Fulltime Diploma Graduate

1990 – Ireland

My training at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute has enabled me to work in a variety of disciplines - psychotherapy, adult education, the arts, community development, social research, project management and marketing - all areas contributing to the well being of people striving to represent their lives and aspirations within a more inclusive society.

Art therapy is an integrated practice, which addresses the expression of potential through a commitment to spontaneous creative activity. It is a medium of communication which illuminates the art of human development. As a career it never ceases to inspire - witnessing the unfolding of growth so vividly through colour, texture and form is a testimony to the capacity of people to generate hope, ideas and discovery.

I am currently bringing together my approach to interdisciplinary art therapy practice through the development of my own business called Groundswell, an art therapy and education service linking culture and nature programs. Groundswell offers psychotherapeutic and arts services to individuals, families, community groups, schools, and statutory agencies using the concept of the garden or nature as a landscape for personal and cultural expression.

- Pamela Whittaker

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