear plan.
A willingness to begin is enough.