Our Circle

Rayna Chatha

MCPAT, RCC

(She/Her)

Hi, my name is Rayna, and I’m glad you’re here.

I graduated from Adler University with a Master of Counselling Psychology in Art Therapy. My work integrates talk therapy and creative expression in ways that feel both grounding and illuminating, offering multiple pathways for insight, healing, and self-connection.

I am deeply passionate about hearing each individual’s story and tailoring our work to your unique needs and experiences. My approach is rooted in deep listening, empathy, and my own lived experience. I believe therapy is a collaborative space where I serve as a compassionate sounding board, supporting you in developing a deeper and more meaningful relationship with yourself. I am dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can arrive just as you are.

As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) myself, I am especially committed to supporting other HSPs in feeling seen, heard, and validated. I understand firsthand how overwhelming the world can feel, and I offer a gentle, attuned approach to help you move toward greater balance, clarity, and serenity.

Questions & Answers

What inspired you to become a counsellor?

Growing up, I faced my own challenges with mental health, often struggling to understand why I felt different from others. Through my personal counselling and healing journey, I came to realize that self-understanding is a powerful and transformative process. I also learned that finding the right therapist can be a difficult task, and I am committed to providing more individuals with opportunities for healing. Supporting others as they discover their own paths to self-awareness and well-being is a journey I’m passionate about.

What drew you to art therapy / your therapeutic approach?

As a young child, I always gravitated towards art-making. I found peace and serenity in the process, immersing myself in the joy of creating. Time would slow down, and I felt a sense of freedom and uncensored expression. As I grew older, I realized the therapeutic benefits that art brought to my life. This realization inspired me to pursue a career as a counselling art therapist. My goal is to support individuals in their journey of self-discovery and healing through art, believing that the ability to create and find solace in art is a gift we all possess within.

Growing up, my own experiences shaped my passion for working with children. In school, I often noticed that art was overlooked, and there were few opportunities for children to learn how to cope with their emotions in creative ways. As a highly sensitive child, I was often seen as simply well-behaved or quiet, rather than truly understood. This led me to develop a deep appreciation for the importance of creating spaces where children feel seen, heard, and valued. Today, I am especially passionate about supporting children through art, offering them a safe and expressive outlet to explore their emotions, build confidence, and feel understood.

What has being a counsellor taught you?

Being a counsellor has taught me that healing is not a final destination, but an ongoing and evolving process. It often unfolds in waves, with moments of growth, setbacks, and constant understanding. I have learned that one of the most powerful aspects of therapy is simply being present, listening deeply and bearing witness to each individual’s story with care and respect.

Before becoming a counsellor, I held the belief that therapists were people who had all the answers and had everything figured out. Through my own training and experience, I have come to understand that we are all human, each carrying our own challenges and complexities. I believe that my lived experiences and personal growth enhance my ability to connect with others, allowing me to meet clients with authenticity.

Who do you call in through your work?

As a Highly Sensitive Person myself, I provide an attuned and empathetic space for other HSPs. I understand how overwhelming the world can feel and support you in building self-compassion, boundaries, and a more grounded relationship with yourself.

I welcome women from the South Asian community, as well as those exploring cultural identity, family roles, and intergenerational experiences. I offer a culturally responsive space that honours the complexity of navigating multiple identities while creating room for your own needs, voice, and values.

I also support individuals experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional overwhelm who are seeking deeper self-understanding. Our work may include identity exploration, strengthening self-care practices, and using creativity as a way to process and express emotions.

In addition, I work with children ages 6–12, particularly those who are highly sensitive or experiencing anxiety. I create a warm, creative, and supportive environment where children can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and develop confidence through art.

What is your cultural background, and how does it shape your work?

My cultural background is a blend of Punjabi and Gujarati heritage, and I was born and raised in Canada. Growing up connected to both cultures gave me a strong appreciation for different traditions and ways of life, while also creating an experience of feeling caught between two cultural worlds. As a second-generation immigrant, I understand the challenges of balancing cultural expectations at home with Western values in wider society. This experience has shaped both my personal and professional perspectives and influences how I see and engage with the world.

How do you approach spirituality in your work?

I was raised in both Sikh and Hindu traditions, which provided me with a rich cultural and spiritual foundation. While I don’t consider myself strictly religious, these experiences have shaped my values and outlook on life. Over time, I’ve come to identify more with being spiritual, finding meaning and connection in the broader concepts of mindfulness, compassion, and inner growth rather than in formal religious practices. I am accepting of all individuals, religions, and practices, regardless of how prominently they are integrated into therapy or daily life.

How do you hold space for others?

I believe deeply in the power of human understanding, and this is always my first priority before integrating any clinical modalities. I view you as the expert in your own life, while I serve as a supportive resource alongside you on your journey. My approach is gentle, compassionate, and collaborative, allowing us to build a therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable, supported, and truly seen.

I am here to listen with empathy and curiosity, taking the time to truly understand your story. Once we have explored your experiences and clarified your goals, we can begin thoughtfully shaping a plan that aligns with where you want to be. Our work together is a living, evolving process, one that welcomes change, reflection, and unexpected turns along the way.

Art is a central aspect of my therapeutic approach. I use art-making as a gentle and accessible way to explore emotions, deepen self-awareness, and access parts of your experience that may be difficult to express with words alone. Art offers a slower, embodied form of exploration and can support insight, emotional release, and self-realization. No artistic skill or experience is needed, only openness to curiosity and creative exploration.

What ongoing learnings and trainings have shaped your work?

• Education Stream, via Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Support Group Facilitator Training, via Alzheimer’s Society BC
• Art Therapy Training
• Mindfulness Practices

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

Engaging in this work together means entering a therapeutic space that is intentionally calm, gentle, and attuned to your needs. I prioritize creating an environment where you can slow down, exhale, and feel safe enough to be fully open, free from judgment or pressure. This is a space where you are invited to arrive exactly as you are and take the time you need to reflect, explore, and make sense of your experiences. I approach our work with compassionate listening, seeking to understand your story at a deeper level. Together, we move at a pace that feels supportive and respectful, allowing insight and healing to unfold naturally. I am here to support you in this process, offering thoughtful reflections, emotional support, and gentle guidance as you navigate your journey toward greater self-awareness, clarity, and connection.

When working with children, relationship building is at the heart of my approach. I work gently and patiently to ensure they feel safe and can build trust at their own pace. Progress can be subtle, and children may take time to open up, so it’s important to trust the process and recognize that growth unfolds gradually. By honoring their individuality and providing consistent support, I aim to create a space where children feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their experiences with confidence and resilience.

What should I know about working together?

Working together is a collaborative and gentle process rooted in mutual commitment. Our work is most meaningful when there is shared effort and intention. I bring presence, care, and clinical knowledge, and invite you to engage with openness both in and between sessions. I invite openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage in the therapeutic journey, trusting that meaningful growth unfolds in its own time. I understand this work can feel vulnerable, and I strive to meet you with care, patience, and flexibility.

We will always move at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful of your needs, adjusting as necessary along the way. I believe creativity exists within everyone, and you do not need any artistic experience to engage in art therapy, only an openness to exploring materials and techniques as another way of expressing, understanding, and connecting with yourself.

Do you take notes during session?

Yes, I do take notes during our sessions. This helps me capture important details, themes, and insights from our conversations so that I can support you more effectively and thoughtfully over time. Note-taking allows me to ensure nothing meaningful get overlooked.

What should I know before beginning this work together?

I believe there are many misconceptions about therapy being a quick fix. Progress takes time, and healing is not linear; it comes with twists, turns, and a unique pace for every individual. You will get out of the process what you put into it. While I may not always have every answer, as I am learning and growing right alongside you, I can promise that I will always do my best to support you and honour your story. My commitment is to show up with genuine curiosity, compassion, and respect as we explore your experiences together. We will navigate this path collaboratively, with openness and mutual understanding.