Lora McNeil RCAT, MTC, BFA

Registered Art Therapist | Master Therapeutic Counsellor | Artist

Story

Welcome...I am so glad you're here.

Offering Individual Art Therapy & Creative Art Workshops for youth/adults, Online and In-person from my studio nestled in the forest on the unceded lands of the K'omoks First Nations otherwise known as Courtenay, BC.

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Individual

Art

Therapy

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My Upcoming Workshops

Youth & Adult

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Monthly Journal Club

One month, One page, One drawing

Come Join us

Who is in the Club?

This space is full of a wonderful group of humans interested in self discovery. You will meet Artists, Art Therapists, Poets, Professionals, Retirees, Mothers, Elders, Gardeners, Neurodiverse, LGBTQ, and Shamans to name a few. All are welcome here.
Why join the Club?

This space is for those who might be seeking: to return or discover your creative potential learn how to journal as a self care practice- we are not here to make pretty pages but learn to truly express to decompress. improve your mental wellbeing through releasing stress, anxiety, depression be welcomed to a wonderful, supportive creative community Accountability of a group to keep showing up for yourself.
Do I need to be Artistic?

Not at all! We are not here to create pretty pages although sometimes that happens. This process of journalling is focused on the process over product. For example, we may feel blue today and incorporate the colour blue into our page that day as a place to be curious about our felt sensations. Our page is a place to explore our feelings, thoughts or simply sink into the catharsis of making marks.
Do I need to show up for the LIVE group?

Not at all. A recording of our activity will be available all month for you to access when you are ready.

This is where all my sessions begin.

Regardless of age, gender or reason that brought you through the door. A felt sense of safety is integral to healing. Why? Simply because If you don't feel safe your nervous system won't let you open to something new.

Here is an example:
Have you ever had anyone try to help you when having a break down and they keep repeating Your ok? Do you believe them? Probably not.

See safety isn't a thought. You can't think your way safe. Safety is a feeling that resides in the body. To establish safety we have to feel our way there.

This is why I love Art Therapy. We don't need to talk it out, we can draw it out..moving the body with rhythmic strokes, dance or sing our way there, gather and nestle into materials that FEEL safe to touch. The feeling state is a lot more accessible when we stop trying to apply logic to it. Spend a little less time in our mind and sink with safety into our body.

I will be covering some tools to help us FEEL safe in my upcoming Soundscapes Workshop. May 30th. Won't you join us in feeling a whole lot better.

#arttherapy #somaticarttherapy #healingjourney

I want to paint this. I heard this statement deep in my heart when this image popped up in my feed. It isn't mine. This is not my life but I think I may want it to be.

The inspiration we find or simply hang on our walls are often something we may want to echo or build in our life.

Take a moment today to see what you are surrounding yourself with or simply attracted too.

Could we deepen that connection?
Create with it?
Read about it?
Listen to it?
Visit it?
I wonder how that would feel?

Me, I am going to start sketching this image while pondering my next steps to make what I imagine...real.

#creativelife #createthelifeyouwant #manifestyourdreams #arttherapylife

I paired this video clip with a description of my practice from ChatGTP. Two forms of technology that feel eerily accurate at describing the dream I am trying to create. Do you think this feels like my practice? Gosh I hope so!

Question asked: If your therapy practice were a person...

They would be someone whose presence feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day—gentle, grounded, and deeply attuned. Their energy is calm but quietly powerful, like someone who listens more than they speak and says just the right thing when it’s needed. People feel seen just by being near them.

They wear soft, flowing fabrics—natural fibers in earth tones and muted blues or greens. Nothing flashy, but thoughtfully chosen: clothes that move easily with them and make others feel at ease. Perhaps a simple pendant or a handmade bracelet—something with a story.

Their appearance reflects comfort and clarity. Their eyes are steady and kind, with a gaze that encourages you to go deeper but without judgment. Their hands are expressive and inviting, whether they’re offering tissues, holding space, or guiding breath.

