Art Therapy & Education
Services
Art Therapy & Education for Children / Teens
Art in the Park
Make art in the great outdoors!
Try a variety of art materials, nature art, sensory play, stories and songs
with our founder and professional art therapist, Tammy Thomson.
Creative process-based, therapeutic art experiences for the whole family!
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Recommended for families with children ages 2-10 years
babies and siblings welcome
Wear clothing suited to the weather and
Creating art can get a bit messy!
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One Saturday per month all year round.
(weather depending)
10:00 am - 11:30 am (90 minutes)
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SECA Art in the Park Location:
Shawnee Blvd SW. Greenspace located between the
playground and dog park. Street Parking.
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Drop in or register online to save your space.
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This program is kindly hosted by the Shawnee-Evergreen Community Association. Please consider joining SECA for $20 annually to support their children's programs. Join at www.shawnee-evergreen.ca/register.
Non SECA residents may join as Associate Members.
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Community organizations:
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Don't miss out on the chance to bring your community together with a local Art in the Park Family Therapeutic Arts Program! Connect with Tammy Thomson at info@nurturenest.com and start planning for a truly unforgettable experience. Applications for spring/summer 2024 are now open. This program is a fantastic opportunity to engage families in your area and promote mental wellness through the power of art. Don't let this chance slip away - take the first step towards creating a positive impact in your community today!
Contact Tammy Thomson at info@nurturenest.com
to learn more and get started.
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Individual Art Therapy
for Children & Teens
50 minute private child/teen session
Professional Art Therapist or Art Psychotherapy Student
Online or SE Calgary Studio
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Working from a person-centred approach, specific issues and goals are discussed in collaboration with parents and tailored to your child's needs.
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"Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate." (CATA)
Children do not need prior art experience in order to take part in this therapy. The art therapy studio is a safe place where the child can decide on the art materials to use, the concept to create and the subject matter to talk about. Independence, self-regulation and confidentiality are emphasized.
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According to the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA)
Art Therapy can help children with:
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• Behavioural issues
• Depression
• ADD/ADHD
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• 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 behaviours
• Dealing with sibling or family dynamics
• Identity exploration
Teen Art Therapy Groups
& Art Education Classes
Does your teen like to make art or want to learn something new?
Our teen art therapy groups and classes support teens to
connect in person and make new friends.
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13 to 17 years
6 session of 2 hours each
All art materials included
Maximum 8 teens in small group
Learn new art skills. Explore ways to make art with no art experience required. Painting, sculpture, drawing, collage and more.
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Topics include: reducing anxiety and stress, increasing mindfulness, developing social skills, friendships and expressing/regulating emotions in a supportive space to be yourself. All teens welcome.
Facilitated by a graduate art psychotherapy student or professional art therapist.
Facilitated by a professional art therapist and counsellor.
Parents can stay on site and enjoy the café setting or leave a
contact phone number. Signed waiver required.
Little Scribbles
Playful Process Art Group
Are you a parent looking for a fun and engaging activity to do with your little one? Look no further! Join Tammy Thomson, an experienced early childhood educator and professional art therapist, for a unique parent-child art session.
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Semi-parented: 2 - 5 years
6 session of 1 hour each
All child safe art materials included
Maximum 6 children in small group
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A small group for little ones who love artmaking or wish to try something new. This semi-parented group will support children to develop social and executive functioning skills, emotional regulation and build friendships. This group is designed and gently facilitated for children who experience separation anxiety. We will support you as a parent, as you support your child
to feel safe in our group.
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Parents are required to stay in the café for the first 15 minutes to settle their child in, then they can move into the café setting to connect with other parents and have some much-needed adult time. Meanwhile, Tammy will be in the art studio for 30-40 minutes creating art with the little ones. This is a great opportunity to bond with your child while also getting some well-deserved time to yourself.
The session ends with a goodbye song and parents can collect their child from the art studio.
Please note that a signed parent waiver is required.
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Kids Art Hive
Ages 3-12 years
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Much like our Adult Art Hive, children will have the time and space to create using safe and age appropriate materials. Painting, drawing, sculpture and sensory activities and a space to connect with new friends supported by an art therapist/facilitator.
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Booking is require to save your child's space.
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$15 (+ tax)
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Stay for up to 3 hours.
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6 children max in the space
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Includes access to art studio, all art materials and guided by an art therapist/facilitator.
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Parents can participate or relax in the café space but MUST stay on site.
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Parents will be asked to sign a waiver form.
Art is my Super Power
Children's Art Therapy Group
5 to 10 years
6 session of 2 hours each
All art materials included
Maximum 8 children in small group
A group for children who love artmaking or wish to try something new. This group will support children to develop social and executive functioning skills, emotional regulation and build friendships. If your child has ADHD, anxiety or neurodiversity, this is a welcoming space.
Paint, paper, drawing, clay, natural materials, art games,
STEAM activities, building, crafts.
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Facilitated by a professional art therapist and counsellor. Parents can stay on site and can enjoy the café setting or leave a contact phone number. Signed waiver required.