Chez Joie Creative

Greetings!

Welcome to the Drama Therapists office/studio/room.

You will either begin your session immediately if you arrive on time or need to wait a few more minutes in the waiting area if you arrive early.

You should feel comfortable in the space. If there is something about the space that bothers you, please speak up so that it can be addressed.

For online appointments please feel free to prepare a non-alcoholic beverage or snack for yourself if you need to.

In person appointments in Montreal, Quebec:
(Currently available on Saturday evening and Sunday mornings by appointment only). Feel free to bring a water bottle or other resealable non-alcoholic beverage.
@ Atelier Indigo → Near Mont Royal metro (Mont Royal Est & Garnier)

Intake sessions & Follow-up appointments

The first appointment might take a bit longer than one hour so you could time budget 1 hour and 15 min. In the first session you will be invited to share the reason(s) that you are interested in Drama Therapy and any therapeutic goals you hope to meet. The Drama Therapist may suggest trying an action oriented or writing and reflecting activity which will help you to engage with your own creative insights on the issues you bring to therapy.

Individual appointments are scheduled for 50 minutes unless otherwise noted. Some appointments may be 75, 90 or 110 minutes if requested at or prior to the session date. Group sessions are usually 1 hr 30 min.

As a Drama Therapist I am trained to listen deeply to what is being shared through story and overall narrative while also paying attention to any embodied reactions which can be more subtle. Because of this, I might invite you as the client to try a drama therapy exercise (with individualized modifications) as a way to help you expand on the shared moment within the safer supported space.

Since Drama Therapy is an experiential practice, I will offer you the opportunity to do or try things. These exercises might inspire simple self-reflection, creative exploration, reflection or interaction of some kind. Exercises offered to clients often take into context a number of factors, including the clients comfortability with creativity, embodiment and are highly individualized to the client. Many exercises follow flexible frameworks that are adapted in consideration of individual client scenarios and/or needs.

Drama Therapy exercises are always offered and not mandatory as they are not treatments for specific ailments. There is no judgement if you refuse an exercise for any reason. Let’s find out what works for you!

Confidentiality

What you say in Drama Therapy stays in Drama Therapy!
A Drama Therapy session is a confidential space. Drama Therapists have an ethical obligation to maintain the confidentiality of clients*.

Software used for client information, payments, and video call appointments are compliant with current regulations in Canada which ensure that your privacy and personal information is kept confidential.

* Exceptional circumstances ex. risk of imminent harm
* It is standard practice to consult with an external supervisor as needed for the clients benefit

What to Bring

Bring yourself! If you have a journal, sketchbook, favourite story, poetry or personal object that you feel connected to bring it along with you. Basic art materials, pencils and any Drama Therapy related items (costumes, props/toys etc) will be available on site for in person appointments to inspire your creative exploration.