Second Spring: A Perimenopause & Menopause Art Therapy Group
A Supportive 8-Week Art Therapy Group in Ottawa
Perimenopause and menopause can bring changes that reach far beyond physical symptoms. They may also affect identity, relationships, emotions, body awareness, purpose, and how a person understands this stage of life.
Second Spring is an eight-week, in-person art therapy group at MindSpa Mental Health Centre in Gloucester, Ottawa for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.
Facilitated by Elena Kourounis, Art Therapist-in-Training (Under Clinical Supervision), the group provides a small, supportive space to explore this transition through creative expression, guided reflection, and connection with others.
No previous art experience is required.
Program Details
Program: Second Spring: An Art Therapy Group for Women in Perimenopause & Menopause
Participants: Women navigating perimenopause or menopause
Facilitator: Elena Kourounis, Art Therapist
Location: MindSpa Mental Health Centre – Gloucester
Address: 1900 City Park Drive, Suite 202, Ottawa, ON K1J 1G7
Length: 8 weekly sessions
Dates: Wednesdays, October 7 to November 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Group Size: 6 to 10 participants
Cost: $60 + HST per session
Full Program: $480 + HST
Payment: Pay per session or pay for the eight sessions upfront
Pre-Group Consultation: Free consultation with Elena before joining
Themes We May Explore
Across the eight weeks, participants will have opportunities to explore themes such as:
- Changing identities
- Loss and renewal
- Body awareness and embodiment
- Relationships and changing roles
- Resilience during periods of transition
- Self-compassion
- Personal meaning and purpose
- Creativity and self-expression
- Connection and belonging
- Growth during a changing season of life
Who This Group Is For
Second Spring may be a fit for women who are experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or the transition around menopause and would like a supportive place to explore its emotional and relational dimensions.
You may find the group relevant if you:
- Are noticing shifts in identity or how you see yourself
- Feel that your relationships or needs are changing
- Want space to reflect on this stage of life
- Feel isolated or misunderstood in what you are experiencing
- Want to strengthen self-compassion and resilience
- Are interested in using creativity as a form of reflection
- Would value connecting with other women navigating similar changes
You do not need to identify as an artist or have previous art experience.
Second Spring is not a medical menopause program and does not replace medical care, hormone therapy, or individual psychotherapy.
Why Explore Perimenopause and Menopause in a Group?
Perimenopause and menopause are becoming more visible in public conversations. However, many women still describe feeling alone, confused, or insufficiently supported during the transition.
A small therapeutic group creates an opportunity to hear different perspectives while recognizing shared experiences.
Participants can reflect individually while also benefiting from the connection that develops when women are able to speak openly about changes that are not always easy to explain to family, friends, partners, or colleagues.
The goal is not for everyone to experience menopause in the same way.
Instead, the group creates room for each participant to explore what this transition means in her own life.
Why Art Therapy?
Some experiences are easier to explore visually than verbally.
Art therapy uses creative expression alongside reflection and therapeutic conversation. Drawing, painting, collage, colour, imagery, and other materials can offer different ways to notice and communicate thoughts, emotions, memories, and experiences.
No artistic ability is required.
The emphasis is on curiosity, expression, and reflection rather than artistic performance.
What Participants May Explore Through the Program
Second Spring is designed to support reflection around:
- Evolving identity and personal needs
- Resilience and coping during change
- Mind-body awareness
- Self-compassion
- Connection with others
- Creativity and self-expression
- Meaning and personal growth
Individual experiences and outcomes will vary.
Meet the Facilitator
Elena Kourounis
Art Therapist
MindSpa Mental Health Centre
Elena uses creative expression and reflective conversation to help participants explore emotions, identity, relationships, and life transitions. Her approach focuses on the creative process, so no art experience is required.
She has also appeared on The MindSpa Podcast to discuss how art therapy can help express experiences that are difficult to put into words.
Location
Second Spring takes place in person at:
MindSpa Mental Health Centre – Gloucester
1900 City Park Drive, Suite 202
Ottawa, Ontario
K1J 1G7
MindSpa serves individuals and families throughout Ottawa, including Gloucester, Kanata, and surrounding communities.
Cost
$60 + HST per two-hour session
Eight sessions:
$480 + HST total
Participants may pay for the program upfront or per session.
Insurance coverage varies by individual plan. If you plan to submit receipts to an insurer, please confirm your coverage directly with your insurance provider and contact MindSpa if you need information about the receipt that will be provided.
Ready to Apply?
Second Spring uses a brief screening process before enrollment to help determine whether the group is an appropriate fit.
Begin by booking a complimentary consultation with Elena.
Step 2: Complete the Pre-Group Information
Participants will be asked to complete a short pre-group questionnaire.
This gives Elena and the MindSpa team an opportunity to learn more about what you are looking for and identify any questions before the program begins.
Step 3: Confirm Registration
Following the consultation and screening process, eligible participants will receive the information needed to complete their registration.
For questions about the program, contact: