Clémence Vandycke
Art Therapy
What is art therapy?
According to the Quebec Association of Art Therapists, art therapy is defined as a therapeutic support approach that uses artistic materials, the creative process, image and dialogue, and aims at self-expression, self-awareness, and/or change in the person seeking help.
The art therapist is the trained and accredited professional (Professional Art Therapist of Quebec) who facilitates this process ethically and in a safe environment.
The art therapist plays the role of witness, guide or catalyst who assists the person to express their creativity and to "translate" their creative language into meaningful avenues of exploration and personal awareness.
No artistic talent or special skills are required to fully benefit from art therapy. Both the creative process and the artwork produced are valued more for their therapeutic impact than for their aesthetic appeal.
Art therapy consultations can be conducted individually, in dyads or in groups, and in various contexts that prioritize the integrity of the person seeking help.
My name is Clémence Vandycke, and I am an art therapist in training. I will obtain my qualification in April 2026, following my master's degree in art therapy at Concordia University in Montreal, where I will then practice.
My career path has led me to work with diverse populations:
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Individuals with an intellectual disability, an autism spectrum disorder and/or a serious behavioral disorder, after eight months of direct experience in this environment;
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Primary school-aged children, with whom I am currently conducting art therapy sessions;
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Adolescents and parents, through my role as a facilitator at Tel-jeunes and Tel-jeunes parents for the past three years;
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Adults living with mental health issues, in different intervention contexts.
These experiences have taught me to welcome each person where they are, with gentleness, curiosity and respect for their pace.
I am also interested in the intersection of art therapy and museums, as spaces for discovery and shared sensitivity. My master's thesis project will focus on this topic and will include an art therapy residency as well as an exhibition at the Marius-Barbeau Museum in the fall of 2026.
My approach is primarily psychodynamic, while also incorporating elements from Gestalt and Jungian approaches, influences that I integrate according to the needs and impulses of the person being accompanied.
Through my own artistic practice, also presented on this site, I explore how creation can reveal inner states and social connections. I enjoy working with animation and mixed media, allowing the material and gesture to guide the encounter.
Recommended approaches
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Focused on the artistic process
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Continuum of Expressive Therapies
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Humanist
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Gestalt
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Jungian
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Psychodynamics
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Trauma-informed
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Cultural humility
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Studio approach (non-directive)
Training
University degrees and certifications:
Master's degree in art therapy
Concordia University | 2024 - Present
Graduate microprogram in art therapy
UQAT | 2022 - 2023
Additional training(s):
CPSM Professional Training (SAM)
Preventing suicide in people aged 14 and over:
Inspiring hope and assessing danger | 2023
events
blog
my art
