/Sandra's bio

linked in.png

Sandra Hewitt-Parsons is an art psychotherapist, published author, guest lecturer and workshop presenter. As the first art psychotherapist in her region, and in addition to her private practice, Sandra has also pioneered several art-based programs in rural areas on the west coast and the Great Northern Peninsula.

  

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 clients to participate in a variety of multimodal techniques designed to promote their own potential. Encouraging expression more so than verbalization, Sandra specializes in supporting people who are struggling with issues such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, dissociation as well as grief and loss. Recently certified in Guided Drawing and Trauma Tapping, she continues to expand her knowledge of body focused modalities. 

 

Clients may be able to receive reimbursement for Sandra’s services with most Canadian insurances.  

​

Education

EXAT candidate                                                                                           March 2021 - present

Trauma Informed Expressive Art Therapy Institute• Louisville, Kentucky, US

Training for the credential of Expressive Arts Therapist (trauma informed)

   

Art Therapy Masters                                                                                    Sep 2012 - May 2015

Kutenai Art Therapy Institute • Nelson, British Columbia, Canada           

Included 1500 hours of practicum training with seniors, teens, children and people with severe and persistent mental health challenges. Graduated with honours (with thesis component).
 

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Honours)                                                  Sep 2007 - May 2011

Grenfell Campus, Memorial University • Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada          

Completed Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with honours (with thesis component).

​

Specialities

  • Trauma-informed care

  • PTSD

  • Grief and loss

  • Anxiety

  • Child development

 

Skills and Certifications

  • Trauma Tapping Certification (Peaceful Heart Network) – January 2021

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

  • Mental health first aid Certificate

  • Registered with the Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Canada (ACNN)

​

Other Experience
Guest Lecturer and Conference Presenter

Guest lecturer and presenter at various conferences and educational institutions since 2006, including:

  • Memorial University of Newfoundland (Grenfell Campus, St. John’s campus)

  • NSCAD (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

  • Kwantlen Polytechnical Institute (Richmond, British Columbia)

  • Artabilitation Conference (Esbjerg, Denmark)

  • Various Canadian Art Therapy annual conferences

​

Regional representative

  • FACT-NL – Canadian Art Therapy Association representative for Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Provincial Creative Art Therapies Working Group (West coast representative)

​

Canadian Art Therapy Association Committees

  • Served on various national committees since 2012

  • Current national advocacy chair

  • Upcoming conference committee chair of the Canadian Art Therapy Association National Conference, Corner Brook, Newfoundland (October 2021)

​

​