Meet Nika
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 am delighted to be opening up my art therapy practice in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, and am a human to two mischievous felines.
In my practice I am client-led, which means that while I will bring many ideas and suggestions I always encourage the client to feel out which ones resonate most for them. I am inspired by polyvagal theory, depth psychology, 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 relationship to art has been healing as long as I can remember. My mother loves telling a story of when I was three years old. I just had an adenoids operation, and was alone when I woke up. I started crying and crying. When we got home I went straight to my little art table, and it was only after I started painting that my tears subsided. Throughout my teenage years art was a dear companion as I navigated various mental health challenges, and it has been there for me time and time again. Recently my art practice has mainly involved painting a tarot deck which you can find on Instagram @nika.shadowdancer. For more information on bringing tarot to therapy click here.
Before becoming an art therapist I was a school teacher for ten years. My time as a teacher deepened my understanding of children and the challenges they face. During this time I would often joke with my students that they were the teachers and I was the student. And while I love teaching I also felt inspired to learn more, which led me to complete WHEAT institute's Art Therapy diploma program. For more information on my work with children and youth click here,
I have been deeply committed to anti-colonial and anti-capitalist community organizing for the past 16 years. For more information on offerings related to this please click here.
My education includes a Bachelors of Arts from Trent University, a Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching diploma from the Rudolf Steiner College of Canada, and an Art Therapy graduate diploma from the Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. 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