Hi. I’m Chelsea (she/her) - an artist, creative, and educator. I am Filipino and was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. I grew up immersed in arts-based activities. When I was 4 years old, I began taking visual arts classes. Then, I began tap classes. Soon after at 5 years old I started ballet, which expanded to modern, jazz, contemporary, flamenco. I trained to become professional until the age of 17. During these years, I also explored drama, theatre, and spoken word poetry.

Then, I attended The University of British Columbia where I studied English, Psychology, and Speech Sciences. After I graduated I went into education and began tutoring children and adolescents 1 to 1 with learning differences and those who are neurodiverse. After that, I worked in elementary schools as an Education Assistant. After over 10 years of experience working with children I decided to make a change. Then, I found the Expressive Arts Therapy program in 2020.

After two years in the program, I graduated as a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist in 2022. Then I went on to working with women who are survivors of historical violence, intimate partner abuse, substance use and addictions.

In addition to being certified to practice Expressive Arts Therapy I am also a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT).

As an Expressive Arts Therapist I use a trauma-informed, human-centered, strength-based approach. At the centre of every session is the art, the important third presence. I work intuitively with expressive arts modalities (visual arts, creative writing, movement, and voice) allowing space for you to build your inner resources, to explore, to play, and to lead with curiosity. I offer slowness, space, time, and compassion. I act as a witness and space holder for what emerges in our sessions.

Through my lived experiences of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues I am able to offer empathy and compassion to those who work with me. I walk alongside you in your healing as I too continue to understand what it means to be an imperfect human.

• Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) - Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) - #3240

• Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA) - #265

• International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) - Professional Member