Marianne Dufour

1.  How are you applying your degree in art therapy from Concordia?

I provide therapeutic support and psychotherapy to sick children and their siblings treated in pediatric oncology, enabling parents to better understand, empathize and support their children’s adaptation. I also lead groups privately or by order from various organizations aimed at deepening their understanding, consciousness and compassion for the self and others through the use of visual arts, movement, meditation, rituals and myths. Finally, my degree applies to the individual in-depth supervision I offer to graduate students.

2. What do you value most from your Concordia art therapy experience?

The emphasis on strong theoretical and clinical foundations made it easy to talk to and be understood by other clinicians, including social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists. The clinical vocabulary and conceptual framework opened doors and facilitated connections with all sorts of professionals.

The program’s flexibility and respect for various approaches and modalities cultivates our own plasticity. We are able to adapt to our clients, our differing mandates in various settings and our colleagues.

3. Is there a particular memory that stands out from your time at Concordia?

The overall richness and intensity of the program really stands out. The professors were very different from one another and those differences felt harmonious. I also appreciated the interdisciplinary discussions we had at the Centre for the Arts in Human Development. I was very grateful for the training we were offered in other creative arts therapies, like drama and dance therapy, and I really enjoyed the experiential nature of the program, both in class and through the internships.