My approach
Hello! I’m Michelle- a Certified Art Therapist based in Chilliwack, British Columbia.
Through Abide Art & Therapy I offer ethical in-person and online art therapy for individuals and groups through my backyard art studio in Garrison Crossing.
I will also meet clients at their homes (in some circumstances), and will facilitate workshops on location as well as in the studio.
As an art therapist I believe everyone is a unique individual, so I take a person-centred, trauma-informed approach to therapy where our sessions are catered to you specifically. I will create a safe and compassionate space for you to tell your story through words and the creative process. Together we will journey with the art to access the areas that you may not have words to express, to the root of the trauma or issues that bring you to therapy. Through the art and discussion we will identify goals, build on your personal strengths, develop new tools and instill a sense of hope and healing as you move in a positive direction.
Education and Experience
I bring to the table a lifelong passion for art, experience teaching middle/high school art (16 years), experience in family relationships as a mother of 3 adult children, and wife of almost 30 years. In addition to a BFA, I have a Masters Level diploma in Art Therapy (DVATI).
Professional Affiliations
Professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association
Professional member of the British Columbia Art Therapy Association
Professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
British Columbia Teacher’s Association (Independent)
Federation of Canadian Artists
“We write, we make music, we draw pictures, because we are listening for meaning, feeling for healing. And during the writing of the story, or the painting or the composing or singing or playing, we are returned to that open creativity which was ours when we were children.”
- Madeleine L’Engle