Cynthia McCreery is a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist living and working on unceded Gitxsan, Tsm’syen, and Wet’suwet’en Territories
About
Cynthia McCreery
Little City Arts is owned and operated by Cynthia McCreery, Certified Expressive Arts Therapist. The name – Little City Arts – speaks to her roots in the “little city” of what is now known as Hazelton. It also speaks to how art can be a centre around which communities can come together to build little cities – both physical and in our imaginations.
Cynthia has her undergrad in the History of Art from the University of Victoria (2005) and she graduated as a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist from Langara College in 2020. She completed her Expressive Arts Therapy practicum at the Delta Community Living Society with adults with diversabilities, and now works in elementary schools with kids.
Therapy Offerings
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is one-to-one work within the Expressive Arts modalities (painting, drawing, writing, movement, voice, sound, drama, play, music and many others). This can include as many or as few modalities as you would like to explore. The space is held by me, the therapist, and the work is always client-centred, which means that, together, we trust in your ability to find your way into the experiences you need. It is my role to maintain a safe and supportive environment for you to stretch into new areas of discovery in your body and in your imagination. No previous art experience is required. For more details and cost click HERE
Workshops & Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions incorporate the Expressive Arts modalities (painting/drawing, writing, movement, voice and sound, drama, play, music and others) into activities and sharing that happens in a group setting. A safe space is held by me, the therapist. For more details and cost click HERE
Workshops on Expressive Arts do not generally include a therapy component. These may be offered for teachers, students, staff, or any other group. Workshops can be designed to meet the needs of the participants and the environment. For more details and cost click HERE
What is Expressive Arts Therapy and is it right for me?
Expressive Arts Therapy engages the imagination and uses it as a tool to explore the inner world. When we are engaged in the imagination, it is easier to visualize, be playful, find compassion for ourselves, and even release trauma stored in our body. In this space we have the capacity to find a greater sense of safety in our body and in the world.
Expressive Arts Therapy can be great for kids as it offers a low-barrier way for them to explore events and obstacles in their lives. Engaging the imagination through play is second nature for most kids and may feel safer than traditional talk therapy.
Is Expressive Arts Therapy right for me? This is a somatic and integrative therapy that is client-centred and supportive. Anyone with a desire to gain a deeper connection to their body and imagination should connect well with the work. However, there is no way to know for sure if it’s right for you. Having a conversation about your needs and expectations is a great place to start and my 30-minute intro sessions are always free of charge.
No previous art experience is required to practice Expressive Arts Therapy. Artists are often drawn to this work, but it can be powerful for anyone. In fact, having no preconceived ideas about art-making can sometimes make it easier to enter into the imagination.
Trauma stored in the body isn’t always readily accessible to the conscious mind. By engaging the imagination, Expressive Arts Therapy can access what is stored unconsciously, and begin the process of gaining back access to the body.
Little City Arts offers services to those of all genders, orientations, abilities, and cultures, free of judgement. Please reach out if you have a particular need that may need special accommodation.
What People Say
“Cynthia’s level of care is unparalleled. She is able to both nurture all who work with her, but also is able to gently push to go deeper into the work. When you are in the presence of Cynthia, you will feel taken care of, safe, and free of judgement, which is the ideal environment to explore. Her understanding of the benefits of movement as well as inner and physical strength, when paired with expressive arts therapy, makes for an experience you will only receive when working with her. She is wise, considerate, and warm. I highly recommend working with Cynthia.”
Heather Prost – Expressive Arts Therapist
Contact me to book a session
or to learn more about Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy 