About
I offer a supportive and empowering space for my clients to address life’s challenges, find inspiration, gain self-confidence, and strengthen connections with others.
No previous experience in art is required—just a willingness to try something new!
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health practice that uses art making to facilitate expression, communication, empowerment, resilience-building, and meaning-making using psychotherapeutic theories and techniques.
Art therapy is unique: it does not rely on verbal communication. Instead, it creates opportunities for visual expression and connection. This facet of art therapy is particularly beneficial for clients who may struggle to express themselves through words as well as individuals living with cognitive differences or conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
With the support of an art therapist, clients can engage in the process of art-making to enhance and improve their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Art therapy provides a safe and tactile means of self expression while improving quality of life, growing feelings of control over one’s environment, developing tools for relaxation, stress management, and engaging in the present moment.
About Gillian
My name is Gillian King (she/her) and I am the Director of Make Art Therapy. I am an Art Therapist (DTATI), Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO Qualifying), Art & Wellness Consultant, and a Professional Artist.
I hold a Masters Diploma in Art Therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (2023), a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Ottawa (2016), and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba (2011). I have had the pleasure of partnering with various organizations throughout Manitoba and Ontario to provide their communities with art and mental health related offerings, collaborate on special projects, provide educational programs and conduct research. I have spent the last five years working with clients through Oak Tree Therapy, Perley Health Care Centre, CareFor Health and Community Services, the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (Ottawa, Ontario), and as an Art & Wellness Consultant for the Ottawa Art Gallery.
Outside of the office I can be found in my art studio working on paintings or textiles, in my garden, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, playing soccer, reading, or spending quality time with my husband, our son, family, friends, and my two cats. I love being outdoors, camping, and traveling.
My Clients
I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who may be going through difficult life transitions, dealing with grief, loss, loneliness, depression, anxiety, overwhelm, or feelings of isolation.
I have extensive experience working with individuals living with intellectual, physical, and cognitive disabilities such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia both at home or in healthcare settings.
I also work with organizations and institutions to bring mental health and art-related offerings to their communities.
My Approach
I offer a supportive and empowering space for my clients to engage with art therapy. Through active listening and artistic exploration in a variety of art mediums, I help my clients to find inspiration within their lives to build confidence, legacy, and connection with the world and people around them.
My approach is thoughtful, playful, person-centered, and strengths-based; I meet my clients where they are at by tailoring our sessions to their unique needs. I strive to create an accessible, inclusive, and culturally-sensitive art therapy practice.