Introducing Kaitlin

Introducing Kaitlin

Art Therapist

I am a Professional Art Therapist and Counsellor​

As a Canadian Art Therapy Association professional member, I hold a Masters Equivalent diploma in Clinical Art Therapy and a BFA double major in Studio Arts and Education. I have worked with children, teens, adults and seniors. I have facilitated art therapy groups with women experiencing homlessness, and adults with various abilities (including Down syndrome and Autism). I have also worked with clients at the Eric Martin Pavilion’s Trent Street psychiatric outpatient Open Studio Art Therapy program at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC as well as facilitated the Open studio therapeutic arts Art Hive program, and individual art therapy sessions at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. 

Contact Kaitlin

I am a Professional Art Therapist and Counsellor​

I am an Art Therapist and Art Educator with a Master’s Equivalency in Clinical Art Therapy from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy, and a BFA Specialization in Art Education from Concordia University and am currently working with the Bateman Foundation facilitating Eco-Art Therapy. 

I have experience running an Art Hive, working with groups, and individually with children, youth and adults. Additionally, I have worked with women experiencing homelessness, adults with various abilities, and clients in psychiatric outpatient treatment.

My passion for mental wellness and facilitating Art Therapy and Eco-Art Therapy sessions with individuals and small groups drives me to be a strong advocate in promoting a healing and reciprocal relationship between human beings and nature.

Art Therapist

My Journey to Becoming an Art Therapist

My Journey to Becoming an Art Therapist

personal growth
Artwork by Kaitlin McManus

Ever since I was a young child, I have held great interest in art. Creating and being in relationship with nature provides me with a peaceful strength. I was first introduced to the idea of therapeutic arts during one of the most turbulent periods of my life, in which I suffered greatly with anxiety.

This sent me on a journey exploring my emotions, and stressful life situations, through artistic creation. I began to work through my stress and episodes of deep sadness using art. This was a time of exponential growth and acceptance for me. Little by little, I began to discover that I was able to achieve a sense of calm through the act of creating, and was able to give physical shape and colour to my suffering. 

personal growth
Artwork by Kaitlin McManus

Ever since I was a young child, I have held great interest in art. Creating and having a relationship with nature provides me with a peaceful strength. I was first introduced to the idea of therapeutic arts during one of the most turbulent periods of my life, in which I suffered greatly with anxiety.

This sent me on a journey exploring my emotions, and stressful life situations, through artistic creation. I began to work through and episodes of sadness using art. This was a time of exponential growth for me. Little by little, I began to discover that I was able to achieve a sense of calm through the act of creating, and was able to give physical shape and colour to my emotions. 

inner strength

Creating art enabled me to observe my emotions outside of my body, and identify and safely explore the feelings that I was experiencing. My newfound power of creative processing and expression fundamentally changed my life. Expressing my emotions through art and spending time in nature has become paramount to my wellbeing. 

As a certified art teacher, I wondered how I could share this process with others who could benefit from it as I had. I decided to become a Clinical Art Therapist and share my discovery of the healing power of art with others. As an Art Therapist and Counsellor, I have been a witness to many life changing moments of self growth, improvements in mental health, and increased self-compassion in the lives of those who have allowed me the privilege to support them on their journey. I am continually humbled and inspired by the resilience and inner knowledge that my clients reveal to me. I am grateful to my clients for sharing their unique journeys and life stories with me.

inner strength

Let's embark on this journey together.

I invite you to reach out, if you have any questions, or would like to explore working together.

Contact Kaitlin

Let's embark on this journey together.

I invite you to reach out, if you have any questions, or would like to explore working together.

Contact Kaitlin