Welcome to Returning Smiles Art Therapy!

As I begin my career as an art therapist I notice how many of my life experiences and learning experiences integrate to make me an attuned and thoughtful therapist. I have combined teaching, recreation, clowning and art therapy in a cohesive way.

All my experiences encourage focussed active listening which is a skill that I am strong at. Observation and listening are paramount in teaching, clowning, early childhood education and art therapy. Playfulness is another aspect in therapy which comes from clowning, recreation and working with young children and continues to grow in me.

In my work as an art therapist, I am reminded about how play is vital in our well being and how it helps us to integrate different aspects of our life. Over the years I have learned to be curious and wonder often.

I do not know all the answers and when working with people who want to make change I will share in the journey as a curious explorer who will ask questions to help each of us to find the next steps on the life journey.

One of the ways a clown explores the world is by being in the moment. Art therapists are also specialists at being in the here and now. Growth happens when people explore past, present and future. When we focus on the present then we can decide what steps to take in this moment. Making art and playing with the ideas that come up give us insight.

I am excited and interested in using my blended skills and personality to work with people who want to work towards personal change.