Finding your Safe Harbour
Welcome to Safe Harbour Expressive Therapies - a place where creativity is a tool for self-expression and self-discovery.
The arts can help you find your voice when you can't quite put difficult experiences into words.
Thank you for taking the time to visit this site!
Express yourself!
At Safe Harbour Expressive Therapies, we realize that sometimes, words aren't enough. Started in 2014, this was the first practice on Newfoundland’s west coast to offer expressive therapy—a creative and compassionate approach to counseling. Expressive artmaking can be a powerful tool to help you explore your experiences, build a positive identity, ease anxiety, and support personal growth.
Offering a range of personalized therapy options designed to meet your unique needs, you'll be guided through a therapeutic process that blends psychology with creativity. Whether through art, music, movement, or writing, you'll be encouraged to express feelings that might be difficult to put into words. This hands-on, collaborative approach known as expressive arts therapy can help you better understand yourself, moving toward better overall health and well-being.
Art therapy services
In-person therapy
Offering in-person expressive art therapy (individual and group) for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. These 30- or 50-minute sessions provide a safe and confidential environment to explore feelings, come to terms with past experiences, and build a more positive outlook :)
You'll discover the therapeutic benefits of hands-on creativity with the guidance of a trained and experienced therapist.
Art supplies are included in the session fee. No art experience necessary!
Online therapy
For people who can't attend our physical locations. These sessions are encrypted and PIPEDA compliant to ensure confidentiality. Individual or group sessions available. By engaging in art therapy online, you can connect with a qualified therapist while in the comfort of your own home.
You can use your own creative materials (it can be as simple as your own imagination!), or explore suggested online expressive resources. You also have the option of purchasing an art kit. No art experience necessary!
Other therapy options
Art therapy sessions over the phone, by encrypted email or through encrypted text offer a unique and accessible way for you to engage in the artistic process from the comfort of your own space. This flexible approach can be particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules, or who prefer a more private setting.
You can use your own creative materials (it can be as simple as your own imagination!), or explore suggested online expressive resources. You also have the option of purchasing an art kit. No art experience necessary!
Professional Development
As a healthcare or education professional, learn about how you can use the arts safely and effectively with individuals from a registered art therapist. CECs may be available to qualified participants.
Art therapists who intend to pursue an RCAT (or Registered Canadian Art Therapist) credential may wish to reach out to discuss potential supervision. Individual, dyadic, and group supervision available.
Sign up for our mailing list to learn about upcoming workshops and group supervision dates.
Meet the art therapist
Sandra Hewitt-Parsons (RCAT, EXAT, ND, PhD(c)) is a registered art therapist, Disability artist, published author and the founder of Safe Harbour Expressive Therapies. As one of the first art psychotherapists in her region, Sandra is passionate about supporting mental health in her province.
A survivor of a major childhood stroke, Sandra truly believes in the healing power of artmaking. Drawing on a person-centered, culturally sensitive and trauma informed framework, she invites you to participate in a variety of expressive techniques designed to promote your own potential. Sandra specializes in supporting people who are going through major life changes, and might be struggling with post-traumatic stress, grief and loss, as well as anxiety.
Contact us
Location
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada