Creative Arts Therapies serve the whole person within their community of care. Art, music, and horticulture are used purposefully and skillfully within the context of a therapeutic relationship to address individuals cognitive, communicative, emotional, physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs. As unique members of the interprofessional team, we exemplify innovation in healthcare.
Creative Arts Therapies at Sunnybrook is comprised of three professions: art therapy, horticultural therapy, and music therapy. Sunnybrook has one of the largest Creative Arts Therapies teams in a Canadian hospital. Our team consists of eight art therapists, eight music therapists and one horticultural therapist.
Practice
Our therapists conduct clinical assessments, develop and implement treatment plans and evaluate ongoing progress of their clients. Our therapists also act as consultants to other professionals and the general public on the use of the arts to promote health and well-being.
Art therapy
Art therapy uses the process of art making and/or a combination of creative and psychotherapeutic processes to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people engage in personal reflection and work towards desired clinical goals.
Art therapists currently provide services in the Veterans Centre, palliative care units, Odette Cancer Centre, department of psychiatry, Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre and the Fresh Start program.
Our Art therapists are professional or registered art therapists with the Canadian Art Therapy Association and/or the Ontario Art Therapy Association. In addition, many of our art therapists are active members in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), enabling them to provide psychotherapy services.
Music therapy
Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by a certified music therapist (MTA) to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, and structural qualities. These qualities make music a unique medium to connect with the patient/resident on an individual level and work towards therapeutic goals.
Music Therapists currently provide services in the Veterans Centre, Palliative Care Units and the Reactivation Care Centre-Church site.
Our music therapists are all certified members in good standing with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. In addition, many of our music therapists are active members in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), enabling them to provide psychotherapy services.
Horticultural therapy
Horticultural therapy is a formal practice that uses plants, horticultural activities, and garden landscaping to promote well-being for its participants. Horticultural therapy is goal oriented based on each client’s individual needs.
Horticultural therapy is available for residents in the Veteran’s Centre.
Our horticultural therapist is a registered horticultural therapist with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association.
Creative arts therapies in the media
- Canadian Veteran records album of love songs for his wife before her passing (December 2021)
- Take a look inside a music therapy session at the Veterans Centre (June 2020)
- Music for self care: Listening to music with intention (April 2020)
- Celebrating creative arts therapies (March 2019)
- Music therapy strikes a chord with dementia patients
For more information on Creative Arts Therapies at Sunnybrook contact Erin Gross, professional practice and education leader, at 416-480-6100 ext. 65841 or erin.gross@sunnybrook.ca.
