CREATIVITY,
CONNECTION & WELLBEING

Thriving in the midst of life

Wellbeing through making

It always amazes me, what can happen when we slow down and connect to our body and to the natural world.

I offer art therapy sessions and workshops drawing on mindfulness and eco-psychology. We make with natural materials as well as western art supplies. Sometimes the invitation is to make art on a particular theme. Sometimes the invitation is to a particular kind of movement.

No art skills are needed: the focus is on the process as much as the resulting creation. The act of making becomes a way to be in relationship with ourselves and the world we are part of, an act that can bring care, insight and growth.

Your Art Therapist

Hi, my name is Karen Fraser Gitlitz (she/her).

I am a person of northern European ancestry and a professional art therapist. I received my Diploma in Art Therapy from the WHEAT Institute (Feb ‘23) and I moved to the Saanich Peninsula on southern Vancouver Island in the summer of ‘24.  

I am committed to creating an environment where you feel seen, valued, and safe enough to show up as yourself.

 My approach is rooted in respect for each person, honouring your values and the complexities of identity, culture, community, and personal experience.

 I recognize that there are many inequities in our society and I hold space for equity-seeking individuals by offering 2 sliding scale sessions per week.

 Recognizing that healing is both personal and collective, I am dedicated to fostering a practice that is anti-racist, anti-colonial and trauma-informed.

 I am grateful to live and work on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. I honour the original intent of the Vancouver Island treaties, to share the land, not cede it.

  • Karen is a kind, clear, generous and gentle facilitator. Her invitation to explore myself and my relationship to the land in creative and expansive ways is still with me two years later.

    Community workshop participant
    (used with permission)

Item 1 of 4

Offerings

  • Artwork with curving forms and bubbles rising, in blue, green and ochre watercolour and crayon

    Individual Art Therapy

    Personalized sessions meet you where you are at.

  • Hand holding a phone, with 2 laptop screens in the background

    Online Art Therapy

    Flexible, secure virtual sessions using the Noustalk platform.

  • White hand holding driftwood, with beach stones and driftwood in backdrop

    Art Therapy Outdoors

    Personal or group sessions at a park or natural area using eco-arts and land-based processes.

  • Coloured notebooks and coloured pencils on a wooden table

    Community Workshops

    Casual, welcoming experiences for anyone seeking insight, relief or self-discovery through art making.