Accreditations & Specializations
Below lists specific conditions each therapist treats, where they practice, along with the types of therapy modalities they use! Our therapists are permitted to practice the controlled act of psychotherapy as they are Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario or the Ontario and Quebec orders of Social Work.
Therapists
Julia Vlaming (she/her)
Owner of Ottawa Art Therapy. She holds a BSc Honours in Psychology and a VATI graduate diploma. Julia is a Registered Psychotherapist and Independent Practitioner with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and Professional Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). She is responsible for programming, relief work, business communications and supervises her team of professionals to ensure quality care.
Julia specializes in working with: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Neurodiverse populations, Attachment Disorder, PTSD, First Responders, RCMP,
Armed Forces, Anxiety, Depression, Selective Mutism, Down Syndrome, Addictions, Burn Out, Anger Management, Alzheimer's & Dementia, Sexual and Physical Abuse Victims, Individuals who have
experienced Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence, Victims of Harassment, Aboriginal Community, Refugees and culturally unique populations. Julia provides services for individuals,
families, groups, and organizational training and workshops. Languages: English, Russian. Julia is also qualified to supervise other psychotherapists in the field with the College of Registered
Psychotherapists of Ontario.
*Mainly focusses on superivsion and accepting limited virtual and in person appointments at both Westboro and Cleopatra locations
Anita Hosanna Kangabe (she/her)
Anita, is a bilingual (French and English) Registered Social Worker (MSW) (OCSWSSW & OTSTCFQ) and VATI student, providing psychotherpy and uses art in her work. Her career was born from a deep-seated desire to assist others in discovering their unique talents and paths to success in a world where guidance and support are essential for navigating life's challenges. Anita specializes in areas/ populations including but not limited to anxiety, depression, stress management, systemic opression, trauma, cultural diversity, physical and neurological disabilities, neurodiversity and increasing functionality, as well as academic and career counseling. Over the years, she has worked with a diverse range of clients, always prioritizing understanding and empathy. Anita also has Intermediate proficiency in Spanish and ASL and beginner level of Swahili and LSQ.
*Accepting both virtual and in person appointments at the Westboro location
Boxuan (Shuan) Wei (he/him)
Boxuan is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (CRPO) and holds a Masters degree in Education, alongside completing his Postgraduate Diploma in Art Psychotherapy at
the Canadian International Institution of Art Therapy (CiiAT). Fluent in English and Mandarin, he adopts a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to therapy, fostering creativity and growth
through art-making. Boxuan integrates sensory-based interventions, narrative techniques, and mindfulness into his work, with a practice rooted in understanding the intersections of identity, culture,
and personal narrative. He is LGBTQ+ friendly and provides a safe, affirming space for self-exploration and empowerment. Boxuan also has extensive experience supporting children with developmental
and intellectual disabilities in community settings.
*Accepting both virtual and in person appointments at the Westboro location
Aisha Stenger-Elmas (she/they)
B.A. Honours in Developmental Psychology, CRPO Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Professional Member, Canadian Art Therapy Association Associate Member, Canadian Association for Play Therapy General Member, Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals General Member, Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis Affiliate Member, LivingWorks Start Suicide Prevention trained
Aisha is an RP (Qualifying) and holds an MACP degree. As someone who grew up with people around her struggling with mental illnesses, she knew she wanted to become a
Psychotherapist. Aisha draws from multiple modalities, with her work grounded in Person-Centered Therapy. She also uses Trauma Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy,
Internal Family Systems Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. In addition, she utilizes play and art with her clients.
Aisha is adept at treating a wide range of ages and issues and also has 4+ years experience working with children in a therapeutic capacity, specifically Applied Behaviour Analysis therapy. She has
worked with high level professionals such as lawyers and has experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, navigating life transitions, family conflicts, stress, developmental
disorders, intellectual disabilities, behavioural issues and improving confidence. Aisha is empathetic, culturally informed, draws from a holistic and integrative approach, wants her clients to reach
their fullest potential and believes in a strong counsellor-client relationship. She provides services in English, tailors therapy to each person’s needs, is LGBTQIA+ friendly and promotes a space
for all her clients to be their authentic self.
Aisha has a particular interest in working with children that suffer from trauma and PTSD due to abuse (emotional, verbal, sexual, physical, financial, cyber).
