I offer one-on-one art therapy sessions online & groups in-person (Campbell River/ƛəmataxʷ, BC), for youth and adults.
Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy, is a collaborative process between client, art therapist, and the creative process. It can be beneficial to anyone as we all have creative capacity, regardless of our perceived artistic skill. Art making within the caring, non-judgmental space of a therapeutic session invites whatever is present in our mind and body to move through us within the creative process and to be seen in art in front of us. We can then look at what’s going on with new and different perspectives, and with greater compassion and understanding. The experience can effect lasting changes in the mind and body, and give us more awareness and choice in how we respond to and engage with life. Creating art in this way can help regulate the nervous system, release feel-good hormones, and improve brain and body connection, while producing a sense of accomplishment, authenticity, and integration. By befriending and exercising our creativity in therapeutic art-making we foster creativity in life-living. In making art, we make something that didn’t exist before. We surprise ourselves. Through creative play, we can find a new way.
As an art therapist, I strive to embody an aspirational ethic, focusing on wellness, strength, resource-building, and connection. I encourage a focus on curiosity over criticism and play over perfection. The ever-evolving lens through which I practice art therapy is influenced by interpersonal neurobiology, transpersonal interconnectivity, integrated somatic embodiment, feminist theory, trauma theory, and compassionate mindfulness. All of this under the umbrella of a culturally sensitive, person-centred approach while embracing the fundamental healing and enlivening role of play, imagination, and creativity.
I hold a Bachelor of Design Degree with Distinction from U of A and a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy from VATI. My art therapy experience ranges from youth to elders, with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, 2SLGBTQIA+, and life transitions, with a particular focus on grief and loss. As an RTC with ACCT, reimbursement through third-party insurance and benefits providers may be available.
Art therapy and creative exploration has been and continues to be transformative in my own life. After several careers, including architectural design, facilities planning, lodge management, and teaching, nothing has come close to the authenticity I feel when practicing art therapy with clients.
I welcome you to contact me for a complimentary 20 minute consultation to explore if we’re a good therapeutic fit.
Therapies In Practice
Major Areas of Practice
General Areas of Support
Specializations in Practice
Trauma
Career / Vocation / Higher Education
What's an art therapy session like?
A session can be primarily art making, primarily talking, and everything in between. Art making could perhaps more aptly described as "creative doing", to avoid that judgmental question, "what is art?".
We focus on curiosity over judgement, and on play over perfection. Sometimes the therapeutic benefit comes from the somatic, sensory experience. Sometimes is comes from self-expression, being witnessed, and witnessing yourself through your expressive creations. Sometimes, creating while talking simply makes the talking easier. In a session, there is nearly always pleasurable experiences within the creative process and “aha!” moments.
What art materials will I need?
No expensive art supplies are needed and the possibilities are vast. It can be useful to have a few options nearby so that you can move between materials depending on the moment, though it’s not absolutely necessary. Much can be done with just a pen and paper. We will adapt to whatever you have on hand.
When considering art supplies, anything that makes a mark and something to make a mark on will do (pencils, crayons, pens, felt markers, pastels, paint, etc. with paper, cardboard, canvas, wood, fabric, etc.). Natural materials are most welcome (feathers, rocks, shells, seeds, leaves, sand, etc.). Modelling materials can be great (playdough, clay, plasticine, etc.). Photographs and other found images can be used. Objects of special significance to you may inspire or be incorporated into your creations.
Materials can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Feel free to follow your curiosity!
