Michelle Denis RP, ExAT - OEATA Member Directory

As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I work relationally and collaboratively with you, while encouraging a letting go into the creative play space. I invite you into a gentle and curious observation of the inner somatic, sensory and emotional experience as a way to deepen self compassion, understanding and acceptance, and to connect with your inner body wisdom to find release and healing towards the life you want to be living.

I work with women, men, parents, caregivers, teachers and groups.

I have done further studies in Autosomatic Training, Hakomi Somatic and Mindfulness based psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Compassion Focused Therapy, Janina Fisher’s Trauma Informed Stabalisation Treatment, and Genlin’s Focusing.

I have training in Hand in Hand Parenting and in Gordon Neufeld’s developmental and attachment approach to parenting. Both paradigms are a trauma informed, play and connection based style of parenting. These approaches have helped me immensely in my parenting journey. I love supporting parents, caregivers and teachers as they navigate the challenges that are so often not talked about, and so often misunderstood and judged in the context of a culture that undervalues the important emotional and care work of parents, caregivers and teachers. The arts can be a beautiful way of nourishing and replenishing ourselves as caregivers and are a beautiful way to heal from our own childhood hurts that inevitably show up for us as we support our children through their different phases of development.

My work is further informed by a foundation in mindfulness meditation, yoga, 5 Rhythms Dance Practice, community singing practice and a community arts and ritual practice. I have a passionate interest in the latest neuroscience of mind/body integration and healing from childhood and ancestral trauma. I am also guided by the wisdom and wildness of my highly sensitive, neurodivergent child.

Through an ongoing community based practice of learning, listening, evolving conversations and action, I am committed to working sensitively with systemic issues of oppression.

I trust in the developing therapeutic relationship, the wisdom and creativity of each individual, the sensory and playful experience of the arts, and in the cultivation of mindful curiosity and self compassion, to foster re-connection to our most integrated, peaceful and joyful selves.

Life is so tender and wild.

Locations: I work only online at this time. I can be found at The Mindfulness Clinic in Toronto and I work in private practice.

My fee in private practice is $165-185 sliding scale.

Please contact me at michelle@michelledenis.ca for a free 15 minute phone consultation.