*Accepting both virtual and in person appointments at the Westboro location
Sarah Doyle (she/her)
Sarah is an Art Therapist/Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (CRPO) (TATI graduate diploma). She is a compassionate paractinioner who explores how creativity can help us heal, grow and connect. She is a former midwife who served families in Ottawa for 17 years providing pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. Sarah offers an empathetic, calm and non-judgmental space and provides services in English. She has experience facilitating art therapy groups for postpartum support, grief, adults with a history of childhood sexual abuse and seniors in long term care. She feels passionate about supporting perinatal mental health, trauma survivors, caregivers experiencing burnout and those who identify as neurodivergent. She uses an integrative client-centered approach including somatic practices, mindfulness and narrative therapy. Sarah has completed extra training in self-compassion, perinatal art therapy and sand-tray therapy. With an anti-oppressive and culturally humble mindset, her guiding principles are collaboration, curiosity and liberation. She welcomes teens and adults of all cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities.
*Accepting both virtual and in person appointments at the Westboro location
Megan Dillenbeck (she/her)
Megan (MA, RP, CCC, BC-DMT) is a somatic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with 20 years of experience in the field and provides services in English. She holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology with a concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy and is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is also a Canadian Certified Counsellor accredited by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (ADTA), and a Dance/Movement Therapy Supervisor (DMTAC). Megan provides clinical supervision to interns as well as emerging and seasoned professionals.
Megan believes that the heart of effective psychotherapy lies in the relationship built between therapist and client. She provides a space of safety, compassion, and
curiosity, allowing individuals to feel truly seen and to develop greater clarity and direction. Megan’s work integrates Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), which is grounded in the principle that the mind
and body are interconnected and mutually influential—shifts in movement and physical expression can support changes in thoughts, feelings, and self-perception. Any form of movement—walking,
stretching, breathing, or subtle shifts in posture—can be considered dance when approached with awareness. In therapy, DMT helps people explore patterns of thought, feelings, and behaviour, develop
self-esteem and body awareness, strengthen communication and relationships, and create new possibilities for authentic change through embodied awareness.
*Accepting in person appointments only at the Cleopatra location
Anne provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. She has experience supporting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relational distress, identity exploration, crisis-related stress, and life transitions. Her work is grounded in a client-centred, emotionally focused, and trauma-informed approach, while also drawing from self-compassion practices, parts work, and solution-focused therapy.
Anne has a strong background in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning. She has previous experience in child and youth work, crisis de-escalation, care coordination, and psychotherapy clinic administration. Anne values culturally responsive care, reflective practice, and creating a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. She is also passionate about using art based interventions in her practice.
Anne welcomes individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, identities, and family structures. She is committed to ethical practice, ongoing learning, and helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their own inner resources.
Alexie Morin-Holland (she/her)
Alexie is a bilingual (French and English) registered social worker (MSW), accredited with the OCSWSSW and OTSTCFQ, and a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). She also holds a diploma in expressive arts therapy from the Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Art Therapy Institute (WHEAT) and is a provider with NIHB.
Since 2016, she has worked alongside Inuit communities in the North, including living in Kuujjuaq for the past six years. Her practice is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in expressive arts therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioural approaches, movement and storytelling.
Alexie supports children, youth, and adults navigating trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, addiction, and involvement with the justice system. She has extensive experience working with youth and adults who are survivors of sexual and physical violence. Her work is rooted in a strengths-based approach that honours resilience, lived experience, and each person’s capacity for healing.
She creates spaces where individuals can explore their experiences through creativity, expression, and connection.
*Accepting both virtual and in person appointments at the Athlone location
Virtual Only:
Kenzie Rehal (Lenfesty) (she/her)
Kenzie is a Professional Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (CRPO). Kenzie had obtained her graduate in Art Therapy at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, with an undergrad in Visual Arts at the Vancouver Island University. Kenzie has experience working with various demographics including neurodiverse chlidren and youth, systemically vulnerable individuals, Indigenous women, those who have been in the judicial system, and individuals living with addiction and complex trauma. At the core Kenzie is a person-centered and strength-based practitioner, using this as a basis to determine what other modalities could be introduced to benefit clients. She utilizes aspects of phenomenology, narrative and mindfulness in her work where they are applicable. She has an excellent understanding of various art materials, and helps individuals connect with their creative self. She strives to be communicative, open-minded, non-judgemental, having capacity to hold space, be present, and act in the best interest of the client. She provides services in English.
