BEAM Counselling and Art Therapy

01/12/2024

SchoolsPlus Pictou County is hosting a series of sessions amongst schools across Pictou County. Learn about how to support your child with navigating social media. I bet they'll be discussing safety around info/photo sharing, learning how to navigate misinformation and nsfw content - very important! If you don't get a chance to get to a session, I've popped a quick YouTube in the comments too. Being in-person is just a great way to connect and get up-to-date with potential social media trends happening in your child's schoolyard that you should be aware of.

01/10/2024

Trauma shows up in our bodies in many ways. Sometimes, we may not even realize this connection - things like binge eating, being "tired all the time", irritability...

Art therapy supports the physical response to trauma by offering a non-verbal outlet for expressing complex emotions and regulating the nervous system through structured, calming activities. Engaging in artistic processes fosters a mind-body connection, promoting awareness of physical sensations and facilitating embodiment. The symbolic representation of traumatic experiences in art allows for the externalization and integration of memories, contributing to a sense of safety and reducing the physical symptoms associated with trauma.

Here is a deep look into the physical effects of trauma:

Learn more on each: https://www.echotraining.org/we-love-science/?fbclid=IwAR3l6_5PjJQjN_ZqQbnEcwWANTvhjNNPdgx4CGUg6wXMFl9SFCTQNOgRTy4

01/06/2024

01/06/2024

Sometimes people look at me weird when I say I am an Art Therapist. Art Therapy is as though "traditional" talk therapy and a medium (paint, markers, clay...) were blended together. Art as a form of communication can be so much easier for some folks than verbalising in order to process and express alone.

Being an Art Therapist requires a Masters level of education and nearly two years in the field before becoming designated. So, if you see someone posting that they offer Art Therapy, just check their credentials as it is a term that gets thrown about loosely. There are probably only 6 Art Therapists in the province of Nova Scotia, as a note. Most (like Denise, here at BEAM) are also licensed with the NS College of Counselling Therapists.

11/20/2023

This Friday we will be hosting the Neurodiverse Social Club at NRHS in the learning centre during the lunch period.

11/15/2023

Magical autumn scene from this morning's group art.

10/10/2023

A little out of our community here in Pictou County but what a neat session for parents in the Hants area.

08/19/2023

Alright… the moment you’ve been waiting for… you may have been wondering… what are they going to do with ALL THOSE CLOTHES?! So here is the tea…

We are having a FREE Clothing Market at St. Paul United Church in Westville on August 30th!!

Doors will be open from 7:30AM to 6:30PM for your shopping pleasure.

We have footwear, coats, clothing from Elementry to Highschool (and some stuff suitable for parents/ care givers!)

Please make note that the clothing has not been laundered so we will be providing some laundry detergent sheets!!

THIS IS A BRING YOUR OWN BAG EVENT!

Look forward to seeing you all!!

💜 SchoolsPlus Pictou County

05/22/2023

We started "Mash!" a paper mache workshop series for ages 6-12 last week. Here is a peek at a creation.

05/16/2023

We still have a few seats left for our Kids Paper Mache Workshop Series (5 weeks happening every Thursday from 3:30-5PM at HB Studios [located at Pictou County Gymnastics building in New Glasgow]).

Register or for more details:

mash paper mache childrens workshop New Glasgow

05/07/2023

Some fun creature creations from The Snurtch workshop today!

05/04/2023

To my Port Hawkesbury and Richmond County families.

Sensory Friendly movie at the Reach Church in Port Hawkesbury. This is a great, comfortable space with lots of room to stretch and move. Snacks will also be provided.
Contact Natalie via this post, email SA_RC@autismns.ca or call/text 902-777-1513 if you would like to attend. All ages welcome!

05/02/2023

Looking for art workshops for your child? Check out our upcoming sessions. 🥳

Details and registration: https://www.beamarttherapy.com/workshops

04/18/2023

Hosting this fun monster making session for Autism Nova Scotia - Strait Area Chapter May 6th in Antigonish!

Join Denise Benison Saturday May 6th at the Antigonish Library for a fun and creative Art class!
Contact Natalie Stevens via this post, email SA_RC@autismns.ca or call 902-777-1513 to register; space is limited

04/04/2023

Psst! Denise is presenting MASH! a paper mache workshop for ages 7-12 in New Glasgow!

mash paper mache childrens workshop New Glasgow

11/21/2022

Hey friends! I am looking to have a few more parent friends be part of my sleepy story making series. Only 30 mins every Thursday until December 22 - 8pm (short and sweet and maybe that's after your kids are in bed - if not you can listen in)! Bonus is that you create and/or print your very own special bedtime story for your little one!

Learn how you can can improve upon your child's sleep habits as you create your very own bedtime story!

11/17/2022

Our 4 week Bedtime Stories series starts Thursday, November 24 at 8PM. This is a weekly 30 min Zoom meet for parents wanting to connect, learn to improve their child's nightly routine and create their very own Social Story! Free series.

Register via Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bedtime-stories-creating-social-stories-for-children-struggling-at-bedtime-tickets-468465040547