Our Circle

Darcy Howe

Intern Counsellor and Art Therapist

(She/Her)

Hi there, and welcome! My name is Darcy.

I am currently in my second year of the Master of Counselling: Art Therapy program at Adler University. Before this, I completed my bachelor’s degree at Western University, majoring in psychology and minoring in studio art.

I have loved creating art for as long as I can remember and have always strived to take great care of those around me. Coming from a small town in Ontario, I have learned the value of community and connection. I believe the power of sharing our stories and creating together is a beautiful thing, and I look forward to the opportunity to do so with you!

As a highly sensitive person myself, I understand how it feels to be deeply attuned and connected to the world around us. I strive to bring this sensitivity – this strength – into my therapeutic approach. I believe you are the expert of your own experience, and I aim to help nurture and guide your insights and growth throughout our time together.

Below are a few questions to help you get to know me and my approach to counselling. I invite you to explore what working together might look and feel like.

Questions & Answers

What drew you to art therapy?

I was drawn to art therapy first through my love of art. It has always been healing for me, whether as a calming and meditative practice or an energetic and inspirational outlet. When I discovered art therapy, I thought it was wonderful that there was a way to share this healing power of art with others through a counselling practice. In my undergraduate studies, I fell in love with psychology too. I am fascinated by learning about the brain, how we think, behave, and feel. Therefore, art therapy is a perfect coming together of these two passions. But at the end of the day, I have learned that counselling comes down to the person beneath the studies, readings, or degrees. These are all built upon a caring, compassionate, and curious person that I strive to be beyond my education.

Who do you call in through your work?

I am most interested in working with adolescent, young adult, and adult women. I am also drawn to working creatively with those who struggle with self-confidence, self-image/identity, overwhelm and anxiety.

How do you approach spirituality in your work?

I was not raised within a specific religion or spirituality. As I have grown, I continued to discover my connection to the world around us and the larger forces at play. My relationship with art and creation has been the biggest influence on how I interact with nature, life, and beauty. I have always been drawn to the forests and lakes I grew up in, with the knowledge that they, too, provide sources of healing and inspiration when met with respect and an open mind.

If your own spiritual or religious beliefs aids and comforts you on your journey, I invite you to bring it into our sessions. Every facet of your identity is part of your story, and provides avenues towards your healing and safety. I am excited to learn what this connection looks like for you.

How do you hold space for clients?

I hold space for clients through the desire to simply be a comforting witness and listener. There is no pressure to speak, to share, to create, if it does not serve you or you are not ready. The space is there for you, and I consider it a privilege to share in it. I hope to provide comfort, understanding, and safety for anyone I am in conversation with. Sharing or opening up to someone is not always easy, even through art – and I believe trying is itself an act of courage.

What does it look like to engage in this work together?

Our sessions are collaborative experiences to find a way of working that suits you best! With a trauma-informed approach, trust and choice are always a priority. We will work together to find the right pace, our shared values, and the degree to which artwork fits into this process for you. We share this space with the artwork, and it is here for whatever you may need – an outlet, a means of expressing what you can’t put into words, a process of discovery, and more. Working with me does not demand perfection. We all, as human beings, continue to grow and learn within and beyond our sessions. My aim is to show up with authenticity, curiosity, and kindness (and a sense of humour when the occasion allows), so that you may feel comfortable doing the same in return.

Do you take notes during the session?

Yes, I do take notes in session. I want to make sure I am considerate and give our time together full attention. This also means taking small notes here and there so I can make sure important points carry over into the next sessions. I value what you bring to our space, and my notes help ensure nothing shared is missed or forgotten.