Hello! My name is Hannah Young and I am a Canadian Professional Art Therapist. I achieved my Art therapy Diploma from the Canadian international institute of Art Therapy after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with Queen’s University. I spent nearly ten years in the culinary field before realizing my passion for psychology and changing my career to what it is today. I hope to offer a comfortable space where everyone feels welcome to express and explore.
Therapeutic Style
I try to create a laid back atmosphere in all of my sessions. I want my clients to be comfortable emotionally but also physically. Wear comfortable clothing, have a drink or a snack, and let’s just be two (or more) people working towards your goals together.
I use a humanistic approach, which means I am person centred and focused on the individual’s experiences and perspectives. Sure, many people have the same experiences but it is how the individual person reacts to and perceives them. This is the opposite of a one size fits all approach. Your story matters, your feelings matter, and I want to make sure the guidance I offer is tailored to you specifically. Bespoke solutions for unique individuals. (Thank you for coming to my TED talk).
I also like to include a relational approach to my sessions. I want to build a trusting lasting relationship between us where my clients can feel genuinely cared for and supported. This approach is focused on relationships, as you may have guessed from the name of it. Relationships are important to human beings and this approach makes sure we take that into account.
When it comes to Art and RPG therapy specifically, I employ a phenomenological approach. It’s a big word, it’s fun to say, and it means I am not going to make assumptions based on your art work. I will always ask what certain elements mean to you or why you created something in the way you did instead of assuming I know the answer. This is very important to me and ties in with the humanistic approach. Every person is unique and every person is going to create art differently. I want to hear your thoughts and feelings as they come up through art making.
Personality
I think the personality of your therapist is an important factor in making the right choice for yourself. Here are a few things about me to help inform you of what you will be getting into with me.
Humour
I like to think that I am funny. I enjoy a light hearted atmosphere and will make sure my clients aren’t leaving a session too bummed out for any reason. We will have a good time together in general with an appropriate balance between blowing off steam and being goofy, with serious real talk and focus.
Hobbies
If you didn’t guess from the fact that I offer RPG therapy then let me tell you. I am a nerd. A dork. A geek. I like to play fantasy games and read Lord of the Rings. I know far far too much about internet culture (and sometimes wish I didn’t). I understand how technology works and use it daily. My main hobbies are drawing and painting, video games, hanging out with my super cool dog, board games, cooking, music, magic the gathering, woodworking and swimming. I know a lot about many various things and there is a strong chance we will have something in common because of this.
Kindness
I think a therapist probably should be kind as a person, good news is that I am. I pride myself on being a kind and sunshiny person. Don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly down to earth and very real but I think it can be done without being a jerk about it. That is my brand of kindness. I will accept you as you are and not judge you for your past thoughts, actions, and decisions. When you sit down with me it is a fresh slate. You can trust me to tell you if you are acting detrimentally to your own progress but I’m not going to be mean about it.
Chosen Growth Therapy 