And life revives, and blossoms once again.
- Emily Pauline Johnson
I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.
– Georgia O’Keefe
Let's create healing together!
Nicole Haywood is a certified art psychotherapist, expressive therapies continuum practitioner, and artist practicing out of Calgary, Alberta. Nicole has personally experienced the healing power of self-expression and feels honoured to be able to walk with others on their own creative journey. Because She practices from a strengths-based, client-centred, and trauma informed perspective, Nicole believes that every client is an expert on their own experiences. She offers a warm, authentic, and playful presence as she supports her clients to reach their unique personal goals. Nicole is passionate about people and their stories and strives to support her clients to feel more empowered in their daily lives.
What Is Art Therapy?
The Canadian Art Therapy Association:
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.
The American Art Therapy Association:
Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.
Therapeutic
Art Workshop Participant
Nicole brings such a wonderful energy to sessions; warm, friendly, calm, and grounding. She makes people feel welcomed and accepted, creating a space for them to just be, to express themselves freely without fear of being judged. She cares about people's wellbeing throughout the art therapy process, helping them understand themselves better in a sensitive and compassionate way. "
Therapeutic
Art Workshop Participant
I highly recommend Nicole!
She brings compassion, understanding, playfulness and professionalism to each session. The art invitations are always in tune with what was needed to be explored in that moment. She provides a safe and enriching environment that feels welcoming to explore one's emotions and challenges. I appreciate the space she provides!"
Book a Session
Image Courtesy of The Canadian Encyclopedia
"And life revives, and blossoms once again"
Emily Pauline Johnson
In her poem Fire-Flowers, the poet Emily Pauline Johnson describes a wildflower species native to the Canadian Rocky Mountains commonly referred to as Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium). Fireweed earned its name due to its rapid propagation in areas that have been devastated by forest fires or clear cutting. In addition to being nutritious and having anti-inflammatory properties, Fireweed also helps to rebuild a healthy ecosystem. These Fire-Flowers are often held as beautiful metaphors for the new life and healing that are possible after incredible hardship.
