About Me
Hi there, I’m Katlyn
I create space for people to connect with God and others through online art therapy spaces.
I believe making art is a powerful way to express and process emotions, connect with and hear from God and other people because I have discovered this in my own life.
I have always felt emotions strongly, ever since I was a kid. They would feel like a raging fire within me which felt overwhelming. I would often hide my emotions because I didn’t feel safe expressing them. That didn’t help me get them back to a steady, manageable burn (my blue flame). I found out it wasn’t about hiding my emotions but about expressing them in good ways so that they may burn at a manageable level.
Art has always been one of the supports that has helped me express my emotions. When I have made art and been seen by others in a supportive space, it has been powerful for my healing.
God speaks to me through the art I make. This has allowed me to find hope, solutions, healing and rest from the things that ail me. Because of this experience I now provide safe spaces where others can express themselves creatively, be witnessed by God and others and find healing through art.
Wherever you are in your relationship with God, whether it’s been a while since you talked, whether you have church hurt, or you are fairly close to him but want to connect in a different way, you’re welcome here.
If you are curious to know more about me, art therapy, and how to connect with God through art follow me on Instagram.
If you would like to chat more with me about art therapy, how 1:1 sessions look, my methods and views, book a free video call with me and we can chat about it.
If you’re seeking one-to-one art therapy, group art therapy or want to join a free workshop check out my services page below.
My Approach
I offer a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to art therapy for individuals and groups. This means how I hold space in a session is by listening to the client, help the client find their own interpretations of their art, allowing the client to lead in what they would like to talk about. I am always learning and love for the art therapy sessions to suite what you would like as the client. I see each person as a unique individual with their own life experiences and story.
I often use mindfulness and breathing exercises with clients who experience anxiety or emotional dysregulation. When working with adult clients I offer plenty of freedom and spontaneous art directives to allow relevant unconscious content for the client to come up. I believe the unconscious is a part of the way God made our brain. I believe it shows us inner conflicts which when processed can help us learn and grow. Often the way the subconscious can come up is through art, dreams and stories.
Depending on the populations and client needs, I use techniques ranging from structured to spontaneous art making in the art therapy space.
My Experience
I have professional experience working with pre-teens (ages 8-13) in a school setting, seniors with dementia, young adults in universities, and adults online.
I have personal experience in …
- a lack of freedom and enjoyment in making art (also known as artists’ block. Often due to pressures from attending art university or working as a professional artist)
- Anxiety and depression
- Learning self-compassion
- Living with ADHD
- Church hurt
My Credentials
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
Art Therapy Diploma
Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, Alberta
Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree, Majored in Drawing
Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta
Fine Arts Diploma
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Blue Flame Art Therapy wishes to honour and acknowledge that I live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). Additionally, acknowledge the Métis Nation of Alberta, specifically Districts 5 and 6. Also known as Calgary, Alberta.
Have Questions?
If you would like to chat more with me about art therapy, how 1:1 sessions look, my methods and views, let’s chat over a free 30 minute consultation.