An empty dock on a lake with the winter sun shining over it.

Hello!

My name is Surya Govender (MSc, RTC). I'm so pleased you found me here. Are you looking for support and wondering what it would be like to work with art in therapy? Let's talk!

What is art therapy? and...do I want to do it?

Art therapy combines psychotherapy with art making and creativity to access change and growth beyond the spoken word.

Art therapy might be a good fit for you if:

you're feeling a bit stuck in traditional talk therapy but know you have some things to process
you are seeking more play in your life
you enjoy being creative but don't necessarily trust your art skills...yet!

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What I Offer

Individual Art Therapy

In-person sessions are held at my East Vancouver studio. It's a creative space where we can sit on the sofa to talk, or get messy with art making.

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Relationship Art Therapy

I love working with folks who are investing in their relationships - including romantic partnerships, intimates, friends and family.

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Online Art Therapy

For art therapy online, we will work together to make sure you have the supplies and space you need for a creative session.

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Art Therapy Groups

Working in groups can be a connective and accessible way to explore hard things. In particular, I work with grief, parenting, identity and transitions in a group setting.

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"Surya Govender is very understanding and capable of creating a trauma-informed safe space. I had never tried art therapy before and am very grateful to have tried it first with Surya. Our sessions were very helpful and encouraged me to move through life with a deeper understanding and connection to myself."

Areas of interest

There are a few themes that I specialize in supporting folks with. I believe in our fundamental human ability to learn and grow and I love working with anyone who is ready to explore this for themselves.

LGBTQ2S+

I work with folks of all genders and sexualities. I am queer and the parent of a gender nonconforming child, and it's important to me to be part of healing in our community.

Sex work

It is my privilege to work with those in the adult sex industry through Pineapple Support and independent referral. My goal is always to reduce stigma and contribute to better mental health for all.

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Harm reduction

I take a harm reduction approach to addictions and trauma, however they show up in our lives. I am able to hold space for personal exploration without expectation of overall sobriety.

ADHD

While I do not have ADHD myself, I work with lots of folks who do, including family members. I am able to offer empathetic, non-judgmental support and strategies for thriving with an ADHD brain.

Parenting

As a parent myself, I love working with parents at all stages of their journey. I particularly enjoy helping parents of queer and trans kids navigate unfamiliar terrain in support of their precious ones.

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Mind/Body Connection

Through art and somatic (body based) techniques, I make room for feeling and sensing, alongside thinking and talking. Mindfulness is an integral part of my practice, personally and professionally.

"There’s such a thoughtfulness and gentle curiosity in the way that Surya communicates that I really appreciate. She creates a space that allows you to feel safe, accepted, and willing to open and share."

Canadian Art Therapy Association

I am a member in good standing with CATA, the voice of art therapy in Canada.

Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada

I am a Registered Theraputic Counsellor (RTC) with ACCT.

Pineapple Support

I am an approved therapist with Pineapple Support Services, a free/subsidized service for all persons working in the online adult industry.

Collective Healing/ Expressive Wellness

I am an Associate with Collective Healing/ Expressive Wellness, a counselling practice that supports the healing, growth, and liberation of equity-deserving folks.