alkemy
art therapy





art therapy is the use and exploration of creative expression, as a means for communication and self reflection; which provides a uniquely personal and somatic counselling experience.

art therapists recognize symbolic representation as a pre-verbal and primal way of knowing; a personally interpreted language with access to the unconscious mind and memory.

through process based art making, that focuses largely on the felt experience of creating, art therapy will guide you through a conversation with your own creative process, and provide an opportunity to discover and reflect through a self made mirror into the psyche.





life transitions
grief and loss
attachment disruption
childhood trauma
compassion fatigue
self esteem / identity
depression
anxiety
spirituality
empowerment
creativity blocks



SAMANTHA STRACHAN



b.1991 / turtle island
anscestral blackfoot territory
she/her/they

ARTIST & THERAPIST
integrative~interdisciplinary~intuitive


throughout my life, i have accumulated a depth of personal experience and professional training in a variety of neuroscience and evidence based counselling practices. therapeutically, i use this knowledge in direct conjunction with the gift of our innate creativity, desire for growth, and my training as an art therapist. fundamentally person centred, relational and trauma informed; my intention as a practitioner is to provide safe space, and culturally sensitive witnessing to your personal process through the human experience.


i have deep interests in shadow and dream work, archetypal exploration, transpersonal psychology, eco and nature based art therapy, as well as social justice, and community activism through public art and collaboration.


with over a decade of front line experience in healthcare, i possess unique and vast experience with those experiencing chronic and complex health issues, grief and loss, existential fear, and compassion fatigue.


my own traumatic experiences, and intrinsic gravitation towards healing are what brought me to this work, and what further armoured me with the compassion and humility to accompany others through hardship.


here, i leave an offering, for those interested in more of my personal journey to discovering art as a catalyst for holistic health, and becoming an art therapist.

LOOKING AHEAD IS LOOKING BEHIND PDF

OFFERINGS



~ complimentary 30 minute consultation
* if finances are a prohibitive factor, please reach out for a sliding scale inquiry *



" I could say things with colour and shapes
that I couldn't say any other way...
things I had no words for ”

~ Georgia O'Keeffe



SAMANTHA L STRACHAN (b.1991, CAN)



D.KATI / B.F.A / R.HCA




EDUCATION ​


2019 Art Therapy Diploma, Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Nelson, BC, CAN

2015 Health Care Aide Registry # 108931, Thompson Rivers University, BC, CAN

2014 B.F.A. Studio Major, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, CAN

2012 H.C.A. Certification, NorQuest College, Edmonton, AB, CAN


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


2019 Canadian Art Therapy Conference, Calgary, AB, CAN

2017 Canadian Art Therapy Conference, Vancouver, BC, CAN ​


COMMUNITY CONTRACTS ~ GROUP ART THERAPY

  • 2018 ~ 2023 Interior Health, Broader Horizons, Nelson, BC

Art Therapist

  • 2022 Interior Heath, Mental Heath and Substance Use, Nelson, BC

Art Therapy Team Building Workshop

  • 2021 Bigby Place Arts Initiative

Art Therapy Workshop

  • 2021 ~ 2022 Kutenai Art Therapy Institute / SD20 School Division

KCLC, Trail, BC - RSS, Rossland, BC


Art Therapist

  • 2021 ~ 2022 Interior Health, Mental Health and Substance Use, Nelson, BC

Art Therapist

  • 2019 Interior Heath, Home Health, Nelson, BC

Art Therapy Workplace Development Workshop

  • 2018 ~ 2019 Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Nelson, BC

Open Studio ~ Art Therapist



GENERAL WORK EXPERIENCE

  • 2020 ~ 2023 Interior Health, Mental Health and Substance Use, Nelson BC
  • 2008 ~ 2020 Long Term Care / Assisted Living / Home Support, AB & BC, CAN


COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER & PRACTICUM WORK

  • 2019 ~ 2022 Kutenai Art Therapy Institute / Interior Health, Nelson BC Art Therapy Art Therapy Intern , Practicum Supervisor
  • 2016 ~ 2018 Art Therapy Intern ~ 365 Direct Client Hrs

Harbor House, Daily Pavilion, Trail, BC

Reach Alternative Education, Nelson, BC

Jubilee Manor, Nelson, BC

"Healing the Healers" Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Nelson, BC

  • 2014 - 2015 Art Instructor

5TH on 5TH Youth Services, Lethbridge, AB, CAN


EXHIBITIONS


2020 NDAC Art Walk, Nelson, BC, CAN

2019 "WEAVING THROUGH COMMUNITY". CATA Conference, Calgary, AB

2018 "L.A.I.L.B". Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Nelson, BC, CAN

2017 "WATER IS LIFE" Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Nelson, BC, CAN

2016 "GUERILLA". Site Specific Installation, Vancouver, BC, CAN

2016 "SHOWANDTELL". MAVSKY, Chilliwack, BC, CAN

2015 "UNIVERSAL PEACE". MAVSKY, Lethbridge, AB, CAN

2014 "HOUSE 2", MAVSKY, Fort Macleod, AB, CAN

2014 "HOUSE 1", MAVSKY, Lethbridge, AB, CAN

2014 “STUDENT EXHIBITION” University of Lethbridge, AB, CAN


​ PUBLICATION


2019 Looking Ahead Is Looking Behind, Essenze Published, Nelson BC, CAN


ENTER GALLERY

i create to liberate, alleviate, experiment, and communicate - residually producing relics for discovery;

pieces that document and reflect the complexities of my human experience. art that exists as both a barometer, and symbol of personal and collective emotionality.

i am curious about the sensual nuances and dynamic nature of materials. the way their qualities, such as colour, form, texture, and combination, can embody, and lend symbolic to particular states of being.

utilizing limitless matter to move internal energy,

i steadily aim to resolve a spiritual sense of aesthetic and harmony while reflecting on relational dynamics, intimacy, consciousness, identity, trauma, attachment, and creation; themes which have become reoccurring throughout my work.



lets connect!

complimentary
15 minute consultations










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