“i understand that everything is connected, that all roads meet and that all rivers flow into the same sea.”

P. Coelho

about me.

I’m Nia and I’m an art therapist and counselling therapist in Calgary, Alberta (Moh-kíns-tsis), a place which is named after the “elbow” of the intersecting rivers in this territory. The river is a place of solace, comfort, and inspiration for me, and therefore inspired the name of my practice.

It’s important to me that, when you’re in the therapy room, you feel comfortable, safe and cozy, and that you are seen and valued. My role is to help you discover yourself, explore your experiences and navigate emotions. I work mainly from a client-centered, solution-focused approach, meaning that your health and well-being are the most important to me and I value connection and trust in our therapeutic relationship. I believe that humans are innately resilient, and I will always be watching for your strengths and capabilities.

Art therapy is a unique and helpful way to express yourself when words just don't seem quite right, or it's hard to talk about something. I use talking, play and art-making (in whatever form or combination you're comfortable with) to explore emotions and thoughts, and help you to understand yourself and your world more clearly.

I also have education in the areas of trauma, somatic processing, narrative therapy, attachment, sex therapy and other integrative approaches which we can tailor to best fit your personal needs.

Credentials:

  • Registered Counselling Therapist,
    The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta

  • Canadian Certified Counsellor,
    Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association

  • Professional Member, Canadian Art Therapy Association

  • Trauma Resiliency Model Practitioner (Levels 1 & 2),
    Trauma Resource Institute

  • ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills

  • Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program, University of Guelph

  • Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health, University of Alberta, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine

“artistic expression is a doorway to
insight, depth, communication, and healing”.

M. McMurray