Erin uses a non-judgemental, person-centred approach to art psychotherapy. She incorporates traditional psychotherapy with a creative element, and encourages curiosity, creativity, and self-compassion.

Erin has an inclusive practice and works with teens, young adults, adults, and seniors and offers sessions in-person (Calgary, AB) and on-line. Erin has been described as “compassionate, gentle, accepting, and knowledgeable.”   Erin is a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), and a student member of The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA). She has earned a postgraduate, masters level Art Psychotherapy diploma from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT), and a Fine Arts bachelor’s degree from the Alberta University of the Arts. Erin is also an art educator and teaches and provides support for her students seeking private and personal growth with their drawing, painting, and ceramic skills. Erin is a visual artist.



Issues that can be addressed with art psychotherapy:  ·      Grief and Complicated Grief

·      Anxiety

·      Depression

·      Trauma

·      PTSD and CPTSD

·      Intimate Partner Violence

·      Stress and change management

·      Relationships

·      Self-compassion and self-care

·      Women’s (Feminine) Issues

·      Inclusive and open practice

  “I believe that the expression of art and creating belongs to everyone and that it holds space for unity, growth, and healing. Art is a language, and it is everyone’s fundamental right to express themselves in this language. Art helps us to be seen and heard and there is no skill or talent required to be received in this language. Art is a safe place and an ally, and its connection with art therapy is a way for us to feel, examine, and express that which cannot always be understood in words alone.” -       Erin Gartner

Erin uses a non-judgemental, person-centred approach to art psychotherapy. She incorporates tradi... Read More

Eryn is a registered nurse with over 18 years experience in labour and delivery. She has completed her studies at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy in Art Psychotherapy. Eryn has a passion for working in women’s mental health at all ages and stages of life. Eryn wants to help women conquer their anxieties and fears around delivery and bridge the gap between pre-labour and postpartum depression/anxiety.

“It’s important to have realistic expectations going into the labour room and taking the time to process the reality of what happened when you are on the other side. Art is a beautiful way to heal and mend the soul.”

Eryn is in good standing with a student membership in the Canadian Art Therapy Association, and the Canadian Counseling Psychotherapy Association, while currently transitioning to professional in both. As well she is in the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta.

Eryn is a registered nurse with over 18 years experience in labour and delivery. She has complete... Read More

Nurture Nest welcomes Cynthia Gardner, founder of ALOFT Art Therapy, Inc. as part of our growing national network of talented art psychotherapists and healing professionals. Her work is grounded in person-centered psychotherapy and attachment theory with additional training in the Expressive Therapies Continuum.

Cynthia works online with individuals experiencing anxiety, caregiver fatigue, depression, digital dependency, depression, eating disorders, grief, loneliness, stress & burnout and trauma. She has helped facilitate many Art Hive events within her community and currently works with seniors in the Durham Region (Ontario).

She is a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) – where she volunteers on CATA’s Standards of Practice Working Group. She is currently applying for registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). In 2023 she graduated from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. Prior to her art psychotherapy studies, Cynthia worked as a writer and communication strategist in Canada’s financial services sector. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a diploma in Journalism.

Cynthia founded ALOFT Art Therapy, Inc. in 2023, on the lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Williams Treaty Signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations. She lives in the Durham Region of Ontario with her family and dachshunds. She is a passionate gardener and textile artist whose ongoing artistic education includes pottery instruction at the Haliburton School of Arts and painting courses at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD).

Nurture Nest welcomes Cynthia Gardner, founder of ALOFT Art Therapy, Inc. as part of our growing ... Read More

“Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in psychology from Quest University Canada. She furthered her education by receiving a postgraduate, masters level Art Psychotherapy diploma from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT). Additionally, Kayla is a Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). With a focus on dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD, Kayla brings a unique understanding and approach to her practice. Kayla empowers young people, helping them cultivate a strong sense of self-confidence across various domains of their lives. Drawing from her knowledge of art therapy techniques and her deep understanding of neurodiversity, Kayla creates a safe and supportive environment where her clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through artistic expression. She believes in the transformative power of art as a means of communication and self-discovery, offering her clients a non-verbal outlet to process their feelings and navigate the complexities of their neurodiverse identities. Through her compassionate and individualized approach, Kayla is dedicated to helping neurodiverse individuals unlock their full potential and embrace their true selves. Taking a multisensory and client-centered approach, Kayla ensures that her clients’ needs are attuned to when working together. She loves helping clients make meaning with symbols and creative expression. With her colleagues and clients, Kayla develops learning and healing experiences that are fun, creative, and engaging for everyone.”

“Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in psychology from Quest University Canada. S... Read More