Art and Soul-Therapy

Art Therapy

ART & SOUL

Erica Williamson, RSW

Child, Youth, Caregiver Support & Groups

Gilakasla. With gratitude I acknowledge the Snaw Naw As and Qualicum families that hold hereditary rights to the unceded land where I live, work, raise my family, and create art. My name is Erica Williamson, and my Kwakwaka'wakw name is Akawi. With twenty years in the field of mental health and substance use on Vancouver Island, I have developed a specialty in working with children, youth, and families with neurodiversity such as ADHD, FASD, and Autism, as well as those struggling with mental health and substance use. My special interest is in working with Indigenous families and communities. I am an Indigenous ally and a mom of two amazing Indigenous children.

A bit about me

Qualifications and Services

Sessions for Children & Youth-

Specialization with children and youth 5-18, with a suspected or confirmed neurodiversity such as ADHD, Autism or FASD or mental health diagnosis.

Sessions for Caregivers- Specialization with caregivers who are raising a child or youth with a suspected or confirmed neurodiversity or mental health diagnosis.

Groups-Both themed and open studio style Art Therapy groups at community organizations and for Indigenous communities.

Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute, 2023

Registered Social Worker, UVIC 2004, Registered with BCCSW.

Experienced, advocate, educator, and counselor for families.

Indigenous cultural competency training level 1, 2, 3 Island Health- Sanyas, The Village, The Village 2.

Certification in CBT, EFFT, Family Systems Theory, Early Psychosis Intervention and Trauma informed care.

Parent and Aunty to neurodiverse children.

Queer and trans safe provider.

Philosophy

I believe that people have the capacity to heal from within. I see the role of an Art Therapist as a facilitator in a client's self-discovery. Art therapy requires no prior experience in making art, all you need is an interest in beginning the healing journey and a desire to develop healthier coping strategies.

icon Trunk sticker a strong elephant autism awareness

Group of hands of brown skin color reaching to each other

Why Does Art therapy Work?

Art therapy combines art-making and talk therapy, facilitating self-exploration and a deeper understanding of problems. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed which would otherwise be difficult to talk about.

Art therapists facilitate a creative way for individuals to connect with and express thoughts and feelings that are difficult to communicate due to the person’s age or challenging experiences such as trauma, cognitive issues or physical health conditions. Through the use of art-making, discussions and reflections on the artwork, and relationship building, art therapists support individuals in problem-solving, developing insights and self-awareness, improving self-esteem, managing stress, and enhancing interpersonal skills.