Keith has been working in the field of mental health since 1990, and as a licensed mental health professional since 2004. As an expressive arts therapist, he works with visual arts, textiles, poetry, movement, drama, and somatic awareness to support healing and growth. He has extensive experience working with people healing from experiences of trauma, abuse, neglect, and the ongoing effects of colonization and marginalization. 

Philosophical Foundation

I believe that creativity is an inherently human feature. I express my creativity through visual arts, music, and gardening. You may express your creativity through cooking, fashion, writing, or dancing. Whatever your particular outlet, I know through both my personal and professional experiences that creativity is the path to recovery, healing, growth, and wellbeing. Whilst I know that the ‘talk therapy’ part of my practice is valuable and may be a necessary starting point for you, I also know that working creatively in and between sessions can dramatically increase the effectiveness of our work together. And, no, you do not need to have any experience with the arts to engage in expressive arts therapy. I am also a nature-based therapist, and I am always open to taking our time together into the woods or bringing the natural world into the studio space. 

Professional Background

Keith has been working in the field of mental health since 1990, and as a licensed mental health professional since 2004. Originally from the UK, he has an MA in Archaeology & Anthropology from the University of Cambridge, an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy from the Metanoia Institute (part of Middlesex University), and a clinical PhD in Expressive Arts Therapy from the International University for Professional Studies. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor & Approved Clinical Supervisor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, a Registered Canadian Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association, and a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. 

Therapeutic Approach

As an expressive arts therapist, I work with visual arts, textiles, poetry, movement, drama, and somatic awareness to support your healing and growth. I have also practiced yoga and meditation since I was in my teens and integrate many mindfulness practices into my work. I have extensive experience working with people healing from experiences of trauma, abuse, neglect, and the ongoing effects of colonization and marginalization. This also includes helping people heal from concurrent issues such as problematic substance use, compulsive behaviours, eating and food-related disorders (including body image issues), self-harming behaviours, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. I offer individual and group therapy as well as consultative services to loved ones and caretakers where necessary. Above all, my hope as a therapist is to support people to rediscover pleasure, beauty, and meaning in their lives.