Suzanne Clease
Art Psychotherapist
Grief Coach Facilitator
Educator
Welcome to Seasons Therapy
I am so glad you are here.
About me
I am a life long learner, a parent, grandparent and loyal friend. My life experiences and graduate work in psychotherapy and art therapy allow me to be a compassionate and informed practitioner. I understand how life can deliver unexpected curve balls. I also recognize the tremendous courage it takes to seek change and to accept support. It is an honour for me to accompany individuals towards improving insights, skills and general wellbeing as they navigate life’s challenges.
Why I became a psychotherapist
I came to the profession of Art Psychotherapy after a 20-year career in teaching. Having worked with children and teens I was privileged to witness how the arts helped students with self-regulation, communication skills and how it improved their social interactions.
On a personal level, I experienced the healing power of art on my journey through trauma, grief and loss. These experiences formed my deep desire to support others in difficult times. To fulfill my passion for helping others live their best life I pursued graduate studies in Edmonton, Alberta and obtained a Masters of Psychotherapy and Spirituality with Art Therapy Specialization.
Approaches
Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Music Integrated Therapy, Attachment +strengths-based , individual + group
I work within a trauma informed client-centered approach supporting both verbal and non-verbal expressions to best support clients explore and facilitate change.
Areas of Interest
Grief from loss, trauma, life transitions, self-regulation, self–esteem, anxiety, depression, self-compassion. self-care ,self-love , identity and self-knowing
Experience
Below are some organizations where I have been involved as an art therapist, consultant, facilitator, or volunteer.
Healing Arts -Tom Baker Cancer Control Canadian Mental Health Association
Alberta Children’s Hospital , Kids Help Phone
Roots of Empathy, Creative Aging Calgary Society
Creative Aging Calgary Society, Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary –Club 36
Covenant Health –St Marguerite Manor and Dulcina Hospice , Calgary, Alberta
Certifications
Professional Member, Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA #1915)
Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor (#12078) Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Art Therapist (# 10212711) Canadian Art Therapy Association
Conference Presentations
Courage Journey -Using puppets to affect social change, Canadian Art Therapy Conference Calgary (2019)
The View from the Inside Project: Using a mask-body puppet to impact mental health and quality of life in vulnerable senior populations. Canadian Art Therapy Conference Montreal (Oct.2018)
Supporting the Anxious Child from Stuck to Thriving, HICE Hawaiian International Conference on Education (January,2016)
Education
Master of Psychotherapy & Spirituality ,
Art Therapy Specialization, St.Stephen’s College /University of Alberta
Bachelor of Education, Secondary French , University of Calgary
Training
Music Integrated Therapy (Seabrook Music Therapy 2022)
Refugees and Trauma-Understanding and Supporting Resilience CTRI (2022)
Crisis Responder (2020) Kids Help Phone
Telehealth for Mental Health (2020)
Online Art Therapy: Technology Ethics and Authenticity , Red Pencil International (2020)
Body Focused Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children and Adolescents (2019)
Suicide Intervention Training 2016 (CMHA)
Motivational Interviewing 2016 (CMHA)
Trauma Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Level 1 Certificate: Cathy Malchiodi & Elizabeth Warson (2015)
Facilitation
Online & in Person
Workshops & Retreats
Courage Journey” An Online 8-week Mental Wellness Program (WPPuppet Theatre) 2020-2022)
Navigating Grief and Loss in the Here and Now “(2019 Retreat)
Journeying Through Grief – 6 week in person support group” (2018-2019)
View from the Inside “View from the Inside -Courage Journey” for Junior High School Students
View from the Inside -Courage Journey” Carya Chinese Cultural Association
“View from the Inside -Courage Journey” Alzheimer’s Society Respite Day Program