Receive Art Therapy in Calgary
Connect with us at Nurture Nest for professional art therapy in Calgary in person and online from anywhere in Alberta, BC and Ontario. Art therapy can help you express feelings, cope with anxieties, become more mindful and enjoy the creative process. If you have not had success with traditional talk therapy, then art therapy may be for you. You may ask, "But what if I am no good at art?" Art therapy is for everyone. Creativity and art therapy is more process than product focused. Freedom to express yourself using different types of mediums and materials is supported. Cultivate and follow your creative impulse to see what happens.
Tammy Thomson
Tammy’s background in early childhood development, education and family relationships has equipped her to support children, teens and parents as her primary client focus. She works from a person-centred and strengths-based approach to help you hear and empower the creative voice of your inner child as you explore a variety of materials and art making processes. Through creative play and artistic experimentation, discover your gifts through the healing power of art making.
Tammy has had varied professional and life experiences as an early childhood development specialist, teacher and mother of three young children herself. Tammy has been described as, “sensitive, nurturing, engaging and supportive.”
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​Tammy is a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a student member of the Canadian Association of Play Therapy and College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). She has earned a postgraduate, masters level Art Psychotherapy diploma from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (with honors) from the University of Guelph in Child Development Studies. As an arts educator and teacher for more than 15 years, Tammy obtained qualification as an early childhood education development (ECED) supervisor (level 3) and registered as a teacher in the province of Alberta. Tammy has been studying additional masters level training at Yorkville University to complete her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is currently pursuing provisional registration as a psychologist in Alberta at Rocky Mountain Psychological Services. Tammy is a published children’s author of her first book called, The World is Your Oyster. She also enjoys continuously developing her original program with community partners called, ‘Art in the Park’ for children and families making process-based art in the great outdoors.
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Issues that can be addressed with art psychotherapy for children & teens:
· Behavioural issues
· Depression
· ADD/ADHD
· Autism spectrum disorder
· Learning disabilities
· Physical/developmental disabilities
· Anger management
· Grief and loss
· Anxiety and stress
· Interpersonal issues such as bullying, and social isolation
· Experiences of trauma/abuse
· Attachment difficulties/disorders
· Oppositional/defiant behaviour
· Dealing with sibling or family dynamics
· Identity exploration
“Tammy has vast experience working with children and families. From the first art therapy session, our child felt completely at ease with Tammy. She has a calm, positive energy that makes her soothing just to be around, and our child opened up to her immediately. Tammy obviously has an innate ability to connect with children and has built on that ability with her work experience and academic studies.”
– Parent, Calgary Alberta.
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“Our child has looked forward to every one of their sessions with Tammy. We have noticed that they have been able to handle difficulties with more positivity, and that they is feeling more confident about the future, and how they may handle difficulties if and when they arise.”
– Parent, Calgary Alberta.
Erin Gartner
Erin uses a non-judgemental, person-centered approach to art therapy. She encourages curiosity, creativity, and self-compassion. Erin has an inclusive practice and works with children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors and offers sessions in-person and on-line. Erin has been described as “compassionate, gentle, accepting, and knowledgeable.”
Erin is a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), and a student member of The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA). She has earned a postgraduate, masters level Art Psychotherapy diploma from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT), and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Alberta University of the Arts. Erin is a practicing artist and an art educator for clients seeking personal instruction and growth in drawing, painting, and ceramic skills.
Issues that can be addressed with art psychotherapy:
· Grief and Complicated Grief
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Trauma
· PTSD and CPTSD
· Intimate Partner Violence
· Stress and change management
· Relationships
· Self-compassion and self-care
· Women’s (Feminine) Issues
· Inclusive and open practice
“I believe that the expression of art and creating belongs to everyone and that it holds space for unity, growth, and healing. Art is a language, and it is everyone’s fundamental right to express themselves in this language. Art helps us to be seen and heard and there is no skill or talent required to be received in this language. Art is a safe place and an ally, and its connection with art therapy is a way for us to feel, examine, and express that which cannot always be understood in words alone.” - Erin Gartner
Eryn Shannon Kollecker
Eryn is a registered nurse with over 18 years experience in labour and delivery. She has completed her studies at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy in Art Psychotherapy and is in good standing with the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). Eryn has a passion for working in women’s mental health at all ages and stages of life. Eryn wants to help women conquer their anxieties and fears around delivery and bridge the gap between pre-labour and postpartum depression/anxiety. Eryn works mainly with our parent population at Nurture Nest and she is currently accepting new clients.
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“It’s important to have realistic expectations going into the labour room and taking the time to process the reality of what happened when you are on the other side. Art is a beautiful way to heal and mend the soul.”
