Peggy Clarkson, MA

Peggy strives to create a sense of balance by weaving clinically sound practices in her work to facilitate social change. Peggy thrives in leadership and community development opportunities and has developed and adapted curriculum in multiple sites including child sexual abuse and trauma training in complex trauma-dual diagnosis facilities. She has presented at various international conferences on trauma and art therapy, including Budapest, Hungary, Vancouver, B.C. and Honolulu, Hawaii.

With thirty years of direct experience across acute, clinical, and community care, Peggy has devoted most of her career to Indigenous health. Her approach draws on trauma-informed practice, values-based leadership, and capacity-building models, together with an ongoing exploration of self within decolonial practice. She has created art therapy programs and community art studios that honour the health, traditional knowledge, and resilience of remote communities such as Haida Gwaii and Waglisla (Bella Bella, BC), where she once lived on reserve.

Teaching remains closest to Peggy’s heart. A graduate of Concordia University’s art therapy program in Montreal, she remembers mentors who made her feel seen and guided her toward best practices. Their example now shapes the learning spaces she facilitates, where students and teachers model, reflect, and grow together in the inner work of becoming art therapists.

From her studio in North Vancouver, Peggy’s clinical work and her painting practice are deeply woven. She nurtures her well-being through kayaking, yoga, art making, and caring for friends and family.

Credentials: BA, MA

Registries and Associations: ATR, RCAT, RCC