Hailey Beitz (she/her)

DTATI, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Meet Hailey

Hello, my name is Hailey. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and an Art Therapist.

I’ve always had a passion for helping others and combining that with the creative process of Art Therapy truly brings me joy.

As a creative soul I am naturally drawn to different forms of art and can spend hours exploring a variety of mediums.

In 2023, I earned a Master’s Level Diploma in Art Therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and completed a thesis titled An Autoethnographic Research Study of an Art Therapist: A Self-Reflective Art Practice.

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working with various clients and I truly feel honored to hold space for individuals wherever they are on their healing journey.

My Approach

The therapeutic space will be tailored to each client’s goals.

I strive to support the development of strengths, confidence, and self-awareness through creativity. The focus is on using the creative process in a way that feels authentic to each client, emphasizing the process of creating art rather than the final artwork.

During Art Therapy sessions, I adopt a client-focused approach that integrates mindfulness, strength-based techniques, and trauma-informed principles to tailor sessions to each client's specific needs. I firmly believe that every individual is inherently capable and possesses the tools within themselves. With my guidance, clients can discover and articulate these tools, finding ways to interpret and understand their feelings in the present moment.

Mindfulness in art therapy involves integrating mindful awareness practices with the creative process. It encourages clients to stay present and non-judgmentally observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they engage in art-making. This approach can deepen self-awareness, enhance emotional regulation, and foster a sense of calm and grounding during therapy sessions.

Mindfulness

Strengths-Based

Strength-based approaches in art therapy focus on leveraging clients' strengths and positive qualities for healing and personal growth, prioritizing these over challenges. Through creative expression, clients explore and showcase their strengths, enhancing self-esteem, resilience, and empowerment to navigate difficulties and achieve therapeutic goals.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

CBT approaches in art therapy integrate cognitive restructuring and behavioural techniques with creative expression to address psychological issues. Clients use art-making to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviours, exploring visual representations and alternative perspectives. This approach combines CBT principles with art therapy to develop and foster insight, develop coping skills, and achieve therapeutic goals effectively.

Trauma-Informed

Trauma-informed approaches in art therapy create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered and respected, acknowledging the various impacts of trauma. It emphasizes safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. Trauma-sensitive techniques such as grounding exercises and emotional regulation through art, empower clients to process trauma, build resilience, and heal in a supportive setting.

“When words are not enough, we turn to images and symbols to tell our stories. And in telling our stories through art, we find pathways to wellness, recovery, and transformation.”

- Cathy Malchiodi

Perks of Working with Hailey

  • I love using a variety of art supplies! This means that In sessions I provide a selection for clients to choose from based on how they are feeling in that moment. 

  • I'm naturally a curious human being, which serves me well as an art therapist. Creating a safe space for clients to work in allows for me to share that curiosity with individuals and model how it allows us connect with ourselves on a deeper level, providing an enlightening experience.

  • I have personal experience navigating anxiety and depression, using the creative process to explore my inner world and make sense of my experiences. This has given me a deep appreciation for this creative outlet, enabling me to assist others as they explore their unique journeys.

Outside the Therapy Room

Outside of the therapy room, I spend time with my two cats and immerse myself in creating art, where creativity truly flows through every aspect of my life.

I enjoy experimenting with various art mediums like water colour, acrylics, chalk/oil pastels and a variety of collaging materials.

In the summer, I enjoy going on road trips accompanied by upbeat music and occasionally pausing to explore a food truck along the journey.

During the fall and winter seasons, you'll find me cozied up in a fuzzy blanket with my cats, either enjoying a TV series or lost in a painting. 

Education & Credentials

Master’s Level Diploma in Art Therapy, The Toronto Art Therapy Institute

Bachelors of Arts & Science, Lakehead University

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, #14516

 Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) #70235944.

Trainings

The Art Hives Spring 2021 Institute 3 Part Online Training Series through Concordia University ( March 2021)

Kids Grief Summit - PESI (January 2024)

Anxious Grief, Strategies for Working with the Missing Stage of Grief - PESI (January 2024)

Finding Meaning in Loss: The Sixth Stage of Grief - PESI (February 2024)

Anxiety Certification - PESI (February 2024)

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you go; they merely determine where you start."

- Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy