Catherine is a board certified Art Therapist, Meditation Teacher, and Yoga Instructor with over 15 years of professional experience in mental health. Catherine offers individual sessions in using creativity and the art making process to practice the core components of Mindful Self-Compassion. Catherine’s unique approach blends the evidenced-based practices of Art Therapy, Yoga, and Mindful Self-Compassion to help individuals relieve stress, manage physical symptoms, release and understand difficult emotions, restore energy, and discover new ways to connect to their authentic self.

Mindful-Self Compassion encompasses a series of meditative practices aimed at offering ourselves comfort and care when experiencing a hard time. So often when faced with a difficult situation, we tend to focus on how we can fix the problem that’s causing us stress, and we quickly deplete our energies trying to solve the unsolvable or change the unchangeable. In these moments, what’s truly needed is turning this focus inward and learning how to hold ourselves within the stressful experience through actions of comfort and care. When we allow ourselves to rest in this practice of mindfulness and self-compassion, we find access to unconditional care, support, and even nourishment from within.

The process of art making is inherently mindful. It naturally keeps our attention in the present moment by engaging the senses. In fact, the same areas of the brain that light up when practicing deep meditation, also light up when engaged in a creative act. In addition, the process of art making is inherently kind. Connecting with this creative part of ourselves helps us express and honor what is arising within us as well as practice responding with care. So, when sitting still in formal meditation feels uncomfortable or unobtainable, the practice of art making can help us access the profound benefits of mindfulness and compassion in gentle and more accessible ways.

During a session, Catherine can guide you in creative prompts, meditations, and self-compassion practices that help you both practice the core components of self-compassion and gain insight and deeper understanding into how these practices can be helpful for you and your specific circumstances. In every session, Catherine aims to create a safe and welcoming space for you to explore this overlap of creativity and compassion and thus discover simple and practical ways to care for yourself and ultimately allow yourself to thrive even within the most difficult of circumstances.

For more information on Creative Compassion, please contact Catherine at [email protected]