Cher is a calm, loving yet playful Expressive Arts Therapist with a busy private practice focusing on children and their families in Toronto. She trained extensively at ISIS Canada, and is a member in good standing of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counselors, Psychotherapists and Psychometrists (OACCPP). Her work enables the expression of fear, anger, anxiety and sadness through the arts.
She knows her own journey. Her life and experiences are what she brings to the therapy relationship and has contributed to who she is today. Her working experience has included working directly and with the families of chronically and terminally ill children, children with special needs, children of divorce and sexual abuse survivors. For over three years she has offered support through the arts for the children and families at Toronto's Ronald McDonald House.
Cher believes art is a healing agent that works from within - a tool. In a therapy session she believes that the natural connection that happens when there is a genuine compassion is part of the magic - it heals people. She offers the space for you to be who you are and who you want to be in an accepting, non-judgmental therapeutic environment.
She is ready to receive and is forever learning from the children, women and families she works with.
"I so enjoyed the workshop....What trust was put into our hands... I feel you are so calm, honest and open that very few people had difficulty utilizing the experience. I also felt that a benefit from your approach allowed people to really put in their energy and let it out without them feeling judged and exposed or trying to please and impress....I felt very supported by you...."
- Workshop for staff followed by client workshop - June 2003
Tricas Centre with the Sexual Assault Centre of Leeds and Grenville
Sharon Hinbest, Counsellor
"My experience with you was magical and mysterious. Magical because every time I was with you I never thought much about the problems that I had, I was always doing something fun, to keep my mind busy and at the same time you brought each kid that you've met, their life back and the joy of being a kid again back, even if it was for a few moments. It lasted a life time for us.
Mysterious because we never knew what you were going to bring or do the next day, and I was always so excited when you came with something new. You found something new about us every time you came, that we never knew about, if it was either being artistic, musical, anything."
- Angie Mayen, (Age 15)
"Cher not only worked with Justin but always was available to talk to me if the need was there. Cher is tactful, patient, and professional in her dealings with the families at Ronald McDonald House. I believe that Cher and her program helped us through on some very serious issues, and became the third party that was needed for Justin to express his concerns. Justin always was the leader in his sessions with Cher and she followed his directions……sometimes you need the time to express your concerns without the medical reason and rhyme to everything."
- Brenda Verdiel
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