Sessions in English

Melissa graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Law. Since that time, she has worked professionally as a creative writer while developing her artistic practice in painting and pottery. She was drawn to art therapy out of a deep desire to help those affected by mental health issues, working to reduce stigma while improving quality of life.

Melissa aims to create a safe and calming environment where you can feel at ease during your personal exploration in artistic expression.

Sessions in English Melissa graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Englis... Read More

Bachelor of Fine Arts, in Lighting Design Master of Arts, in Design for Social Impact. CiiAT Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student Man-Hsuan Chen is a student art therapist based in Taiwan. She has a fine arts background and has worked as a lighting designer for 7+ years in performance art across the globe. Although her career was very fulfilling and her enthusiasm for lighting remains, she felt a need to give more directly to others. As a result, she has shifted her career to pursue her true calling as an art therapist. Man has a special interest in helping the under-represented or the less privileged members of society. Before becoming a student therapist she studied social design in Paris, France, and held an arts program for Afghan refugees and the homeless in Paris. This experience cemented her desire to become an art therapist. Man welcomes her clients into a safe, accepting, therapeutic space where they are free to express themselves. They can expect open-mindedness, compassion and an unyielding will to help. When she isn’t working on her craft as an Art Therapist, or as a Project Ordinator in an NGO, Man enjoys her days with two lovely little dachshunds called Kyumo and Cabbage.

Bachelor of Fine Arts, in Lighting Design Master of Arts, in Design for Social Impact. CiiAT Art... Read More

Sabrina Louie is an art therapy student in the Art Psychotherapy Diploma program with CiiAT. She has previously completed an Art Education major with a minor in Psychology, at Concordia University in Montreal, where she currently resides. Through her experience in an art education program, she has experience working with various populations. It is also through these experiences that she has witnessed the evolution and transformations of individuals who discover new ways in which to express themselves creatively. Thus, beginning her journey to become an art therapist and satisfying her need to create and express creatively and to help others express themselves as well. Sabrina’s past experiences have been mostly arts-based and promote an exploration of art-making and creative expression that is authentic and genuine to one’s self.

Sabrina Louie is an art therapy student in the Art Psychotherapy Diploma program with CiiAT. She ... Read More

Taylor is an Art Psychotherapist Diploma Student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. She has a long-standing relationship with art and uses her extensive knowledge of artistic mediums alongside her psychotherapeutic studies to best meet the individual needs of her clients. Her interest in using art as a healing power stems from her own experiences with bullying, scholastic competence and other developmental issues influencing self-worth. Taylor hopes to foster healthy human development by using a flexible approach to assist others in establishing a positive identity. Her interest in holistic care influences her practice by recognizing the psychobiological effects of trauma and how they can contribute to thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. She will guide clients through their therapeutic journey to help discover alternate healthy ways of expressing overwhelming experiences.

Taylor is an Art Psychotherapist Diploma Student at the Canadian International Institute of Art T... Read More

BA International Studies - BSc Marketing Management CiiAT Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student

Sessions in English, Filipino, intermediate French Based in London, United Kingdom (GMT)

I have always been passionate about the healing power of the arts, whether through painting, drawing, handicrafts, dance, theatre, movement, or writing. Making things (or even just marks on paper) has given me comfort, strength and inspiration through deeply stressful and painful experiences. The support I have felt from art is a gift I am honoured to introduce to others. Everyone has something of value to share, from their unique experiences and perspectives. No previous art exposure is needed, only a willingness to play with different materials, explore how you feel, and express what you wish. Through art making, we can safely and gently process experiences and challenges, uncover strengths, and create and work towards goals together. I am a self-taught visual artist and advertising practitioner with 20+ years of experience in various countries. In my corporate life, I mentored young college graduates and worked with stressed office employees. I have also been a volunteer and certified yoga teacher with organizations helping domestic workers and sex workers. Now based in London in the United Kingdom, I am an art psychotherapy student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. I am looking forward to accompanying you on your personal art discovery journey.

BA International Studies - BSc Marketing Management CiiAT Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student Ses... Read More

Sessions in English

Carole Preston creates space for people to explore their inner selves and process their lived experiences through art. In this time of disconnection, she invites you to reconnect and centre yourself through art exploration. The process and journey are important; art experience is not required, just an openness to explore a variety of artistic media.

Carole’s background education is in psychology and rural development. She considers herself an ‘art dabbler’, finding what resonates, gives life, and provides peace. She has worked primarily with young adults and welcomes clients of all ages and identity. She is passionate about people, community, and how artistic endeavors and exploration can heal the self, aid in processing difficult life events, and help foster connection with community.

Sessions in English Carole Preston creates space for people to explore their inner selves and pro... Read More

CiiAT Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student B. Sc., Biology

Chandra is grateful to live and work on the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lkwungen-speaking peoples in Saanich, BC, Canada with my husband, three children and a little dog. She has managed a licensed family daycare and worked with children and families for ten years. Her experience is also personal, with breaking generational patterns, living with family members with mental health challenges and autism diagnosis, grieving divorce and loss of a parent, as well as many other life stages and transitions.

She is a down-to-earth person and a keen life-long learner. Her passion lies in personal wellness and promoting positive change in the world. She has found art to provide her with an outlet to explore solutions and resolve issues. She enjoys using conventional art materials and unconventional materials to allow for self-expression and insight.

Her approach is as a compassionate and empathetic listener and guide, with an intuitive edge. She is eager to work alongside others no matter what stage of their journey they find themselves to be in.

