Meet Your Art Therapist!

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Stefanie is a Professional Art Therapist (CATA) and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with an academic background in Fine Art (Wilfrid Laurier), Developmental Psychology (University of Waterloo). Stefanie is a graduate of the Masters Diploma in Art Psychotherapy from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT) and combines her clinical training with 25 years of experience working and volunteering in non-profit organizations and schools supporting and advocating for healthy relationships, personal and community wellbeing.

As a young mom I used art making to foster connection with my children and our community, and to care for myself as I navigated the complexities of motherhood and adapting to adult life including anxiety, grief, shame, and doubt. As my children and I grew, art continued to play an important role in our lives as an alternative way to communicate big, complex feelings, express love and gratitude, and help regulate ourselves when life felt like too much. 

When my daughter was in Grade 9, it became clear that she was experiencing burnout associated with masking neurodivergence in her new high school environment. At the time, I was looking for answers, and worried about her future, but also recognized myself in her symptoms, traits and behaviours. We decided to pursue assessment for ADHD and Autism together, and were both diagnosed with Autism Level 1, and ADHD Combined Type, her at 16 and me at 42. For us, this meant finally seeing all of the ways in which we were struggling with anxiety and perfectionism in a new light. I was already halfway through my studies in Art Psychotherapy when we discovered this, and I used the rest of my research to focus on finding ways in which neurodivergent women and girls could thrive through creative expression, and create a life worth living on their terms. 

As an Art Therapist I support girls and women, who like myself who may be:

• Neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, OCD, Gifted & Learning Disabilities) and or identify as a Highly Sensitive Person;
• A new or experienced mother who is struggling with anxiety and the mental load of caring for others at the expense of themselves;
• Trying to find a way to carve out time for themselves, learn new ways to take care of themselves, and regulate their emotions and nervous system through art making;
• Looking to identify their values and discover and/or re-align with life goals;
• Experiencing grief related to a new diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, including pets, as well as loss of relationships or identities (marriage, friendships, parent-child, siblings, communities).

I bring my lived experience and personal values of curiosity, compassion and creativity along with a commitment to provide a judgment-free space in each session to make room for you to unmask and explore your authentic self through art making.

I am guided by a relational, strengths-based, attachment informed and neurodiversity affirming approach, recognizing autistic traits as differences rather than deficits, to support you in discovering the transformative power of Art Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Art Therapy.

In addition to my Bachelor’s in Fine Art (BA, Wilfrid Laurier ‘06), Honours Developmental Psychology (BIS, University of Waterloo, ‘16), and Master’s Diploma in Art Psychotherapy (DCiiAT), my specialized trainings and certifications include:

• Creative & Playful Pathways to Treat Acute, Complex & Attachment Trauma
• Autism Psychopharmacology, Autism Research Institute
• Creating Sensory Safe Therapy Offices and Playrooms
• Adults with Autism and Comorbid Mental Health Disorders: MI to Enhance Treatment of Anxiety and Depression
• ACT for Music Therapists 
• Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication
• ADHD in Children and Adolescents: Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment and Management
• Rethinking ADHD: A New Treatment Approach
• Understanding Ableism and Neurodiversity in Child and Play Therapy
• CBT Strategies for Kids and Adolescents: Supporting Students with ADHD and Anxiety
• Time Management and Executive Functioning for Adults with ADHD
• ADHD, Relationships, and Sex: Strategies to Overcome the Over/Under-Functioner Dynamic
• Introduction to AutPlay Therapy 
• Therapeutic Horticulture
• Dementia Foundations
• Extensive coursework via the Neufeld Institute and Healing Hooves Equine Facilitated Wellness on Neufeld's Developmental Attachment Paradigm; and EFW Candidate with the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness.

You will find me partaking in “grandma hobbies” like knitting, crochet, sewing or gardening; spending time with my pets and in nature, and trying out new recipes to cook or bake for and with my family. Additionally, serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Art Therapy Association, supporting the Art Therapy community in our region, and advocating for Art Therapy in Ontario.

If any of this connects with you - please reach out for a FREE 20 Minute consult phone call or video call.