I am so glad that you are here!

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I know firsthand that life can hand us some pretty big challenges - from life transitions, to relationship and loss. I also know that humans each hold the power to know what they need to heal. Whether through art-making, talk therapy or play, I want to walk alongside you, as you navigate through this journey. 
 

My art therapy approach is person-centered, psychodynamic, strengths-based, and informed by attachment and developmental theories. I am also curious about traditional healing practices, culture's role in our lived experiences, and learning from the natural systems around us which inform our path to finding balance and positive change.

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I look forward to speaking with you more about my approach and practice or to set up an initial phone consultation.

 

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Approaches

 

Art Therapy/Psychotherapy

Play-based Approaches

Attachment + Strengths-based approaches

Individual + Group Therapy

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Areas of Interest

Traumatic Experiences​

Anxiety + Worry

New to Parenting (Perinatal + Postpartum)

Siblings + Family Dynamics

Life Transitions

Stress, Overwhelm + Burnout

Self-love, Self-acceptance + Self-Compassion

Self-Care + Mindfulness

Identity + Self-knowing

Special Needs + Abilities

LGBTQ+

Traditional Healing Practices + Rituals

Cultural, Immigration + Resilience

Women's Issues

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Experience

 

Clinical Director, St. Stephen's College (2021 - Present)

Founder, Sparrow Creative Counselling Centre (2020 - Present)

Co-Chair (Art Therapy) + Faculty Lecturer, St. Stephen's College (2020 - Present)

Clinical Supervisor, The Family Centre (2018 - 2020)

Mental Health Therapist, The Family Centre (2016 -  2018)

Bilingual Art Educator, Art Gallery of Alberta (2016)

Art Therapist, Founder, Connect Studio (2015 - 2019)

Co-Founder, Coop Le Milieu (2012-2015)

Graduate/Teaching Assistant, Concordia University (2012 - 2013)

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Therapist (2012)

Research Assistant, Concordia University (2011 - 2012)

Respite Worker, Société pour les enfants handicapés du QC (2010 - 2012)

Youth Support Worker, Whyndham House (2009 - 2010)

Integration Specialist, Supporting Kids in Camp (2008 - 2010)

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Education

 

Master of Arts, Art Therapy, Concordia University (2013)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Studio Art, Art History, University of Guelph (2009)

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Training

 

Green Stream: Foundations of Play Therapy Certificate (2021)

Certificate in Treatment of Trauma using Play Therapy Skills and Techniques (2020)

Introduction to Gender-Based Analysis + (GBA+) Certificate, Government of Canada (2020)

Counselling at a Distance: Using video, telephone and text-based methods, Therapy Online (2020)

Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals Certificate (2020)

Introduction to Play Therapy, Family Counselling Centres (2019)

Hakomi Workshop, Hakomi Institute (2019)

Omanitew Training, The Family Centre (2019)

Birth Doula Training, Gentle Touch Doula (2018)

Brain Story Certification, Alberta Family Wellness (2017)

Positive Mental Health Training, Alberta Health Services (2016)

Motivational Interviewing (Basic) Training, Alberta Health Services (2016)

Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST), Canadian Mental Health Association (2016)

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Certificate, Montreal (2012)

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Certifications

 

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Supervisor (#3398), Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (2019)

Professional Member, Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (2019)

Registered Canadian Art Therapist (#237-R-18), Canadian Art Therapy Association (2018)

Registered Psychotherapist (#5751), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (2017)

Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training (200 hour), Sattva Yoga Shala (2015)

 

Teaching & Workshops

 

Counselling Practicum (PPSYC 5870/5878), St. Stephen's College (2021)

Art Therapy Studio: Art Therapy in Community (ARTST5897), St. Stephen’s College (2020, 2021)

Fundamentals of Art Therapy (CHRTP321), St. Stephen’s College (2020)

Parenting After Separation, The Family Centre (2019)

Parenting After Separation - High Conflict, The Family Centre (2019)

Attachment and Trauma, The Family Centre (2018 - 2019)

Grief and Loss, The Family Centre (2018 - 2019)

Beyond Borderline, The Family Centre (2019)

ACEs in the Classroom, The Family Centre (2017)

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Publications & Conference Presentations

 

"Conversations on Regulation: What the future holds for Art Therapists in Canada." Workshop presentation at the Canadian Art Therapy Association Conference (virtual), November 2020.

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“Blank Canvas: Transformation through Single Session Art Therapy.” Workshop presentation at the Canadian Art Therapy Association Conference in Calgary, Alberta, October 27, 2019.
 

“Regulating Alberta: Joining the College of Counselling Therapy.” Panel presentation at the Canadian Art Therapy Association conference in Calgary, Alberta, October 25, 2019.
 

“La Ruche Garden: Small, sustainable spaces for creative inquiry.” Workshop presentation at The Art of Transforming Communities: Art Education Graduate Symposium in Montreal, Quebec, March 1, 2014.
 

“Coop Le Milieu: Inspiring empowered, diverse communities through dialogue, creativity and sharing resources.” Workshop presentation at The Art of Transforming Communities: Art Education Graduate Symposium in Montreal, Quebec, March 2, 2014.
 

“Neighbourhood Art Hives: Small and sustainable spaces for creative inquiry.” Workshop presentation at Community-University Expo in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, June 14, 2013.
 

Perju, O. (2013). "Let the art speak for itself": Incorporating clinical art therapy programs into Canadian urban schools. (Master's Thesis).