Rapinder Kaur Registered Art Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist, Founder, Managing Director She/Her
Rapinder Kaur Founder + Managing Director
Rapinder Kaur is a Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist, clinical supervisor, board member, educator, sought after public speaker, community organizer and experienced facilitator. She is deeply interested in liberation arts and how individual and community empowerment can disrupt systems of oppression. Rapinder has presented workshops online and in person nationally and internationally. Rapinder has worked in a number of different settings, including schools, women’s shelter, psychiatric hospital, group homes, long term care, social service agencies and is the founder of Art as Therapy a private community based therapy practice. With over 23 years experience working with children, teens and their families, Rapinder's current work focuses on supporting parents on the challenging and rewarding journey of being a caregiver and also supports adults with inner child work. Rapinder uses a strength-based, neurobiological, relational psychotherapy, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, cultural humility, trauma and attachment informed lens in her work with clients. Rapinder's is passionate about connecting with and nurturing community wellness, she currently sits on the Board of Directors for Dufferin Child and Family Services, Family Transition Place and volunteers for the Sikh National Archives of Canada.
Julia Troiani Registered Psychotherapist, Art Therapist She/her
Julia Troiani is a passionate art therapist who sees how powerful art can be as a form of expression when words are not enough. After completing her bachelor of design in Illustration from the Ontario Collage of Art and Design, she graduated from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, ready to use her skills to help others. One of Julia’s favourite forms of art therapy is textile based and for her thesis special project she organized the construction of a communal quilt with the older adults, patients of the Toronto Rehab Institute, linking textile based art therapy with story telling.
Julia has worked with youth in crisis, students at alternative schools, older adults, and adults living in psychiatric facilities. Julia’s approach to art therapy is client centred, knowing that everyone’s individual experiences shape their world view and that as a therapist, she is there to help navigate. Julia’s ultimate goal as a therapist is to help her clients see their inner worth and strengths while helping them identify their emotions through their art. Julia works out of our Orangeville and Brampton location.
Cassandra Brennan, Registered Psychotherapist, Drama Therapist + Community Connections & Advocacy Coordinator They/Them
Cassandra (they/them) is a non-binary Drama Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor working with children and adults. Cassandra specializes in supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent individuals and folks with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Cassandra approaches their work with the guiding belief that their clients are the experts of their lived experiences. This leads Cassandra to practice with a strength-based, identity/person-centred approach with an anti-oppressive, anti-racist and attachment-informed lens to therapy & trauma work. Cassandra is also the Community Connections & Advocacy Coordinator at Art as Therapy, a role dedicated to enhancing team collaboration and community partnerships. Connection is at the heart of Cassandra's work at Art as Therapy. Cassandra provides support online and in person out of our Orangeville office.
Natasha Cooze Registered Psychotherapist Art Therapist She/her
Natasha believes that art is an innate language that we as humans are all born with. Through this language, she empathetically fosters the expression of creativity to work as a channel towards healing with her clients. Natasha trusts that the agent of healing lies within the artistic process, rather than in the outcome. Therefore, no artistic skills are required in order to engage in art therapy. Natasha facilitates a supportive, empowering, and safe space where her clients are given the opportunity to be curious, explore their inner strengths, and build on their self-resiliency.
Natasha incorporates various approaches within her therapeutic practice including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques. A holistic understanding of the body and mind connection is used to promote meaningful harmony within the client as a whole. Natasha works from a strength-based, trauma-informed, and person- and child-centred approach.
Natasha graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Family and Child Studies. Natasha studied Art Therapy at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, and completed her thesis on Cognitive Behavioural Art Therapy with Children Experiencing Social Anxiety. Natasha provides support from the Orangeville and Brampton locations, as well as online. Natasha provides the following workshops:
Creative Confidence: Empowering Kids to Overcome Bullying Through Art
Supporting Children Navigate Relationship Conflict in School (for Parents)
Mariska Dickison, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Art Therapist (DTATI Candidate) She/her
Mariska is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a candidate for the graduate diploma with Toronto Art Therapy Institute. Her first career was with the Peel District School board as an elementary teacher for 15 years. As a member of the Ontario College of Teachers, Mariska has experience teaching Drama, Music, Visual Art and Special Education. Becoming an art therapist has been a lifelong journey of transformation and learning while growing alongside her three children. In her free time, you will find Mariska practicing Yoga, hiking, singing and reading.
Mariska is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of those who support others, the caretakers of the world. She works within a Person-centred model of care incorporating somatic and polyvagal informed practices of Art Therapy. Mariska is an ally of the LGBTQIA2S+ while practicing cultural humility and a strong supporter of the Neurodiverse movement, always learning from the stories of her clients as the experts of their own lives.
