I am a professional art therapist and counsellor in private practice in Edmonton, Alberta. My early life journey towards wellness from addiction and LGBTQ+ identity struggles gives me a unique perspective on healing. My own experience using a creative process for healing had such a profound effect on my happiness and growth that training as an art therapist was a natural fit. I also add my perspective of aging and find these experiences enhance my work as a counsellor and psychotherapist.

I have a deep concern about the environmental and social challenges we face today. While working toward my Masters in Environmental Education, I was touched by the depth of grief and despair that my colleagues and I felt about these difficult problems. Voicing our concerns built community, hope and active engagement - my approach is to help us ground in hope while actively working towards change.

How I Work:

My work is rooted in person-centred therapy that recognizes your unique perspective on your own healing. Trained in expressive arts as well, I ground all my therapeutic offerings in creativity and hope. You and I will meet and discuss what troubles you. We may start with a simple creative activity and you do not need to be ‘artistic’. This approach is a powerful way to help you communicate difficulties, especially when talking about them seems overwhelming. Studies show that simply engaging in a creative process holds healing potential.

I work with adults who are experiencing difficult changes in life - in recovery or sober curious and those who want to live a meaningful life. I support you in exploring aspects of your ecological identity (it’s a thing) or struggling with your climate grief and anxiety. I create space and support for individuals and communities to face complex issues that are difficult to talk about.

Education & Experience:

I completed training as an Art Therapist at St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton in addition to my Expressive Arts training through World Arts Organization and the European Graduate School (Malta).  In 2018, after 17 years as an academic in post-secondary education, I started Sustaining Wonder Counselling and Wellness and Sustaining Wonder Creative Arts and Wellness..

Professionally I am a member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, meeting the requirements to offer art therapy and counselling in Canada.

For more information on workshops and speaking engagements check out Events and Workshops.

Education
Post-Master’s Art Therapy Diploma, St. Stephen’s College, Edmonton, Alberta
Expressive Arts Certificate – World Arts Organization, Edmonton; European Graduate School, Malta
MA Environmental Education & Communication, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC
Certified Music Practitioner – Music for Healing and Transition Program

Professional Designation
Canadian Certified Counsellor - Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Professional Art Therapist - Canadian Art Therapy Association
Expressive Arts Practitioner

Memberships
Canadian Art Therapy Association
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
International Expressive Arts Therapy Association