Our Circle

Miranda Bakonyi

Intern Counsellor and Art Therapist

(She/Her)

Hi, I’m Miranda! It’s wonderful to meet you.

I am currently a graduate student at Adler University completing my Master of Counselling and Art Therapy. My approach to therapy synthesizes talk therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness. These areas of focus have made profound impacts on my life and are deeply meaningful to me. As a highly sensitive person myself, I understand the challenges of living in a world that often feels like too much. 

As a client, you can expect genuine warmth, curiosity and support as we get to know each other and work towards your goals. I am committed to cultivating a space where you feel accepted in your authenticity, no matter how you may be showing up in each moment. I value intuitive means of healing and believe that each of us hold the power and strength to grow and change in meaningful ways.

Below are some common questions about my work and approach.

Questions & Answers

What inspired you to become a counsellor?

Living in a highly polarized world can often make disconnection with the self and our surroundings feel like safety. I have experienced many of the struggles that this can bring. At the same time, I wholeheartedly believe that our challenges can be a unifying force for positive change. My own ongoing practices of self-exploration and self-compassion, particularly through artmaking, have allowed me to reconnect with the authentically whimsical and passionate parts of myself.

I feel passionate about understanding the unique stories and perspectives that others bring to the room – this has inspired me to connect with people through conversation and art. I am wholeheartedly committed to joining you on your unique journey towards a greater sense of ease and connection. I am here to hold space for how you are authentically showing up – especially when things feel challenging.

What drew you to art therapy?

I believe that creating is a process of becoming. Co-creating with the present moment through art has allowed me to connect with myself and my intuition in profound ways. It’s been such a meaningful portal towards embodiment, play, and learning. Having the privilege to witness the art process with clients – and the way it can offer insight and emotional release – has been extraordinary.

Although talk therapy is valuable, sometimes, it can be difficult for language to fully capture the ambiguity and nuances that exist in our inner world. Art can be a wonderful way to connect with the parts of us that can’t always be put into words.

What types of clients do you work with?

I welcome a range of clientele from youth to adults. My therapeutic work focuses on those struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, perfectionism, setting boundaries, and interpersonal relationships. However, these challenges can be more complex than meets the eye and may bring up other things in therapy. I am committed to meeting you and providing support wherever you’re at in each session.

How do you approach spirituality in your work?

To me, spirituality feels like coming home. Spirituality has opened doors to feeling a profound sense of humanness, connection, presence and wonder in my life. My belief in the interconnectedness of all things deeply impacts my sense of wellbeing and my approach to counselling. However, I understand that one’s relationship to religion and spirituality is highly personal. Although I have never felt connected to a specific religion, I welcome all spiritual, religious and cultural perspectives with compassionate curiosity.

What is your approach to counselling?

My approach to therapy is integrative, meaning I will draw from different models of counselling to best suit our work to your goals, experiences and needs. At its core, my approach is relational, collaborative, and person-centered. This means that I recognize and value the healing potential in the wellbeing of our relationship. I believe that you and I are a team in working towards whatever feels important to attend to in each session. I look forward to getting to know you and in empowering the unique strengths you hold towards change. 

Do you take notes during the session?

Yes, sometimes I will take notes during our sessions. Notetaking helps ensure that I am capturing the most important and meaningful parts of what you are sharing. In turn, this helps me draw connections between what you share so that I can best understand, reflect and serve your needs and goals.

Is there anything else a prospective client should know about you?

As a counsellor in training, I am learning and growing alongside you. Like any human, I am imperfect and may make mistakes. I am always open to feedback about how our sessions are going, including if something is not working for you or if there is something you would like to change about our work together. Despite this, I will always do my best to meet you where you’re at.

I believe that everything in life is a practice, and that learning, growing and changing often take time. I am here to support you through this incredible journey, including all its ups, downs, twists and turns.