Marnie Herlands ATR-BC, LCAT (she/her)

Psychotherapist, Art Therapist

I have a passion for helping individuals of all ages to heal, grow and thrive. As a registered and board-certified Art Therapist, licensed creative arts therapist, and certified yoga teacher, I strive to provide a safe supportive space where you can express yourself in a way that feels authentic to you. My approach is compassionate, person-centered, holistic, and strength-based and my intention is to aid individuals in discovering, reawakening, and living their best self. I have experience working with a range of ages from adolescents to young adults to older adults, many of whom were or are coping with issues related to stress and anxiety, trauma, depression, relationships and communication, caregiving, coping skills, change, and other life challenges. No matter our age, circumstances or past we all have the capacity to grow and heal!

I chose the field of art therapy because art is an accessible form of self-expression for many people and can be a platform for communicating emotions even when words may be difficult to find. Art offers us a way to externalize what is happening internally in a tangible way, which can be cathartic and healing. And whether you have art experience or not, the benefits can be just as profound. I also became a yoga and meditation teacher after experiencing how these ancient healing practices help to relax the nervous system, regulate emotions, develop mindfulness and self-awareness, and strengthen connections to self and others. This may look like starting a session with mindful deep breaths to get centered or ending a session with gentle seated stretches to help transition back to daily life.

I utilize supportive, dynamic, humanistic, trauma-informed and cognitive behavioral modalities. And while we may primarily talk in sessions, we also have a range of expressive outlets to choose from if you want to use them. Whether we are talking, making art, gently stretching, or taking an introspective pause for mindfulness, meditation or deep breathing, my aim is to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be. Together, we can discover what works best for you to access what is seeking expression from within.

I am offering sessions virtually and look forward to sharing this journey of integrative and creative psychotherapy with you!

Some of my personal passions include yoga, photography, spending time with family and friends, dogs and cats, and learning and experiencing new things!

“Marnie was incredibly warm and supportive. She immediately made me feel comfortable and safe during sessions, in a space that felt judgement-free, at a time where I was at a low point and feeling really vulnerable. I felt like it was easy to open up about how I was feeling. She helped me realize how often I am really hard on myself, and to cultivate a greater sense of awareness and coping skills. She talked me through a difficult job transition that was much needed, and I feel infinitely better having been able to make that life change. She was always very responsive to my e-mails and flexible with scheduling. I also appreciated the breathing exercises we did at the beginning and end of the sessions to help ground and transition, and exploring art as a therapeutic tool.”