Sanjeet Kaur Mental Health & Trauma Therapist She/her
Sanjeet is a registered social worker specializing in couples therapy, trauma, anxiety, depression and overall mental wellness. Using a variety of therapeutic modalities such as; CBT, narrative therapy and emotion focused therapy, Sanjeet has supported her clients to uncover hidden insights, strengths, needs and solutions and helped them with their mental wellness goals. With over 13 years of experience, Sanjeet has provided support through compassionate, collaborative, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practice. Sanjeet speaks panjabi as well as English. Sanjeet currently provides support to adults via phone and or video sessions.
Sandra Rojo Executive Client Care Coordinator + Accounting She/her
Sandra holds a Masters in Human Resources. Her main professional experience has been in the administrative area, she was part of the Human Resources team at the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita Mexico, her activities included coordinated the training / learning area in the Hotel. She co-founded one of the first offices that provides Human Resources & Accounting services in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (still operates in that city). Sandra was part of the first group of people in Puerto Vallarta to get a national certification that allowed her to provide training courses with official recognition from The Ministry of Labour and Social in Mexico. She also has a life coaching certification and a degree in Psychology. She is very passionate about administration tasks and is always willing to help others. While you might not see Sandra in person, she busy working behind the scenes to ensure our clients what they need especially with respect to billing.
Sarah Jefferies Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Art Therapist (DTATI Candidate)
Sarah Jefferies has worked with children and families for many years in many different capacities and her journey led her to the field of art therapy when she discovered that there could be more to therapy then just having to talk. Sarah started her time at Art as Therapy by providing support in facilitating workshops and then moved into the full time role of Client Care Coordinator. She is passionate about helping children and youth connect to themselves through art and supporting them to grow and flourish. Sarah pulls from many different modalities such as Dialectic Behavioural Therapy and Narrative Therapy to support her clients. She is keenly interested in creating a non-judgemental space for adults and caregivers to help them navigate what is showing up for them. Sarah truly believes that every client has and knows from within them what they need, but sometimes in the chaos of the busy world, school, work and managing day to day life this gets hidden. She looks forward to helping her clients rediscover their innate strengths and powers. Sarah has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Ontario Collage of Art and Design University in Toronto and is working towards fully graduating from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. Sarah is available for in person sessions in Orangeville and can offer support virtually.
Saba Iqbal Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Art Therapist she/her
Saba offers a wide range of art materials to her clients within a therapeutic setting, using art as a powerful medium for communication and expression, particularly when language presents a barrier. Her passion for art began during her time spent in Pakistan, where she developed a deep appreciation for various forms of local art. This passion eventually led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Studio Arts from the University of Guelph, followed by formal training as an art therapist at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute.
During her studies, Saba volunteered at multiple centers, working closely with women and children. These experiences further fueled her interest in the therapeutic potential of art. Currently, Saba supports clients at both our Orangeville and Milton locations, offering in-person and online sessions. She has a particular skill set in working with children and young people and is adept at assisting families navigating co-parenting from separate homes.
Abir Ali Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Art Therapist (DTATI Candidate) She/her
Abir has discovered through creative self-exploration, we are able to deepen our awareness, understanding, and compassion for ourselves and ultimately experience healing. She believes that her clients are the experts of themselves, and she is there to create a calm, safe space where she can collaboratively support clients in discovering their wisdom.
Abir strongly believes in the power of altruism and values community in combination with creativity and healing. She is pursuing her graduate thesis in exploring how cultural artistic traditions can support individuals and communities in decolonization and reclaiming identity.
Abir is committed to anti-racism, anti-oppression and is inspired by Islamic psychology and positive psychology. Abir has experience and is interested in supporting BIPOC mental health including immigrants, refugees, newcomers, and members of any faith, while embodying cultural humility. She is also interested in supporting children, teens, and adults navigating varying challenges such as grief, loss, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and the impacts of trauma.
Abir is currently offering art therapy services online and has experience providing individual and group therapy. Abir speaks English and Urdu. Abir recognizes that seeking therapy can be a big step for many individuals for reasons such as judgment, stereotypes, and fear. However, Abir has belief in the therapeutic process and will always co-work with a client to support them with their emotions.
Abir provides services primarily online for individuals and groups.
