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
nika@fireflyarttherapy.com Find me on Instagram @fireflyarttherapy
Copyright © 2023 Firefly Art Therapy - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.