CiiAT Art Psychotherapy Diploma Student B. Sc., Biology Chandra is grateful to live and work on... Read More

Liala is an Art Psychotherapy Diploma student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. She is recently retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after serving 12 years. She is passionate about helping other military, veterans, and first responders, which stems from her own experience facing various traumas. Embodying “leave no person behind,” she pursued many courses over her career with the military to aid in helping her to better care for fellow soldiers. Liala has discovered for herself that art therapy is an effective modality of treatment in trauma recovery. When not hitting the books, Liala is making art, spending time with her husband and children, and embracing the goodness of the forest or the local beaches.

Liala is an Art Psychotherapy Diploma student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Ther... Read More

Eryn is an art therapy student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. She has a passion for helping the perinatal community. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is currently working as a labour and delivery nurse (17+ years of experience). Working as a nurse assisting women through the birthing process gives her a unique perspective on helping with anxiety associated with labour and delivery, pre and post-birth trauma experiences, as well as helping with postpartum concerns, ie breastfeeding concerns, postpartum anxiety, postpartum blues, postpartum depression and the grief of an early, or late loss. As a self-taught artist she has used her art over the years to help her work through events in her life, including the birth of her four children. She loves working with lots of different types of media, from digital to painting (acrylic and watercolour), to drawing/colouring, (pencil, pencil crayon, crayon, marker), to collage making and constructing 3D models (found objects, paper and clay). She’s also an avid reader and writer, with two short stories published. She’s looking forward to helping mothers with self-care through the power of creating art. Using mindfulness techniques to aid in slowing down and living in the moment. Helping them with accepting what cannot be changed; and empowering them to find their strengths and abilities to move forward through their fears, anxieties and depression to see the little joys and successes in this short stage of life.

Eryn is an art therapy student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. She has a ... Read More

BFA in Visual Arts, BEd with a minor in psychology, OCT certified Art Psychotherapy Graduate Diploma Student

Rena is an Art Psychotherapy Diploma student who is passionate about the integration of psychology and art. She has always had a strong desire to support others and reduce the stigma around mental health in a variety of contexts. Rena has seen the benefit of therapy through art and hopes to be able to share this special gift with those around her. She has a special interest working with children, adolescents, young women, new and soon to be mothers as well as a combination of the aforementioned (mother and child). With over 10 years of experience working with and teaching students as well as her knowledge of the mental health field, she is ready to welcome you on your next journey.

Rena has always had a passion for art, and the dream to become an art therapist. Her favourite mediums are sculpture and acrylics – but hand her some permanent markers, and she’s ready to go! Rena hopes to create a safe, warm and welcoming atmosphere to help clients facilitate their healing journey. When not working, Rena can be found learning, reading, creating and spending time with her husband and children.

BFA in Visual Arts, BEd with a minor in psychology, OCT certified Art Psychotherapy Graduate Dipl... Read More

Stephanie Kilby is an art therapy student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. She is Canadian, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Algoma University and now lives in the Cayman Islands, where her maternal family originates. She has extensive professional experience providing crisis intervention, stress reduction services, wellness workshops, and human resource management. With compassion and empathy, she provides a safe and non-judgmental space in which the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and needs, assisting them to gain insight into themselves, and facilitating their healing journey through the creative process. Although she does not consider herself an artist, she loves being creative and finds activities such as journaling, decorating, and crafting, to be therapeutic, meditative, and healing. Her philosophy is that we are all a work of art, in progress, and the healing journey although sometimes difficult, can also be playful, without pressure, and filled with love.

Stephanie Kilby is an art therapy student at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy.... Read More

Teresa’s background in early childhood development, education, and family relationships has readied her to support children and parents on their healing journey. Through play and artistic exploration, she will discover your strengths, abilities, and art-making’s healing power. She has varied professional and life experiences as an early childhood educator, a business entrepreneur, and a mother of two. Teresa is a graduate of Sociology from The University of Western Ontario, a registered Early Childhood Educator, and a graduate of Fine Art. This abundance of experience has enriched her identity and grown her abilities to co-create positive outcomes with those around her. Teresa will guide you through your journey of challenges to uncover your strengths. Teresa is inspired in her journey as an art psychotherapist student gaining more tools to assist others on their healing adventures. She appreciates being creative through painting and sharing her vision through the lens of a camera. Teresa’s goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable during your time exploring artistic expression.

Teresa’s background in early childhood development, education, and family relationships has readi... Read More

Julie is a self-taught artist with a background in Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reiki and relaxation massage. She is currently supporting her art therapy education with an office administration job while still teaching guided meditation and meditative painting classes. Julie is passionate about helping others realize their full potential and gain insight through art and the creative process. Through her calming voice and friendly demeanour, Julie will help you tap into your creative self and help you feel at ease to explore and create. If Julie isn’t creating art herself, you will most likely find her in her garden or adventuring with her family.

Julie is a self-taught artist with a background in Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reiki and relaxation mas... Read More

Before studying art therapy at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy, Miream spent over 20 years working with corporate, NGO and government clients to improve services for people in challenging and vulnerable life situations. She has experience working with people of all ages in many different life situations (out-of-home care, transitioning to independence, parents, low-income, experiencing shortage of affordable housing) with a diverse range of abilities, physical, neurological and mental health conditions and levels of digital and English literacy in both Australia and Canada. As a practicum student at the Art Wellness Studio & Clinic, Eric Martin Pavilion, Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC she helps co-facilitate a safe and inclusive environment for artistic expression. Her Bachelor of Arts degree focused on Environmental Studies, Psychology, and Sociology. She is part of local weaving, writing and creative groups. She has experienced first-hand the transformative potential of art therapy. She is originally from Toronto, ON, spent 13 years in Sydney, Australia, and now calls Victoria, BC home. Please feel free to connect at your convenience.

Before studying art therapy at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy, Miream spent ... Read More