Catherine Gilbert (She/her)
Art Therapist, MA, ATPQ
PhD Candidate in Psychology
There may be many reasons why you’ve landed on this page.
Anxiety, exhaustion, overwhelming emotions, the feeling of being disconnected from yourself, stuck or just looking for personal growth — all of these can be signs that something within you needs care and attention. Welcome!
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a space where words meet images. It’s about imagining, scribbling, gluing, painting, sculpting, drawing. Sometimes it’s about talking, sometimes about staying quiet — letting the materials guide you, seeing what happens.
During a session — before or after sharing what’s on your mind — we look together, through the creative process, at what’s moving, what’s resisting, and what’s resonating inside. We welcome what is present and make room for it — real room, symbolic and tangible.
At the heart of this process is your creativity. It’s through it that you can explore new directions, imagine solutions, and make meaning of what you’re going through. In the therapeutic space, you have the freedom to create, to understand differently. To find momentum — a movement forward.
What can you expect?
Art supplies we often
use
Flow of the session
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Sessions are 50 minutes long.
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In terms of frequency, they’re usually weekly, but they can be spaced out depending on your needs — we can discuss what feels right for you.
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You don’t need to be “good at art”! In fact, not trying to “make something beautiful” can often be helpful.
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You’re not expected to make art at every session — if you don’t have the energy for it, that’s totally okay.
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Each session is unique. We can start from something recent or not-so-recent, from an emotion, a question, or simply where you’re at that day.
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Things may come up during the creative process, but I don’t analyze your art. You are the one who gives meaning to what you create.
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What you share with me is confidential.
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Watercolor (pan)
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Colored pencils (including graphite)
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Black markers
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Soft pastels
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Oil pastels
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Charcoal
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Water-based ink
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Acrylic paint
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Gouache
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Magazines (for collage)
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Clay
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Textiles
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Ribbons
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Yarn
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Cardboard masks
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Natural elements
Kindness and authenticity
My approach
My approach is rooted first and foremost in who I am, but it does not ignore the world we live in.
We exist within social contexts that shape us, leave their marks, or cause us harm. I work with a clear awareness of oppression, marginalization, and injustice — those we’ve often been taught to stay silent about or carry alone. This is not a space for pathologizing. It is a space for recognizing what is at play and gaining a better understanding of both external realities and inner experiences.
You come as you are. Everything you bring is welcome.
My approach adapts to what you are living and what you need — without interpretation or judgment. Together, we may explore through sensation, emotion, thought, or image. We’ll choose the materials and forms that feel right to you. I am guided by the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC), as well as by a deeply humanistic perspective — one that trusts in each person’s capacity to reconnect with themselves, to heal, and to transform.
I’m a feminist and neurodivergent therapist for whom inclusion and awareness of personal biases are essential.
My background
I first completed a master’s degree in art therapy at the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), and I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology (research and clinical stream) at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).
I am a member of several professional associations, including the Association des art-thérapeutes du Québec (AATQ), the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), the Regroupement des Intervenants et Thérapeutes en Médecine Alternative et Complémentaire (RITMA), and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Being part of multiple communities allows me to broaden and enrich what I can offer you!
What I can offer you
In-person sessions
In my office, I welcome you into a calm and safe space at Centre Boréal.
Art materials are available to you, and you’re free to use them in your own way and at your own pace.
– Available time slots right now!
3108 Rue Beaubien E
Online sessions
Art therapy can also take place remotely! Online sessions offer great flexibility. You’ll be guided in using your own art materials. This format may be ideal if you live far away, have mobility constraints, or simply feel more comfortable at home.
– Available time slots right now!
I offer services in both French and English with teenagers and adults. Insurance receipts are available. I can provide them as a naturopath (via RITMA) and as a certified counsellor (via the CCPA). I am also certified by Psychology Today.
What I welcome in my practice
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Search for meaning
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Self exploration
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Emotional dysregulation
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Interpersonal conflicts
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Grief and loss
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LGBTQ+ realities
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Life transitions
Difficulties related to:
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Stress and anxiety
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Mood
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Personality
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Attachment style
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Trauma
There are many reasons why you might seek support — everything is welcome here! If I realize that another professional might better meet your needs, I will let you know.