On Healing Beyond Words: Understanding Art Therapy’s Impact

In this episode of DCO Discourse, host Christina Droumtsekas sits down with Melanie Brakel, a professional art therapist and registered psychotherapist, to explore the
world of art therapy—a practice that uses creative expression to support mental and emotional healing.

Together, they discuss: What art therapy is and how it differs from traditional talk therapy or recreational art. Who can benefit from art therapy — including those who don’t see themselves
as artistic. Examples where art therapy helped individuals express emotions they couldn’t verbalize, and how art therapy can help with trauma, anxiety, grief, and emotional overwhelm.
The episode closes with a message of compassion for those struggling in silence: art can be a gentle, nonverbal bridge to healing, even before you're ready to reach out for formal help.
To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following
link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.&quot

Resources:
Canadian Art Therapy Association:
https://www.canadianarttherapy.org
American Art Therapy Association:
https://arttherapy.org
Ontario Art Therapy Association: