Indigenous kwe, contrary, kokum (grandmother), and art therapy student with over 25 years of experience and knowledge in mental health, education, and child welfare. I am carried by my culture and traditional knowledge in all that I do and work from this lens. Through land, art, music, and movement I help others explore self from within.

Indigenous kwe, contrary, kokum (grandmother), and art therapy student with over 25 years of expe... Read More

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Fluent in both English and French, Véronique has made it her life’s mission to help others. Her unique and eclectic approach enables her to look at all aspect of the individual whether it be the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional self thus enabling individuals to journey within. This ultimately leads them on a path towards self-discovery and healing allowing them to reach their fullest potential.

Véronique has been fortunate to work in various social work based settings whether it be community, mental health, Indigenous or schools and utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, approaches and concepts within her daily practice.

Wanting to bring more to her small Northern Ontario community, where she currently works and resides, Veronique continues to expand her learning by engaging in various opportunities for growth.

Fluent in both English and French, Véronique has made it her life’s mission to help others. Her u... Read More

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I have lived in the Pembina Valley for the past seventeen years. During that time, I worked at home raising three children, each living with neurodiversity. Once they were in school, I began working with adolescents, initially as an educational assistant and then as an addictions counsellor. I have a degree in counselling with a focus in addiction.

Six years ago, I experienced my own mental health crisis. Throughout my recovery I returned to the arts of my past, music, dance, written word and visual arts as a means to cope and then heal. As a therapist, I realized that something was missing in my training. That was when I began looking into art and therapy. I have found what I was looking for at WHEAT Institute in the area of Expressive Arts Therapy. Expressive Arts Therapy does the meaningful work of therapy using various art modalities - visual arts, movement, music, written word, drama and other imaginative forms - in a supportive setting. It is my joy to start practicing in the area.

I have lived in the Pembina Valley for the past seventeen years. During that time, I worked at ho... Read More

Second Year: Art and Expressive Arts Therapy

Lara is an Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy Student dedicated to providing compassionate and person-centered support to individuals on their unique paths of self-discovery and healing. With a diverse educational background in psychology and film production, Lara seamlessly integrates their passion for experimental video, photography, and collage art into their therapeutic practice, creating a dynamic and multimodal experience for their clients.

Passionate about social justice and inclusivity, Lara incorporates feminist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed frameworks to ensure a culturally sensitive approach in their work. As an advocate and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and disability communities, Lara brings a profound understanding of intersectionality to their practice. In sessions, Lara prioritizes collaboration and respects each individual’s autonomy, valuing their clients as the experts of their own lives. They strive to cultivate a therapeutic environment marked by flexibility, empathy, and non-judgment, empowering clients to navigate their journeys with compassion and resilience.

Beyond their studies, Lara has professional experience in victim services, providing supportive counseling and public education to aid in trauma recovery and raise awareness about gender-based violence. Outside of their professional work, Lara enjoys participating in a book club, exploring thrift stores, building LEGO creations, and roller skating.

Lara warmly welcomes clients to connect with them for virtual sessions via Jane.

Second Year: Art and Expressive Arts Therapy Lara is an Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy ... Read More

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Maria-Hélèna P. B.F.A., M.A. Pronouns: She/They Second Year: Art and Expressive Arts Therapy

My name is Maria-Hélèna, and my pronouns are she and they. I’m a lifelong artist with a background in visual art, multimedia, theatre, photography, writing, movement, eco-arts, installations and music. I am also a mother/parent, caregiver and community carer. My journey brought me to art therapy because I believe in the transformative, healing and liberating potential of every artform, and that art is as natural to humans as is dreaming. As a certified yoga teacher with decades of personal practice in yoga and meditation, I incorporate body and breath-centered practices, somatic awareness, mindfulness and meditation into my art therapy and expressive arts practice.

Using the creative process combined with body-centered awareness and mindfulness, working with individuals and groups to promote wellness, cope with stress, and care for themselves and others through self-inquiry. Our therapeutic relationship would be built on trust, safety, confidentiality, and bearing witness as I accompany you on your journey to well-being, healing and growth. On the basis of affinity and lived experiences, I wish to support parents, caregivers, first responders, front-line health care workers, 2SLGBTQIA+, neurodiverse and neuroqueer individuals as well as those facing mental or physical health challenges, including disability and chronic illness, and those whose identities have been historically marginalized or who do not fit into the margins.

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I gratefully acknowledge the privilege to live and practice on the traditional land of the Kanyen’keha:ka and Anishinaabemowin people under the Two Row Wampum and am committed to respectful application Indigenous solidarity, allyship and trauma-sensitive approaches to healing.

In art therapy and expressive arts therapy practice, I work with individuals and groups utilizing humanistic, anti-oppressive and mindfulness-based approaches with a social justice lens. Sessions are available online, or in-person in Eastern Ontario, and discovery meetings are available to learn more about one another and the work we might do together. I look forward to serving you.

Maria-Hélèna P. B.F.A., M.A. Pronouns: She/They Second Year: Art and Expressive Arts Therapy My... Read More

After a 20+ year career as a hairdresser and an acclaimed craftsperson, I feel Art and Expressive Arts Therapy is the perfect next step for my life journey. My background has given me a unique insight into the power of self-expression and the impact of societal expectations on our self-image. I am an unapologetically fat, neurodivergent, therapist-in-training.

I aim to provide care that is accessible to all bodies and peoples. My work is grounded in anti-racism, anti-oppression, sex-positive, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming, and Disability justice and viewed through an Intersectional lens. I strive to be aware of my privilege while challenging the systems of oppression that surround me. I believe in creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful space where no subject is taboo.

My current focus is on weight stigma and body-trauma caused by Diet-culture. I come at this work from a Fat liberation and Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective. This work is deeply personal and as a believer in lifelong learning, I know I have many more lessons to learn on this topic, but I hope we can discover some joy for life and our bodies together.

After a 20+ year career as a hairdresser and an acclaimed craftsperson, I feel Art and Expressive... Read More

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Faith Rae is an art therapist-in-training, artist, and educator. Art has profoundly changed her life as it is her form of personal therapy. Painting, mixed media and installation have allowed Rae to explore her evolving identity and metaphorically analyze its ‘layers’ through various media. At an early age, creating art helped her gain self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Rae wants to share her gift of art by the fulfillment and wellness it can bring to other people’s lives. She is interested in working in the community, schools, and retirement facilities to raise awareness of art therapy. She is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is proud to support her community in this field.

Faith Rae is an art therapist-in-training, artist, and educator. Art has profoundly changed her l... Read More

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