Hi! I’m Jasper.

 

Hello, I’m Jasper Bryan, BA(h) EXAT

Contact Me

 

Hi! I’m Jasper. I’m a queer expressive arts therapist, artist, author, and facilitator who uses my imagination to stir up creative things. I offer therapy, groups, and workshops.

If you would like to book a meet and greet, attend a workshop, or get to know me, please send me an email or follow me on instagram. I’m excited to be creative together!

Art is a language of empowerment, authenticity, and possibility. I hope that we can tap into our creative resources together—kids and kids-at-heart alike. By creating art, we create our lives.

I’ve dabbled in creative things since I was a kid. When I became an “adult”, the world told me I’d have to dim my sparkles to fit into boxes. I felt my true self stifled, and suffered greatly. Many of us are told we have to hide ourselves, especially those of us who are much too colourful to be contained! In returning to play and the arts, I returned to myself. I learned to take up space. I built resiliency, and fostered life-giving relationships with my body, other people, and communities where I can show up as myself and be loved for it. I honoured my suffering, and found joy. Whenever society makes me question my truth, I remember that I am the artist of my life. We all are.

I hope I can support you as you paint, sculpt, sing, dance, write, act, speak, and play towards your best life (or hop on whatever mode of transport you choose!) Whether you’re an artist, want to incorporate more creativity in your life, or are scared of art, I’m here for it all. From painting to poetry, baking to photography, dancing and DIY craftathons, I’ll guide you through it. Whatever form of creativity speaks to you, I hope to support you as you bring more expressiveness into your life. I would love to get to know what makes you unique, and walk side by side as we step into our most creative, authentic, resilient selves.

I’ve lived many lives. My living experiences inform my values: being queer/bisexual/genderqueer, having a neurodivergent brain, navigating mental health challenges, and living as a sex worker. I believe in learning through doing, and listening to the stories of people and places I encounter. Much of what I’ve learned comes from various worlds I’m part of—communities of humans who are queer, kinky, artists/performers, writers, poly, harm reductionist, activist, sex workers, magic seekers, fashionistas, nerds, dorks, weirdos and counterculture beings. As a white settler, I recognise that I come from a perspective shaped by oppressive systems. It’s important for me to take responsibility and continually educate myself so that I can strive for anti-racist and anti-oppressive choices inside and outside of the therapy room.

I take an eclectic approach to the art of therapy. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I want to provide you with the tools that work for you. I am a certified expressive arts therapist with a diploma from the Create Institute. I draw from trainings in crisis intervention, interfaith spiritual care, mindfulness/embodiment practices, narrative therapy, intermodal arts education, and peer support. I worked over 300 hours on the Toronto Distress Centres crisis line and have volunteered with other harm reduction initiatives. I also have a specialist BA(h) in Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto, where I conducted research in bisexuality and mental health, and a minor in Buddhist mental health. I have been involved with organizations such as the 519, Glad Day Bookshop, Bi+ Arts Festival, Maggies, Toronto Distress Centres, Sunshine Centres for Seniors, Rainbow West, and others.

I would be honoured to get to know you and your story, and support you through your journey towards living as your authentic self. Let’s create your best life together!