Meet Nika
About me:
My name is Nika Peters. I am genderqueer and use they/them pronouns, have Greek and Jewish ancestry and am anti-colonial and anti-zionist.
I believe that:
- everyone holds their own key to healing and transformation.
- we all have innate wisdom.
- the practices of art-making can be incredibly supportive to healing journeys.
- the structures in this society: capitalism, colonization and all structures of oppression, are built upon and perpetuate cycles of trauma.
- we live in times of grief and stress as we face the various ecological and climate crises, the housing crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, on-going colonial violence and displacement, and more.
- we are being asked to dive deep into ourselves to meet these times with full hearts, to reach towards liberation. Many of us need new tools to do this.
In my practice I work collaboratively with clients to see what mediums and approaches work best for them. I bring an emphasis of liberation of self intertwined with the collective and am here to support clients in cultivating their own inner-knowing and self-compassion while navigating these challenging times. I am inspired by polyvagal theory, depth psychology, Internal Family Systems theory, and mindfulness and embodiment practices. I have had a meditation practice for the past 20 years and always work to support the client in cultivating their sense of self-compassion.
My education includes an Art Therapy Graduate diploma from the Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, a Bachelors of Arts from Trent University, and a Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching diploma from the Rudolf Steiner College of Canada. As well I have training in Restorative Circles, a transformative justice process. I am a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association and abide by their standards of practice found here: https://www.canadianarttherapy.org/standards-of-practice
Before becoming an art therapist I was a school teacher which led me to deepen my understanding of children. For more information on my work with children and youth click here.
I have been deeply committed to community organizing for the past 16 years. For more information on offerings related to this please click here.
Interested? Email me with any questions you might have.
What I offer:
Online Art Therapy Sessions
Online art therapy can be a great fit for people who live farther away, who enjoy the comfort of their home, and who might prefer not to travel during this time of Covid-19. We meet for 60 minutes on a telehealth platform and work with what art supplies you have at home. I will often have suggestions of supplies you can pick up, and it is amazing what art supplies you can find at the dollar store!
In Person Art Therapy Sessions
I offer in-person sessions at our beautiful studio in Bridgetown, NS. Featuring a gorgeous view of the north mountain, available mediums including clay work, painting, drawing, eco-art, collage, handwork, and a little nook made for younger people.
Sliding scale
All sessions are sliding scale $90-$140.
Cultivating trust and safety is a top priority of mine. Email me to set up a free 20 min consultation to see if we might be a good fit for one another.
Want to know more about art therapy? Click here