Art Therapy with Ira Polak Veronneau

03/11/2026

I often ask myself whether, as an art therapist, I should display my own artwork on the walls of my studio. On one hand, it can feel exposing — even intimidating for clients. On the other hand, it can be inspiring, humanizing, and a way of offering a point of connection.

While wondering on this topic I notice that over time, my studio slowly filled with pieces I’ve made. Some even found their way into frames and into small constellations on the wall. Although they were created at different moments, they share a common thread — literally and metaphorically. They speak to , , and : themes that come up again and again in therapy. Connections that stretch, fray, mend, or need to be released. Connections we inherit, and connections we build.According to Finkel and Bat Or ( 2020) in art therapy specifically, the presence of the therapist’s own creative process can model authenticity and invite clients into deeper engagement, connecting between the client and therapist.

So I keep sitting with the question — not as a rule to follow, but as an ongoing ethical and relational practice.

What do you think?
Should art therapists display their own art in their studios or online spaces?
Where is the line between inspiration and over‑exposure?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.

03/04/2026

If you’re longing to weave art into your daily rituals, this online workshop series is for you.
Join me as we nurture your creative seed and build a gentle, inspiring practice together.
I’ll guide you in setting up a simple art space right where you are, so you can immerse yourself in a playful, supportive creative process alongside others.
No experience needed—only the desire to create.
Please share your feedback 🙏

02/28/2026

Can broken heart 💔 be …
Repaired
Mended
Heal
Grow
Love
Be hopeful
Be joyful
Feel aliveness
Be in the moment
?
No answers only questions

02/26/2026

How to begin on a white page?
Sometimes the hardest part of creating is facing the white page. Its quiet can feel like pressure, possibility, or even a kind of mirror we didn’t ask for. In art therapy, that blank space becomes a gentle invitation rather than a demand. It holds room for hesitation, scribbles, bold marks, and everything in between. The moment we touch the page—whether with a line, a color, or even a pause—we begin a conversation with ourselves. The white page isn’t asking for perfection; it’s offering a place to begin.
I love to use India inks to let the transformation happen by itself, effortless effort, just letting the ink meet the water. I use this new surface as the invitation to imagine, to cercle elements that will make sense or not. Again effortless effort, letting the hand create and the brain to rest…

02/24/2026

Today was a full‑on glue day — stick glue, white glue, and my favourite, hot glue. There’s something quietly powerful about watching separate pieces find their way toward each other, softening just enough to connect, settling into a new shape that makes sense.

In art therapy, glue becomes more than a material. It’s a reminder that holding doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Pieces can come together slowly, unevenly, beautifully — and still create something whole.

02/22/2026

What brush 🧹 do you need today?

— the one that draws a fine, intentional line,
or the one that fills a whole space in a single breath.

The one that lets you stay in control,
or the one that teaches you to loosen your grip
and let go of perfection.

Brushes are agents between colour and surface,
bridges between hand and eye.

Brushes are like words.
Words are agents between people.
Sometimes you choose them carefully.
Sometimes you will take up space

There is no good or bad —
every kind of brush has a place to be.

10/23/2024

I'm thrilled to announce that I've finally registered with the Quebec Order of Social Work Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du QC (OTSTCFQ)!

It's hard to believe, but it's been 20 years since I graduated with my BA in Social Work from the University of Haifa. My first gig with Israel - Youth in Distress was working with at-risk youth in a youth café "Upside Down" - a very different kind of therapy, with no strict schedules, just hanging out in an open space, sharing coffee and biscuits, and having a million little interactions along the way. It wasn't exactly by-the-book psychotherapy, but it was real, and it was exactly the type of connection that these young people needed.

Nowadays my clinical work is more structured - there are doors and clocks - but I still believe it's all about relationships. When clients feel safe, seen, and belonging, the real change happens. I'm still a social worker at heart, and for the past three years, I've also been embracing my role as a creative arts therapist.

I provide individual, family, and group art therapy at Centre Thérapeutique Boréal, as well as art-based supervision for creative arts therapists, and I am constantly expanding my horizons through self-learning, supervision, training, and of course my own life experiences.

I am aiming to expand my private practice and am also exploring part-time positions within the public sector to ensure that individuals who may not have the means to access private services can still receive the support they need.
https://www.centretherapeutiqueboreal.com/equipesantementale/ira-polak-Ira P***k Veronneau

Ira possède 20 ans d'expérience dans le domaine du soutien psychosocial et de l'intervention communautaire, travaillant auprès des familles, des adolescents, des enfants, des personnes âgées et des adultes. Elle a développé et coordonné des services psychosociaux en situations de crise en As...

10/20/2024

🌿 Introducing Artquilibre: A New Art Therapy Group This Autumn 🌿

I’m delighted to present Artquilibre, a welcoming group art therapy program designed for adults eager to explore their creativity in a nurturing, supportive setting. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect with your playful side and rediscover your creative spirit through guided art therapy sessions.

Over the course of four intimate group sessions (limited to 6 participants), you'll experience a blend of artistic expression that fosters both personal growth and a strong sense of community.

Secure your spot today and begin your creative journey!

🌿 Découvrez Artquilibre : Un nouveau groupe d'art-thérapie cet automne 🌿

Je suis ravie de vous présenter Artquilibre, un programme d'art-thérapie de groupe qui s'adresse aux adultes désireux d'explorer leur créativité dans un cadre chaleureux et stimulant. Il s'agit d'une occasion unique de renouer avec votre côté ludique et de redécouvrir votre esprit créatif à travers des séances d'art-thérapie guidées.

Au cours de quatre séances de groupe intimes (limitées à 6 participants), vous ferez l'expérience d'un mélange d'expression artistique qui favorise à la fois l'épanouissement personnel et un fort sentiment d'appartenance à la communauté.

Réservez votre place dès aujourd'hui et commencez votre voyage créatif !

C'est au sein de cet environnement bienveillant que les participant.s expérimenteront la force de l'affirmation par la création. ​ Oser créer libérée de la pression de la performance ou de "faire beau". Créer pour le plaisir, pour la découverte de soi et de l'autre. Découverte de nouveaux ...

08/22/2023

11/12/2022

So proud to be part of Les Maisons de l'Ancre and work with the most inspiring women! I m forever grateful to hold the creative space with you, transforming trauma and pain into amazing art !