Matt and Mike Get Therapy With Registered Counselling Art Therapist Gabriella Rizkallah

Gabriella is an art therapist who once refused to read out loud in ninth grade, met a teacher who really saw her, and discovered dyslexia and ADHD were the reasons school never fit. That shift—from “lazy” to “misunderstood”—set her on a path through art school and the classroom to a therapy practice that uses colour, texture, and play to help people find themselves again.We talk frankly about late ADHD diagnoses, especially for women whose symptoms often fly under the radar. Task paralysis, perfectionism, time blindness, and hyperfocus on the wrong task all make an appearance, alongside a nuanced chat about medication. Gabriella’s take is practical: meds can help, but without self-knowledge and routines, they can backfire. We swap rituals that bring calm—mindfulness, morning exercise, and yes, a very humble steam sauna—and break down why sensory anchors work for fast-moving minds.Parenting and screens get the spotlight too. Instead of lectures, we model what we want our kids to do: name feelings, set boundaries, and repair after conflict. We explore the double edge of phones and games—dopamine traps that raise anxiety for many kids, but also safe, rule-bound spaces for some anxious or autistic teens. The goal isn’t zero tech; it’s smarter transitions, more creative alternatives within reach, and a home that rewards curiosity over constant scrolling.Inside the therapy room, Gabriella sees clients rewrite old stories of failure through art prompts tied to emotion and sensation. Anxiety and depression often sit atop ADHD or autism; treating the surface without understanding the base leaves people stuck. We get real about access and legitimacy—why insurance often misses art therapy, how she’s registered for coverage, and the PD she runs to help teachers build neuroaffirming classrooms. We even let AI take a bow for organizing paperwork, so more energy goes to people over forms.By the end, you’ll hear a throughline: creativity isn’t extra for neurodivergent folks—it’s a first language. Slow down, pick a colour that fits your mood today, and watch what emerges when you give your brain a medium that finally makes sense. If this conversation resonates, follow and share the show, leave a review to help others find it, and tell us: what creative habit helps your mind settle?Send us Fan MailYour Dream Home Does Not Have to Be Just A Dream. Today's show is brought to you by Kimia Nejat of Exit Reality Metro. Kimia is the realtor who knows how to get things done. Buying or Selling? Go to afternoonpint.ca/kimia and we will set up an introduction Support the showFind The Afternoon Pint on Youtube Facebook  Instagram & TikTokBuy merch, get out newsletter, or book some of Afternoon Pints Media Talent on our website: www.afternoonpint.ca