This is the launch of my private practice having finished my Masters in Counselling and Art Therapy (MC:AT) Dec. 2013. I work with people of all ages, individuals, families and in groups. My background is in the healing arts with 20 plus years in private practice doing Reiki, gentle body work and Shamanism. I have facilitated parenting groups for 20 years as well as led various healing and expressive arts groups. Sessions are by appointment only, with flexible times both during the day and some evenings. I believe people have the capacity to heal, grow, and change and my role is to support them in their journey. In my experience there are very few people who cannot benefit from art therapy. You don't have to be an artist to do art therapy. You don't even have to have any art making experience. You can be any age and do art therapy from 2 to 102. Art therapy is about delving into your creative self for healing, growth, and self-exploration. Accessing your creative self can help you find new ways to deal with situations you feel stuck in and offer new possibilities. In art therapy you use a variety of art materials from water colors to tempera paint, to clay and more. The art making can be as simple as doing finger painting to creating a complex collage. As an art therapist I will guide you to using the materials that are right for you and through the process of exploring the issues that you are dealing with. The process of art therapy looks different for every client and depends on what the client's needs are. Dialogue is certainly as part of art therapy because through talking we gain awareness and through sharing our stories are heard. Play Therapy
On hearing the term play therapy most people think of children. Yes play therapy is for children but it can also be for families, youth, and even adults. Like art therapy, play therapy is another way to access the healing process. Through play we can express ourselves, learn things about ourselves, and access other parts of ourselves that we don't access through our usual thinking processes. There are many types of play therapy and which type is used depends on the therapist, the client and the situation at hand. Play is a natural way for children to work through their feelings and express their internal processes. Through play children find a way to sort through their experiences and find new ways to orient themselves in their lives. Counselling/Psychotherapy
Talking to someone and being heard are important aspects to being human. We all feel better when we are seen, heard and felt. These things are vital to humans in order to thrive. This is what I feel is the most important aspect to counselling and psychotherapy, being present and feeling that you are heard and cared about. I believe we all have within us the ability to heal and grow and find the answers we are looking for. I feel my job is to assist clients in accessing their inner abilities and strengths and supporting them through their life journeys. Services can be sought for mental health issues, dealing with specific situations, or the desire to achieve greater overall well-being. Reiki
Reiki is an ancient Japanese form of healing. It is based on the belief that the life force that exists in all living things moves through us and builds in the energy centers of the body. Reiki involves the therapist using her hands to help this universal energy flow more freely and release the blocks that have been caused by life experiences. Reiki promotes relaxation and stress reduction and an overall sense of well-being. Infant/toddler rebalancing is an added aspect of Reiki I use for helping infants and toddlers regain their balance when they are experiencing issues of health or behaviour created by trauma or crisis. Shamanism
Based on journeying, and earth centred techniques to gain information, access deeper awareness and healing. Soul Retrieval available as well. Gentle bodywork
The very first complimentary healing I trained in is a method which involves a gentle form of bodywork. I now combine massage, compressions, and soothing movements of the body to enhance feelings of wellness in the body that help to create a sense of relaxation, openness, and freedom. Art Practice
I am also a practicing artist and am committed to my own art practice. I show my art regularly at Gallery in the Attic in the group shows as well other venues and shows, including a solo show in 2008 and an upcoming show in May 2014. I create art as a part of my continued inner reflection and processing as well for pure enjoyment and well-being.
