Therapeutic Arts Sessions
A quiet space to return to yourself.
Guided creative experiences that only require a willingness to explore.
Art is the doorway.
A place to pause, create, and reconnect.
What I Offer
Two ways to begin, both foster balance and form.
Every session follows the same practice: creating without pressure toward a finished piece.
Therapeutic Arts Sessions
The journey starts here. If you are:
- Navigating a transition — burnout, grief, unexpected changes, creative blocks, caregiving fatigue, low confidence, lethargy, stress, seeking a pathway forward.
- Feeling uncertain — a longing to reconnect.
- New to this — curiosity is enough.
All levels of art readiness are welcome.
Ground & Gesture Circles
This is a space where we come home to ourselves through creative exploration. A ground is the prepared surface on which a work begins, and a gesture is the expressive movement or mark that gives it life.
Art making brings us closer. If you are:
- In need of connection — creative discovery in community, not solitary practice.
- Ready to share — comfortable witnessing and being seen in a small group.
- New to this — open to learning from each other.
No performance expected.
Ruhi Zandra
Therapeutic Arts Facilitator
About
Breathe.
After two decades of creative work in education, hi-tech, film production, and grassroots community engagement, I found that art is how we remember who we are.
The offerings at The Open Composition are gentle on purpose.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a therapeutic arts session?
A therapeutic arts session is a creative experience that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and reflect through art.
Do I need to be artistic or creative?
Not at all. Many people tell me they haven’t made art in years or don’t think of themselves as creative. You don’t need experience or talent, just a desire to learn more about yourself.
What happens during a session?
Each session begins with a brief conversation before moving into a simple creative activity using accessible art materials. There is time to create and gently explore whatever emerges, all at a pace that feels comfortable. Currently all sessions are conducted online.
How is this different from therapy?
Therapeutic art sessions are guided spaces that support grounding and self-awareness through a creative process. Therapy is a formal mental health treatment. I am a facilitator not a therapist. I truly enjoy my work and being of service to my clients.
What if I don’t know what to create?
That’s completely okay. I’ll offer prompts and guidance to help you begin. There is no right way to respond, and you never have to force creativity. At times you may have an idea of something you want to start off with, and that is wonderful too.
What kinds of things do people want to focus on?
Everyone arrives with something different. Some people are navigating a lack of clarity, intense overwhelm, loss, life transitions, alignment gaps, or feelings of being untethered. Others simply want a quiet space to reconnect with themselves. Together, we can navigate the session in a way that feels best for you.
What materials will I need?
Basic art materials are more than enough. Paper, pencils, markers, water colors, clay, yarn, pastels, or whatever you already have at home works beautifully. I can send you a short list of what we plan to use before we meet or you may like to suggest that we work with a specific art form in a session.
Will this be a safe space?
Creating a welcoming and respectful space is at the heart of my practice. You are invited to show up exactly as you are, and you will never be asked to share more than feels right for you.
What do people usually take away from a session?
While every experience is unique, many people leave feeling grounded, more connected, and grateful for having taken time to pause. Some choose to make it a weekly practice because they value having a regular space to create and reflect. Others come back because art making uplifts their spirits and helps them think through difficult problems.
How much does a session cost?
At this stage of my practice, I offer these spaces on a sliding scale basis. I believe guided therapeutic arts sessions should be as accessible as possible, and I trust you to contribute in a way that feels manageable and meaningful.
How do I make an appointment?
There are two ways to reach out, both in the contact section below: click “Schedule a session” to pick a time directly on the calendar, or “Get in touch” to send a message. Thank you!
Begin
Art as a way back to yourself.
Choose a session and a time that works for you. You’ll be confirmed right away.