*Accepting online appointments only
Kelly Blanchfield (she/her)
BA Psychology, MA Counselling, ABA/IBI - Services Certification, Certified CPI/NVCI Instructor (CRISIS Prevention), Registered Psychotherapist (RP) (CRPO), CCPA Member
Individual sessions with children, youth, and adults, group counselling, and working in interdisciplinary teams servicing a range of populations. Works through the
creative arts to deliver psychotherapy, ensure motivation and development. Prior to career in psychotherapy Kelly had 8+ years experience in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Intensive
Behavioural Intervention (IBI). Provides services in English.
*Accepting online appointments for wellness check-ins, consultations and advocacy sessions only
Practicum Students
Students are masters level practicum students typically in their final stages of completing their training. Some may not be registered with a regulatory body, so insurance claims are processed through their supervisor. Students adhere to the nessessary supervision, training, and ethical requirements.
Chloe Herbulot (she/her)
Chloe is a Graduate Diploma student in Art Psychotherapy at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT) and is bilingual in English and French. She brings a warm, attentive, and compassionate presence to her work, valuing the creation of spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental.
Chloe is particularly interested in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, exploring their identity, regulating emotions, and managing stress. Her work is
grounded in a client-centred approach, using art-making as a gentle and supportive way to explore inner experiences. She incorporates mindfulness, body-based awareness, and sensory exploration to
help clients feel more connected, regulated, and supported. She values collaboration and strives to meet each client where they are. Chloe welcomes individuals who are curious about creative
approaches to therapy and is committed to ongoing learning, reflective practice, and ethical care as an emerging art psychotherapist.
*Accepting both virtual and in person appointments at the Westboro location
Kathryn Kennedy (she/her)
Kathryn is a Graduate Diploma student in Art Psychotherapy at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT) and offers services in English.
*Accepting in person appointments only at both Westboro and Cleopatra locations
Emma James (she/her)
Emma is a student Art Psychotherapist completing her clinical training with the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT). She holds a BA in Social and Personality Psychology from Carleton University, with a specialization in Mental Health and Wellbeing and offers services in English.
Emma takes a calm, collaborative, and client-centred approach, using art-making as a way to explore emotions, patterns, and lived experiences beyond words. Her work integrates creative expression, mindfulness, and reflective exploration to support insight, emotional regulation, and self-understanding. She is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and affirming space where clients feel in control of their therapeutic process.
Emma welcomes individuals across all life stageshas a particular interest in working with: Anxiety, burnout, life transitions, perfectionism, interpersonal relationships, identity exploration, OCD, queer individuals, and neurodivergent individuals.
*Accepting in person appointments only at both Westboro and Cleopatra locations
Starr Hughes (she/her)
Starr is a graduate student in Counselling Psychology with a B.A. Honours in Psychology and offers services in English. Her certifications include Myer-Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest Inventory and Applied Suicide Intervention Skill Training. Starr has both personal, family, and professional experience in navigating significant life transitions and building resilience. During her 22-year military career she provided career transitioning services, emphasizing compassion and promoting the interests and well-being of fellow members. Depending on client needs, Starr is keen to integrate cognitive, emotional, and relational modalities with mindfulness and artistic processes. Her counselling approach takes a non-pathologizing stance, grounded in Client-Centred and Existential theories/therapies, aiming to empower clients through deep understanding, and meeting their individual needs and aspirations. She uses a collaborative and holistic process to help clients clarify and expand their goals, sense of purpose, strengths, and available resources. She prioritizes the mutual trust, acceptance, and warmth – the essential ingredients for supporting clients on their path toward greater authenticity and well-being.
*Accepting both virtual and in person appointments at both Westboro and Cleopatra locations
Administration
Shelli Scott (she/her)
Shelli facilitates our administrative services. She is responsible for billing, scheduling, and helping our creative practices run as smoothly as possible. Provides
services in English. If French (or a different language) communication is required, Shelli will be happy to connect you with an appropriate representative to address your inquiry in your preferred
language.
*Provides administration remotely (email and phone) for both locations
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