LET’S was first contacted by Jillian Bagan in 2023. Jillian was launching an art therapy group called Queer Joy. She shared their poster with us. They also offered to promote LET’S’ services. They also mentioned that if we were interested in collaborating with them on future projects, or if we wanted to learn more about the art therapy group, they were available for a conversation. Jillian very much believes that working together is of great benefit to the wide 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
(Art supplies. Sign with text saying Art is Therapy.)
After reviewing their offerings, we knew members would be interested in Jillian’s work. However, the prices were outside of most of our members’ financial ability. Following a conversation, LET’S offered to partner with Jillian, giving her a grant to host free art therapy lessons for our members. 2 of the 3 sessions have occurred. Our next session will be in early 2025. For the members who attended, the sessions were an opportunity to practice art in a safer environment, play with creativity, contemplate their mental health, and learn from an experienced art therapist. We received positive feedback and look forward to a continued relationship with Jillian.
About Jillian and their work:
“Jillian (they/she) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, Certified Canadian Counsellor with a Masters in Art Therapy. Jillian’s training and expertise has focused on trauma informed practices, attachment, brain development and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). They have received multiple awards in 2018 and 2022 for their promotion of community-building, queer visibility and advocation for change towards greater inclusivity in the Art Therapy field.
With 10 years of combined experience, Jillian has focused on developing and facilitating non-traditional and innovative programs to help individuals who have had difficulties with complex trauma, identity and social issues, relationship challenges, neurodevelopment differences, anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm, domestic violence, behavioural issues, life transitions and other mental health factors. They have worked with children, adolescents and adults from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in community, educational, clinical and virtual settings across Canada.
Jillian provides online Art Therapy and counselling sessions that can help clients understand the dynamic factors that shape their behaviour, by providing a safe space to process difficult feelings, life transitions, and daily struggles. They have a person-centred and goal-oriented approach that can provide clients a sense of relief, create real change, improve psychological health and increase emotional well-being.
Using creative, exploratory and experimental processes, backed by neuroscience, Jillian guides clients to explore deeper meaning. They also offer a visual means of expression when thoughts cannot be verbally articulated. The art in therapy is used as a tool for providing opportunities for healing, catharsis, meaning-making and communication. Jillian believes that we do not need to be artists, dancers, musicians, or actors to enjoy the benefits of playing with the arts.
Check our Jillian’s blog about Art Therapy, counselling, and LGBTQ+ issues.”