Abir has discovered through creative self-exploration, we are able to deepen our awareness, understanding, and compassion for ourselves and ultimately experience healing. She believes that her clients are the experts of themselves, and she is there to create a calm, safe space where she can collaboratively support clients in discovering their wisdom.

Abir is committed to anti-racism, anti-oppression and is inspired by Islamic psychology and positive psychology. Abir has experience and is interested in supporting BIPOC mental health including immigrants, refugees, newcomers, and members of any faith, while embodying cultural humility. She is also interested in supporting children, teens, and adults navigating varying challenges such as grief, loss, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and the impacts of trauma.

Abir is currently offering art therapy services online and has experience providing individual and group therapy. Abir speaks English and Urdu. Abir recognizes that seeking therapy can be a big step for many individuals for reasons such as judgment, stereotypes, and fear. However, Abir has belief in the therapeutic process and will always co-work with a client to support them with their emotions.

Abir has discovered through creative self-exploration, we are able to deepen our awareness, under... Read More

Hello, my name is Celeste and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Art as Therapy, Orangeville. I studied at Toronto Art Therapy Institute and I am in the process of completing my diploma requirements. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Guelph-Humber and a life-long passion for art. My approach to Art Psychotherapy is person-centered and rooted in a psychoeducational, explorative and playful approach. Engaging in art therapy is something I often do alongside my clients as we get to know one another, learn and grow together in session. My work is geared towards teens, young adults and those of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

Hello, my name is Celeste and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Art as Therapy, O... Read More

Cassandra Brennan, Registered Psychotherapist, Drama Therapist

Cassandra believes that within each person, is a unique understanding of the world around them. Drama therapy lends itself to exploring this uniqueness and celebrating our intricate ways of expression. Cassandra uses the human body as a means of expression in session to support her clients’ therapeutic process. Whether it be through the shapes our bodies can make, the roles they embody or the actions they can carry out- drama therapy welcomes the body to meet with the mind in a playful setting. Cassandra’s journey has taken her across provinces to study drama therapy in Montreal and returning to work in Ontario. Cassandra integrates a variety of approaches in her practice including creative arts therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based CBT. Cassandra has worked in crisis intervention, community settings and also works in private practice virtually. Cassandra is passionate about cultivating public practice drama therapy and exploring this idea through the model of the Art Hive network. Cassandra provides support online and in person out of our Orangeville office.

Cassandra Brennan, Registered Psychotherapist, Drama Therapist Cassandra believes that within ea... Read More

Natasha Cooze, Art Therapist, RP, DTATI, believes that art is an innate language that we as humans are all born with. Through this language, she empathetically fosters the expression of creativity to work as a channel towards healing with her clients. Natasha trusts that the agent of healing lies within the artistic process, rather than in the outcome. Therefore, no artistic skills are required in order to engage in art therapy. Natasha facilitates a supportive, empowering, and safe space where her clients are given the opportunity to be curious, explore their inner strengths, and build on their self-resiliency.

Natasha incorporates various approaches within her therapeutic practice including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques. A holistic understanding of the body and mind connection is used to promote meaningful harmony within the client as a whole. Natasha works from a strength-based, trauma-informed, and person- and child-centred approach.

Natasha Cooze, Art Therapist, RP, DTATI, believes that art is an innate language that we as human... Read More

Mariska is a passionate advocate and educator of all the arts and is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and currently completing her thesis project with the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. Mariska has experience working within Schools, Hospice care, Community Living, Youth Mental Health Services and Long-Term Care. Coming into art therapy has been a long journey of transformation and learning while teaching for 15 years and growing alongside her three children. Yoga, hiking, singing and reading are what you will find her doing in her free time.

Mariska is interested in working with all populations, especially families and supporting the wellbeing of those who support others. She works within a Person-centred, solution focused model that includes Dialectical Behaviour informed Therapy and Polyvagal informed practices. Mariska is an ally of the LGBTQIA2S+ and supports the Neurodiverse movement, always learning from the stories of her clients as the experts of their own lives.

Mariska is a passionate advocate and educator of all the arts and is a member of the Ontario Coll... Read More

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Sarah Jefferies recently completed her final year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree – Major in Drawing and Painting at the Ontario Collage of Art and Design University in Toronto. Next year she hopes to move on to completing her graduate level training in Art Therapy and become a registered art therapist and psychotherapist. Over the past year Sarah has supported the team of therapists at Art as Therapy with workshops they have facilitated in Orangeville, Brampton, Milton and surrounding areas.

Currently you can find her behind the front desk at our Orangeville office, helping with the day to day management of the office, ensuring it is a welcoming space for clients.

Outside of her school she has been very interested in working with children and youth of all cognitive abilities, through her work at both the YMCA and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Sarah has been dedicated to helping children with and without exceptionalities overcome challenging situations that take place throughout their day. As well, she has worked to provide the best possible experience for the children in their programs.

Sarah Jefferies recently completed her final year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree – Major in Dr... Read More

Rapinder Kaur is particularly drawn to the concept of individual empowerment and how this process can lead to collective change. A Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist, activist and facilitator, she is fascinated with the idea of using art to disrupt traditional thinking and imagining new possibilities for engaging in the world. Her journey in the mental health field began at a very young age, when she would relish listening to her caregivers talk about the intricacies of the mind, its incredible power and during this time learnt ways in which she could understand her own mind. Her curiosity for the inner workings of the mind and her love for art and creativity led her on an interesting journey, during which she studied psychology, history of ideas and then Art Therapy. She graduated from Kingston University in England and the Toronto Art Therapy Institute in Toronto Canada. Rapinder strongly believes that art has the potential to change lives and often in profound ways. When words are not enough, people can turn to images and symbols to tell their story and in telling their stories through art, they can find a path to health and wellness, emotional reparation, recovery, and ultimately, transformation.

Rapinder Kaur is particularly drawn to the concept of individual empowerment and how this process... Read More

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Nel Slater (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a candidate for the Art Psychotherapy Diploma with the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy.

Are you feeling stuck in your life somehow, and you’re wondering if a little creativity might help you find another perspective?

Art therapy for teens & adults offers a powerful way to uncover what’s bothering you and find new perspectives and solutions. Art therapy can be more effective than talk therapy for some people because it accesses a different part of the brain. Even drawing stick figures or just making coloured marks on paper can be effective — no art skills needed, and Nel will guide you in the process. Through painting, drawing, or collage, you can untangle complex feelings, release stress, and rediscover your strength. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges, healing from past wounds, or searching for clarity, Nel’s approach provides a safe, creative path to a lighter, more connected you.

Nel works with teens and adults in the following areas: - Grief & life transitions - Emotional Intelligence - Pain Management - CBT & Art Therapy for Anxiety & Depression - Adult children of aging parents for Boundaries & Self-care

Nel knows that we all struggle at some point. She believes that everyone deserves support when life gets you down. Nel not only listens effectively, she has a professional background as a carer counsellor and before that, a pastor. She has two undergraduate degrees, a post-graduate certificate and is now nearing completion of the Art Psychotherapy Diploma with the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy.

Ready to feel less stuck and more like yourself? Let’s connect.

Nel Slater (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a candidate for the Art Psy... Read More

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