Biography
As a mother of two busy toddlers, I realized that returning to the corporate world of graphic design wasn't the right path for me. Hence, I took the advice of friends and traded my computer mouse for a paintbrush and a corporate boardroom for an atelier. In 2005, I started teaching art classes in my backyard studio and discovered a passion for working with children. "Whenever I hosted playdates, I'd get the kids to create something fabulous. Friends encouraged me to teach art classes, so I went for it, starting with a three-week session of summer camp," I said. "I'm grateful to be doing what I love: working with kids and creating art."
With a background in illustration and fine art and a degree in Graphic Design from OCAD University in Toronto, my experience as a graphic designer included designing logos, identities, collateral, websites, and branding for corporate clients like Ironside Technologies, IBM, Scott Paper, and Sprint Canada.
In 2005, I opened Picasso's Garage, a studio dedicated to inspiring creativity. What started as a three-week summer camp blossomed into a thriving art school offering three 11-week-long after-school art classes five days a week, along with an additional annual five-week-long summer camp session (2014-2018). My loyal following of students returned year after year. "They are a constant source of inspiration and have challenged me to broaden my knowledge of art history. I'm so grateful for a job that doesn't seem like work most of the time," I said.
Enrollment in my programs has flourished over the years. Over 600 students explored more than 300 different artists through my classes across time, thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied parents and students. Demand led me to expand into a larger venue at Toronto's Evergreen Brick Works during the summer camp months (2014-2018). Children who attended my summer camp were immersed in creative projects inspired by various artists and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. In addition to three-and-a-half hours of hands-on, artistic expression, my students benefited from the tranquil natural surroundings of the Brick Works.
In 2017, I expanded Picasso's Garage services by offering art-based psychotherapy. Due to the pandemic restrictions in 2020, group art lessons were no longer feasible. So, I have since shifted my focus exclusively to providing individual art therapy for children and youth facing challenges related to parental separation or divorce, childhood anxiety, and childhood depression. Using imagery, color, and shape as a part of this creative therapeutic process allows children to express thoughts and feelings that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.
Through my studio, I strive to nurture creativity as a way to improve children's mental health. I believe that being creative is integral to a prevention model, actively promoting artistic expression in my studio and community. My commitment to inspiring creativity has earned me recognition and accolades, including being named one of the top five "Things for Kids to Do This Summer" by Toronto Life Magazine (2016) and a top ten "Best Summer Day Camps in Toronto" by SavvyMom.ca.
As an art therapist, I have the privilege of working with individuals of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. While my expertise initially centred around supporting children experiencing anxiety, depression, self-regulation issues, and social or behavioural changes related to their parent's divorce, I have expanded my practice to encompass a broader range of clients and challenges. For children, art therapy can help them express their emotions in a safe and non-threatening way. For teens, it can be a tool for self-discovery and identity formation. And for adults, it can provide a space for reflection and healing.
My art therapy practice is deeply rooted in a Humanistic approach, which aims to facilitate self-exploration and understanding. Through the creative process, individuals can express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a non-verbal and therapeutic way. This unique approach not only allows for a deeper exploration of their inner world but also provides an outlet for personal growth and healing, offering a transformative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
In addition to addressing specific challenges such as anxiety, depression, and self-regulation issues, I strongly believe in the power of nurturing creativity as a proactive measure to improve mental health. By actively promoting creative expression in my studio and community, I empower everyone to take control of their mental health, finding joy and healing through the arts.
My approach to art therapy includes a psychoeducational component that focuses on skill-building. This aspect aims to strengthen resilience by equipping individuals with practical tools and strategies for managing their emotions, enhancing self-regulation skills, and fostering personal growth. This component is integrated into the creative process, ensuring that the therapy is both expressive and educational.
Claire Nicholls, DTATI, RP, RCAT
Registered Canadian Art Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist
