MEET
THE ART THERAPIST
About Amélie
Amélie is an art therapist and art therapy supervisor working from a trauma-informed, relational and feminist worldview. Her practice involves art, movement, mindfulness, creative writing and connection to nature . Amélie began her art therapy career by working for several years for the Heiltsuk Nation as their child and youth art therapist. Since then she has now relocated to Nanaimo, BC and opened her private practice. She is currently supporting youth and adults through individual art therapy sessions, groups and workshops. Sessions are held in-person and online. In English or French.
*Amélie is a Registered Canadian Art Therapist (RCAT)
and a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC)
Want to know more about my services? Book a FREE
20-minutes consultation over a phone or video call.
Individual session rate is $130 + GST per hour
Group / Workshop rates will be negotiated based on group needs and number of participants
Email: helixartherapy@protonmail.com
Text or Call (778) 402-6209
BOOK A SESSION
Available both in person (Nanaimo) and online
In English or French
WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
A process of being with
Art therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that involves both conversations and creative expressions. A number of studies have demonstrated that some things are easier to express through arts instead of words. The studio is a confidential space in which you can choose to talk or not talk and make art any way you would like to. You can paint, draw, collage, build, sculpt, assemble, etc.
What you can expect:
• Talking
• Doing activities
• Being creative
• Expressing yourself
• Practicing new skills
• Having fun
CHALLENGES
Depending on your goals for engaging in a therapeutic process, you may be invited to explore and make room for feelings that may be challenging at times. Part of my role is to support you in finding ways to ground back into your body when you are visited by said feelings.
IS IT
FOR YOU?
Art therapy has many benefits and you do not need to have a “problem” to benefit from art therapy. Everyone needs to be seen, heard and feel safe. Having someone to talk to is important.
Anyone can benefit from art therapy. There is no right or wrong way to create. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from or participate in art therapy. We are all creatives in our own way! Art therapy may help you find what that way looks like for you.
Art therapy can be used to learn, express ourselves, use our imagination and have fun. It can help us gain new perspectives and understandings on ourselves and the world we live in.
LOCATION
205 Craig Street,
Nanaimo, BC V9R 3V4
ONLINE THERAPY
The benefits of online sessions may be:
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Conveniency (accessible from the location of your choice)
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Time saving + Cost effective (no need to commute)
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Feeling more comfortable than in-person
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As effective as face-to-face services
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Increased sense of privacy (some clients do not want to be seen attending therapy where they live)
If we work together online, make sure you have access to:
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A private space for our session
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A stable internet connection
MY APPROACH
TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY
Trauma informed care is based in the awareness of the physiological, mental and emotional impact of trauma on one's life. This approach helps us to shift our focus from "what is wrong with you" to "what happened to you". Trauma informed care is a wholistic approach guided by the importance of creating safety, providing choice, establishing trust, creating spaces of empowerment and collaborating with the client.
NARRATIVE THERAPY
According to the father of narrative therapy, Micheal White, "the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem". Following this idea, this approach invites us to externalize the problem and meet it with curiosity. Narrative therapy helps us see clearly through the stories of our lives. It provides us with a space to make sense, alter and shed the narrative that shapes who we are.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is a practice that invites us to be present with what is. By focusing on something specific (may it be our breath, our bodies, a movement, an activity) we can learn to be a witness to any sensations, thoughts and emotions that may rise. Mindfulness creates room for curiosity, embodied presence and playfulness.
NEED HELP NOW?
If you are in a crisis or need to speak to someone immediately
visit: www.crisisservicescanada.ca or call: 1.833.456.4566 or text 45645