Calgary Art Therapy
Professional Art Therapist
BCMM, DVATI
I am a Calgary Art Therapist, providing affordable online Art Therapy and in person workshops. My focus is on adult-identifying women, but I also have experience working with children and men. I am here to guide you through life changes, grief, mental health issues (depression and anxiety etc.), healing childhood wounds and traumas, self-esteem and self-worth issues and most challenges that life will bring. Art is a powerful tool that can be used to express emotions and help find a way through life’s challenges, it can also act as a tool to ease anxiety while in a session. I also love working with dreams to aid in well-being and healing, however, it’s not a requirement of working with me. I am Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP) Therapy and Attachment Theory informed. My goal is to find what works for each person’s unique needs and goals as every person is different. I do believe in a holistic method of healing that involves mind, body and spirit. I incorporate mindfulness, breath work and meditation in my practice. I have gone through my own wellness journey and continue to, this allows me to be more empathetic and flexible in my practice.
FAQ
F.A.Q. - Art Therapy
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In our initial session, we would establish specific goals, including but not limited to addressing self-esteem, childhood trauma, and mental health coping techniques.
A counseling session can take two approaches. It may involve an art directive, where you engage in a specific art project, or you are free to create whatever you desire. Art directives are particularly useful when you may not be feeling particularly creative, as they provide guidance through the art-making process and help you focus on specific issues. Regardless of whether an art directive is utilized, a typical 50-minute one-on-one session with me generally follows this structure:
Opening: I often begin with a poem, a brief breathing exercise, and a check-in to understand how you are feeling and what you would like to focus on during the session. We also review any homework assigned from the previous session.
Middle: You engage in art-making using any medium, with the possibility of incorporating talk therapy during the creative process.
Review: Before concluding the session, I ask you to share insights about the art you created. I pose questions and provide support as needed.
Closing: I typically conclude with a grounding exercise to help you leave the session feeling centered and prepared for the day. Often, there is homework assigned for completion before the next session.
In our initial session, we established specific goals, including but not limited to addressing self-esteem, childhood trauma, and mental health coping techniques. I typically conclude with a grounding exercise to help you leave the session feeling centered and prepared for the day. Often, there is homework assigned for completion before the next session.
Additionally, group sessions follow a similar structure but account for the presence of multiple participants, resulting in longer sessions. These groups typically focus on a common theme, such as depression or addictions.
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Please see my cost breakdown at the bottom of this page. Sliding scale available based on financial situation.
$50 - online
$90 - in person
More details in cost section at bottom of the page.
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As per the Canadian Art Therapy Association: Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.
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Yes, art therapy works. But just like any therapy, the true work lies with the client being ready to work on their issues. Having clear goals that are developed along side the Art Therapist can help guide the sessions and help with healing. The very process of making art can behave as a buffer between the therapist and the client, making the client feel more comfortable to talk about their issues as sometimes anxiety can hinder the client from opening up, the art can act as a calming technique.
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No, you do not need to be “good” at art to get value out of art therapy. Often those with less art experience have an easier time letting go and enjoying the process and focus less on the final product.
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Everyone’s benefits and insurance are different. I encourage you to check with your coverage to confirm. I am insured, licensed to practice as an Art Therapist, and a Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. I do not have direct billing.
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Currently, my sessions are available online only. Once I am set up to take in-person sessions, I will be following all provincial and federal guidelines around providing a safe space for all who attend in person.
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Group sessions run a minimum of 2 hours and one-on-one sessions are 50 minutes.
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I have over 480 client contact hours as a student Art Therapist. As a Professional Art Therapist, I am working on obtaining registered status and have been working for myself at my private practice for about 3 years.
I have worked with children in a school setting, with people who have disabilities at Residents for Independent Living, provided a group session via North East Mental Health Team, Co-Facilitated a men’s addictions group via Together We Can, worked with adult women at the VATI Art Therapy Clinic and currently intern with Moving Forward Family Services and via them intern at John Volken Academy, working with women in addiction recovery. I also have private clients.
I hold a Professional membership with the Canadian Art Therapy Association and am fully insured.
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Post Graduate Diploma, Art Therapy
Vancouver Art Therapy Institute
Vancouver, BC | 2021Bachelor’s Degree, Communications
Mount Royal College
Calgary, AB | 2003DBT Skills Certificate
Moving Forward Family Services
Surrey, BC | 2022Level 1 ISTP Trauma Certificate
Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice
Vancouver, BC | 2021Dreamwork & Art Therapy Workshop
Canadian Art Therapy Association
Vancouver, AB | 2021Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Lvl. C
Canadian Red Cross
Port Moody, BC | 2019Painting Techniques Course
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Vancouver, BC | 2018Abstract Art 101
Alberta College of Art and Design
Calgary, AB | 2012
Art Therapy Case Study
Book a Session - Calgary Therapy
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Art Therapy sessions are online. Group workshops are in-person.
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Discussion around life events since our last session
Review of homework
Determining focus of current session and goals
Art and Learning tools and techniques to use in everyday life
Grounding and Meditation
*located at Paint Ur Art Out
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Discussion around life events since our last session
Review of homework
Determining focus of current session and goals
Art and Learning tools and techniques to use in everyday life
Grounding and Meditation
*Sliding scale available based on financial situation
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Review Dream
Determine what section to focus on
Art and dream discussion
Setting goals and homework
Meditation and grounding
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Review Dream
Determine what section to focus on
Art and dream discussion
Setting goals and homework
Meditation and grounding
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Let’s get to know each other better and see if we’d be a good fit. I am happy to answer any questions you have!
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Workshops are in person hosted at Paint ur Art Out. New workshops re in the works. Check back soon!