Neeru Jindal Registered Psychotherapist Art Therapist She/her
Neeru is devoted to her profession and deeply committed to assisting individuals in navigating their emotional journey and promoting healing through the transforming power of art. She is an explorer, writer, poet, and seeker. She recognizes how deep listening and building safety and connection with her clients can be a place of healing. She cares deeply about holding a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate space. That’s her vision of helping her fellow beings while working as a therapist. She constantly participates in professional development programs in addition to her academic education to stay informed on the newest research and therapeutic philosophies. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in a person-centered philosophy, honoring each individual's unique experiences, strengths, and challenges. By integrating elements of psychodynamic theory, mindfulness, IFS (Internal Family Systems), relational intelligence (IR) and art-based interventions, she creates a safe therapeutic alliance for exploration and self-discovery. If you are seeking a compassionate therapist who believes in the transformative power of connection and safety for emotional healing and personal growth, I invite you to reach out to Neeru to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She is registered with The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a qualifying professional and an active member of OAMHP - Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. She works out of our Brampton location providing in person care as well as virtual sessions.
Celeste Barbieri Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Art Therapist (DTATI Candidate) She/her
Hello, my name is Celeste and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Art as Therapy. I completed my Art Therapy education at Toronto Art Therapy Institute and I am in the process of completing my clinical hours and major project for graduation. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Guelph-Humber and a life-long passion for visual arts. My approach to Art Psychotherapy is person-centered and rooted in a psychoeducational, explorative and playful approach. Engaging in art making is something I often do alongside my clients as we get to know one another. I look forward to working with clients of all ages and backgrounds at our Orangeville and Milton locations.
Ummul-kiram Patrawala
Somatic Trauma Therapy Practitioner Art Therapy practicum student She/Her
Ummul-kiram is an embodied somatic trauma therapy practitioner, yoga and meditation teacher and resilience coach, who practises from a strength-based, compassionate, cultural humility, socially just, integrative trauma informed and anti-oppressive framework. Her work is rooted in the latest developments in the fields of neuroscience and trauma that understands the body’s, brain’s, and nervous system’s capacity to heal.
She is currently pursuing her art therapist accreditation at Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy and is so excited to serve the Art as Therapy community. Art therapy, organically showed up in her life, as she searched for ways to hold space for folks within the scope of psychotherapy, in a way that was authentic to her interests, way of living and would complement her current modalities of practice.
She has spent the past five years in pelvic health rehabilitation, holding space for women who have experienced chronic pain, history of sexual abuse, pregnancy and fertility related losses and traumas. She empowers women to befriend their nervous system, feel safe inhabiting their bodies, and empowers them with tools and skills to help rewire their nervous system.
Her practice is rooted in tapping into the innate wisdom of the body and she weaves in somatic trauma interventions (2021), mindfulness , yin yoga, HeartMath resilience coaching and meditation. Prior to the pandemic, she worked extensively with children, teachers and parents in elementary schools as a community collaborator, who designed and executed a mindfulness based curriculum that was responsive to the needs of the teachers, students and parent community.
Weaving in art therapy allows her to bring playfulness into the healing journey, and she personally enjoys creating using oil pastels, chalk, clay, and materials found in nature. Ceremonies in connection with the land and mother earth, rituals, journaling, and creating watercolour mandalas, are some ways she weaves in the medicine of art in her daily life. She is very passionate about bringing mental health support to the South East Asian community, especially mothers, and she feels that using a somatically grounded art therapy approach can offer a soft place to land for her clients.
Ummul-kiram believes that art therapy is for all, as we all have within us a deep reservoir of creative energy and she hopes that she can guide you to re-discover or deepen this part of you. She looks forward to walking alongside you and cheering you along. She offers sessions in English, Hindi and Gujarati. Ummul-kiram will be working out of our Brampton office and offer sessions virtually and in person.
Maria Rodriguez
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Art Therapist (DTATI Candidate)
Maria is passionate about supporting her clients through engaging them in the creative process that leads to self-discovery and growth. She fosters a warm, uplifting, and hope-instilling environment in her sessions, where clients feel empowered to explore their cognitive, emotional, physiological, and behavioral needs. By using a strength-based, client-centered approach, Maria encourages clients to use both verbal and non-verbal forms of expression to explore their emotions, helping them reframe and gain new perspectives on their experiences. With experience working with children, including those with ASD, FASD, ADHD, and behavioral and emotional regulation concerns, Maria also provides support to adults, offers parent consultations, and facilitates family sessions. Her background includes working in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, and long-term care, where she has conducted both individual and group therapy. Maria is also skilled in leading art therapy workshops for organizations, adapting to the specific themes and needs of the participants.
She is a Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist, and completed her Art Therapy training at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and offers in-person support at the Orangeville and Brampton offices.