THE STUDIO
402 west pender street
vancouver, bc
the space you are in matters.
The creative and therapeutic process can be vulnerable. The art therapy studio is a thoughtfully designed space intended to inspire creativity and allow you to make a mess and let go of perfection. The first words used to describe the space are bright and inspiring. The studio is infused with warmth, beauty, cosiness and a touch of magic. You deserve a space that feels like a gift, where there is room for all forms of expression.
a healing sanctuary
I dreamed of this space for a long time.
This studio is my sanctuary, decorated with plants, art and books. Shelves full of art supplies provide creativity and inspiration. It is a place to make a mess and try new things, for curiosity and self-exploration.
You can find yourself here.
designed for holistic therapy
This therapeutic space is designed with comfort and curiosity in mind. When you enter, you see a room with a traditional therapy couch and chair. This room is cozy and comfortable, filled with pillows and soft lighting. Floor cushions are also available.
The studio space is in a separate room. In the studio, you will find a table and chairs, artwork and all the art supplies.
My adult clients choose if they want to spend time in the counselling room or the studio room, and can venture back and forth between the spaces. When focusing on art therapy, we often spend time in the studio. When focusing on somatic therapy and mindfulness, clients often feel most comfortable on the couch.
Youth clients spend time in the studio space. The best part about this space is we can close to door between the rooms so caregivers can spend their child's session time lounging on the couch, napping, reading and using the wifi in the next room.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THE STUDIO
art supplies:
The studio is fully stocked with high-quality art supplies, including:
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Coloured paper, cardstock, construction paper, mixed media paper, crepe paper
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Pencils, pens, coloured pencils, felt tip markers, wax crayons, oil pastels, chalk pastels
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Watercolour paint, tempera paint, gouache
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Plasticine, air dry clay, oven-bake clay
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Pipe cleaners, pom poms, feathers, wire
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Magazine cut-outs, scissors, glue sticks, tacky glue, tape
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Yarn, string, thread, tapestry needles, weaving looms, fabric
Working with art is always an invitation, not a requirement. During art therapy sessions, you will be guided towards the supplies that might work best to explore whatever is coming up in the moment.
take-home resources:
Therapeutic work doesn't always stay in the therapy room. Oftentimes, clients appreciate resources for continuing their work at home. The studio is stocked with informational books, sketchbooks and talismans to continue the change-process at home.
neurodivergent and trauma-informed
This space was created with safety in mind, using principles of trauma-informed care. Considerations include: multiple seating options (on the couch, at the table or on the floor), easy access to all doors, and soothing sensory experiences like blankets, tea, low lighting, fidget toys and plants.
accessibility
The studio is located in a beautiful heritage building in downtown Vancouver, a few blocks away from both Granville + Stadium/Chinatown stations. The building has 3 steps at the entrance and unfortunately is not wheelchair accessible.
The couch is deep and comfortable. Studio chairs are 45 cm wide and do not have armrests. Cushions and blankets are available if you need additional padding or adjustment. Floor cushions are available if you would prefer to sit on the floor.
The studio is not a scent-free space. Scent sprays and essential oils are used within the space.
land acknowledgement
I acknowledge that the studio resides on the unceded land of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. I am grateful for my studio space, while also recognizing that it was built on stolen land. As my business grows, so will my efforts towards reparation and reconciliation.
