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"Ms. Coulombe is an individual who can make a difference. She is open-minded, strong, and pedagogically superior. I cannot think of another individual I would seek out to support my children or the children of my closest friends. This is the highest compliment I can give." (reference letter excerpt, School Administrator, July, 2016)
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“I take away with me a feeling of relaxation and appreciation for myself and
learning about a new way to do art to feel good.” (Sixteen year old after 3 sessions, 2017)
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"Karen was very focused yet adaptable in working with my son. While helping him realize an overall set of goals, she was able to adjust and redirect him in sessions so that he could appreciate step-wise successes along the journey. It is clear that this is her passion and that Karen comes from a place of deep caring."
(Parent of a 10 year old, February 10, 2015, after his final session.)
*****
"The counselor at [his] school mentioned that he has demonstrated a real improvement in his ability to discuss his feelings over the last few months. I've noticed a real difference too in terms of some of his language around feelings. I'm happy for him."
(Parent, November, 2015, after her child's 8th session.)
*****
"Thank you so much. She has really settled into herself, trusts herself and uses dialogue more and is content generally."
(Parent, October, 2014, after her six year old child's 8th session.)
*****
[She] has emerged more confident and both shows and practices an awareness of helpful problem solving."
(Parent, after her six year old's final session, November 2014.)
*****
Our six year old was struggling with an anxiety concern. She was stuck, easily triggered and was becoming regularly temperamental. As parents we explored and practiced many techniques to help her regulate, process and take healthy exposure risks. But after a while it become evident that our own worries about her creating unhealthy patterns needed some support for deeper work. For years we have known about Karen's gift of connection to children through art, so she was our top choice and we were so happy she had space to work with our child.
After thorough conversations about the issues, background and the approaches Karen uses, our child felt very happy to make the choice to trust Karen, believing they could clear out unhelpful worries and come out the other side feeling equipped and confident. Karen's ability to create a calming, creative space to transition into deep work is an art in itself. In spite of the intense work they both found smiles and the growth was palpable each session.
The results are still assisting us today. The concern is something our child faces nearly every day (as it was a peer related issue) and although life is not without its thorns, our kid can more independently manage interactions and residual feelings well. We're so happy to have moved past that time with such loving, professional support. Our child agrees: " I went to Karen's Art Therapy. It was awesome." Thank you Karen for the magic you weave."
(Parent testimonial, March 14, 2015)
A few months ago, I found myself rather stuck with too many options and not knowing which vocation I wanted to pursue next. I was lucky enough to be pointed (and given a little nudge) in Karen’s direction by another one of Karen’s satisfied clients. Karen is one of those people who listens fully with their heart and mind wide open. She listened intently as I laid out the cards that I had in my hand. She observed, mirrored and fed back my story and the feelings that were attached.
ReplyDeleteThe magic of feeling heard and understood was at play and it was easy to relax and surrender as she led me through an exercise that allowed me to describe and physically locate (in my body) with all senses engaged, the answer to my question “what do I really I want to do next?”
I could see, smell and feel the answer and know that it was good and right for me.
In less than an hour, I felt a strong sense of urgency to start moving in the direction that became so very clear. Karen then helped me to identify some practical next steps and I felt reassured that I could return to this personal “place” she'd helped me to find, anytime I might feel the need to check in.
Quite remarkably, Karen and I were on opposite sides of this great planet when we had our session together. It was a little tricky to find just the right time to connect online but Karen was flexible and accommodating.
Thank-you Karen!!
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