About Me

Doctor of Art Therapy, Registered Art Therapist, leading expert in dyadic (parent-child) art therapy, and an art therapy instructor and supervisor at the WHEAT institute.

I work with people who have experienced major life transitions, trauma, depression, separation anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactivity. I am an art therapy instructor and supervisor at the WHEAT institute.

Rooted in my personal experience as a nature guide, the process of teaching and creating with children in nature through their senses is based on my intuition of their needs, and relates to the therapeutic concepts of the need for a “holding environment” (the special relationships in psycho-social environments that support the development of infants) and “containment” (which associated with holding, anchoring, focus, and framing; but, it also refers to boundaries and restrictions). Recognizing the need for a holding environment and containment comes from empathetic listening and understanding, my personal reflections, and my ecological perception. Nature provides an abundance of diverse ideas and materials, which stimulate the senses in many ways.

My Approach

The idea of growing my therapy garden was inspired by my love for nature. Growing up in Israel I was surrounded by nature and would take groups out on nature guides.
As a mother of three, I value the importance of family. Much like my therapy garden, I’ve enjoyed nurturing, caring, and watching my little ones grow.
I’ve noticed that every bit of effort that I invest into other people makes an impact. Planting seeds of empowerment, watering them with acceptance and empathy, and filling them with sunrays of love.
This is what drew me to studying art therapy in BC at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institution. I’ve worked as an art therapist for over 11 years, and recently finished my doctorate at Mount Mary University – Milwaukee, where I investigated the use of art therapy to expand my understanding of people from diverse cultures, such as First Nations.
I use creative art as a means of promoting self-awareness, psychological health and healing. In my practice I seek to understand individual’s issues within cultural and social contexts; value diverse perspectives; focus on the individual’s strengths and commit to social justice.
This approach to therapy is tailored to you and your preferences, and combines aspects of mindfulness, talk therapy, and art-making.

My Training

Doctorate in Art Therapy, Mount Mary University (Milwaukee), July 2016- currently
My study topic is: Triadic model of attachment with Indigenous (First Nation/Canada) foster children and parents
EMDR Basic Training, by Sue A. Genest, MSc. CCC, 2015
Healing Through Hypnosis, by Dr. Mary Ellen Bluntzer (MD) and Dr. Roxanna Erickson-Klein,
Hypnosis, Esalen Institute, February 2015
Trauma Recovery, When love is not enough, by Kenneth V. Hardy, Ph.D., 2014
Narrative Therapy, Advance Practice in Narrative Therapy, by Stephen Madigan Ph.D., 2014
Come Alive (The Haven), July 2013
Play Matters, Sand tray-​world play, Play Therapy Training Intensive Level 1, Winnipeg, August 2012
Theraplay, Level 1, Winnipeg, June 2012
Trauma Informed Art Therapy, by Kathy Machiodi, 2011
Art Therapy Diploma, Kutenai Institute, 2005-2009

Tzafi’s art: “Connectedness” , oil pastel