Holistic Therapy Day offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the comprehensive and integrative approaches that we employ at Covenant House Vancouver. Recently, we had a heartfelt conversation with one of our dedicated Clinical Counsellors, and art therapists, Marcia, who shared her insights into the holistic practices that support the youth in our care.
Marcia emphasizes that holistic therapy means that we address the entirety of a person. “We’re looking at not only what’s going on with the psyche but also what’s going on physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We’re an entire system of many parts that are all affecting each other,” she explains. For a long time, therapy focused primarily on fixing the mind, but today we understand that true healing involves recognizing and addressing all aspects of a person’s well-being.
Art Therapy: A Unique and Trauma-Informed Path to Expression
Art therapy at Covenant House is particularly unique. It provides a space for youth to express themselves without needing to use words. Marcia points out that, “Art therapy allows youth to express themselves without having to dialogue, retell their story, or talk about things they can’t or don’t want to discuss.” This form of therapy creates a safe space for self-expression and healing, where youth can explore their feelings and experiences through creative means.
A core component of our holistic approach is trauma-informed care. Our therapist highlights the importance of giving youth choices and allowing them to have control over their therapy. “The invitation to join art studio groups or have counselling if they want it is key. It’s about giving them options and allowing them to choose how and when they engage,” she says. This approach respects the youth’s autonomy and acknowledges their individual needs and readiness.
Marcia is currently training in somatic experiencing, which underscores the importance of understanding and responding to the nervous system. “Paying attention to someone’s body language can tell you a lot about how their nervous system is doing,” she notes. This involves noticing signs of distress or discomfort and making adjustments to create a more comfortable and safe environment. Simple actions, like changing seats or adding a pillow, can make a significant difference in helping a young person feel at ease.
Homelessness as Trauma
Experiencing homelessness or insecure housing is inherently traumatic. Marcia explains, “Unsecured housing is a form of trauma because it’s one of our basic survival needs. Without a safe place to rest, youth are constantly scanning for danger, unable to focus on anything else.” This perpetual state of alertness impacts every aspect of their lives, making holistic support crucial for their recovery and well-being.
Recognizing and naming trauma is vital. “Trauma is anything that pushes the body and mind outside its capacity to respond or restricts it from responding. Chronic trauma leads to the system shutting down,” Marcia explains. By naming and locating their experiences, youth can start to create distance and gain a new perspective on their trauma.
Building Relationships First: Creating Low-Barrier Access to Support
At Covenant House, we pride ourselves on offering low-barrier access to support. Our open art studios, run by therapists like Marcia, provide a welcoming space where youth can drop in, create art, and build relationships without any pressure. “They can come back as many times as they want, without staying for the full session. It’s about supporting them with the least amount of responsibility or heaviness on their part,” she says.
The primary goal for our therapists is to build relationships. “Our first intention is to create a connection. There’s nothing to do and nowhere to go in counselling except to repair and build attachment,” Marcia explains. Many youth have never had an adult in their life who listens without an agenda. Offering this unconditional support is a significant step toward healing.
One of the strengths of Covenant House is our team approach. Therapists can collaborate with social workers, life skills workers, and spiritual care providers to offer comprehensive support. “It’s not just me. We’re supporting youth from multiple angles, taking care of their basic needs, mental health, and creative side,” Marcia says. This holistic model ensures that youth receive well-rounded care that addresses all aspects of their lives.
Resources for Further Reading
For those interested in learning more about trauma and holistic therapy, Marcia recommends Peter Levine’s books, such as Waking the Tiger and Trauma Proofing Your Kids, as well as Gabor Maté’s When the Body Says No and The Myth of Normal.
Holistic Therapy Day reminds us about the importance of treating the whole person, by recognizing their unique experiences, and offering compassionate, comprehensive care. At Covenant House Vancouver, our dedicated team continues to support youth in their journey toward healing and resilience, one step at a time.