Jodie Petruzzellis | Art Therapist & Sexual Health Educator

Hello, I’m Jodie.

MEd, RCC , DVATI

Registered clinical counsellor and certified art therapist in Squamish BC.

I have been in the helping profession for 17 years in a variety of settings. I have been both the client reconstructing my own story and the guide helping others. I have been a teacher, sexual health educator and a counsellor in schools both locally and internationally, working with children and youth of all ages. I have also worked at various inpatient addiction treatment centres with adults, adolescents, and families.

Counsellor for Children and Families in Squamish

My Process

My therapeutic foundation is built on attachment theory with a fundamental belief in the power of a deep understanding of one’s Self and connection to others as a conduit for greater overall health. During the last 10 years I have worked with a variety of people who have taught me the value of community, family, spirituality and culture in the role of healing. I am grateful for their teachings which has allowed me to consciously work from an anti-oppression and inclusive framework.

The creative process engages people on all levels (emotional, physical, mental and spiritual).

They can then witness what is not working by seeing challenges in new and unexpected ways. Through the trust of the therapeutic relationship, we can work to shift and expand on these new perceptions. This process can be intimidating for some, who think, “I’m not an artist” or “I can’t draw”. Great, then you have no preconceived idea of what something “should” look like. Once you get comfortable with the process, you will learn to let go.

Working with Children and Youth

I believe all children and youth want to do well if they can but don’t always have the ability to communicate or fully understand what they are experiencing internally. I offer play and art therapy services for children and youth in order to help them access information that may be otherwise difficult to speak about face to face. Using various mediums of art, play and sandtray I provide a safe container where children, often through metaphor, can express emotions, recreate a powerful healing narrative and explore solutions.

Registered Clinical Counsellor in Squamish

Working with Adults

Investing in yourself can happen at any time. We are highly adaptive beings and our ability to learn new information, form new bonds and change behaviour can begin at anytime throughout our lifespan. I use different counselling modalities depending on the needs that present in session. I also use art therapy with adults if they are open to incorporating the creative process into their work, as the creative practice in itself can bring about new solutions, boost confidence and reduce anxiety.

Working with Families

Families are systems are an organized whole with interdependent members. Like a finely tuned machine, family systems have develop patterns and collective behaviours that are not always healthy or helpful. During family therapy, everyone is seen and heard. In the therapeutic space families can explore roles, rules and behaviour patterns in order to identify issues that contribute to conflict and find creative ways to work through the presenting concerns. Art therapy can be used in family therapy if they choose to incorporate art making as a means to communicate and resolve conflict.