The surroundings match their spirit: A softly lit space with plants in the corners, shelves of worn books and healing stones, a kettle always warm. There’s a mix of structured calm and soulful messiness—like a space where breakthroughs and breakdowns are equally welcome. You might hear the faint sound of water, wind chimes, or quiet instrumental music in the background.

They carry a notebook, but it’s not rigid—it’s filled with sketches, notes, quotes from sessions or clients (with names removed, of course). Their work is intuitive but informed—blending science and soul, compassion and clarity.

Thank your for this amazing prompt @golemexpressivearts Very inspiring.

#arttherapylife #privatepractice #chaptgpt

We are really good at being hard on ourselves but when was the last time you were soft?

Honoured your fatigue
Laid on the earth to watch the sky
Closed your eyes and listened
Allowed a good cry
Daydream while humming

Sometimes the repair needed isn't to try harder but simply practice self compassion and meet yourself where you are at. This softness is often just the strength we need.

If you would like help softening, come to our Soundscapes Meditation on May 30th at the Studio. Partnering with Euphoria Sound Healing for a truly memorable night of art and sound therapy to reset and restore.

#selfcompassion #selfcare #soundhealing #comoxvalley

Is there anything better than Ducklings and Art? I brought Peaches to my online sessions today and boy did she spark some serious joy! Never underestimate the healing power of some art supplies, good internet connection and a cute duck.

#cohost #ducktherapy #animaltherapy #arttherapylife

Today in Canada we remember First Nations missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two spirit FN by hanging a red dress outside.

I was upset the day had snuck up on me and I didn’t have a red dress. Then I realised that I could still hold the energy in my heart by drawing the dress I wanted to hang in solidarity and support.

Today it became part of my journal page and that felt so much better than no action at all

#arttherapylife #mmiwg2s #smallactionsmatter

If you were to think of Art making as a Sport would you expect to be amazing on your first try? I bet not.

For some reason though we think that creativity is an inherited talent that you either have or don't have. Bollocks to all of that. Humans are inherently creative and what drives us to becoming excellent at anything is practice...not talent.

So are you going to be brave enough try? Sucking at something just means you are learning

#artforall #creativeexpression #arttherapy
#selfdevelopment

Stage two of daydreams becoming a reality in full effect. Having a space that welcomes you outdoors to create with nature as our muse. Garden dreams come next! Looking forward to growing this space with you.

Create night! Every second Friday night I open the studio for some creative playtime and it has introduced me to some truly amazing people.

I love the cross pollination of people, stories shared and openness found to try something new, old or forgotten.

We are building a community one brush stroke at a time. Come join us at the next one May 9th...all welcome

#comoxvalley #comoxvalleyevents

Share with me all the wonderful things you are not…
#arttherapy #selflove❤️ #createconfidence #mentalwellbeing

Sure you feel fine but do you feel joy?

Often when our capacity is low we shut down part of ourselves that feel big, unpredictable or just to much. This also includes our capacity to feel the good stuff too. We can get stuck there in good enoughness.

This is a reminder that we don't just attend therapy when things are bad but when we stop dancing, drawing, singing, playing and living in full colour. It is important to attend to our joy as much as our pain.

Not sure how? Book a Connection Call to see if Art Therapy just might be what you are seeking.

#arttherapy #creativityheals

Wishes for Earth Day! I love to up-cycle and this spring activity to create wonderful wish flags with old sheets always serves to uplift while rooting into purposeful action.

What would your wish flags hold?

They can be anything you envision, hope, dream and also act as a reminder of actions needed to make them a reality. It is amazing what old sheets, some watercolours and a bit of string can support becoming.

If you would like to make some together this will be one of the prompts at this Fridays Create Night. I have a dream to surround the studio with so many of these!

Not in the Comox Valley? There is a link on my Blog with instructions to gather your people and make your own.

#arttherapy #comoxvalley #createnight

I've journaled my whole life but it wasn't until I started Art Journaling that I felt a real shift towards what I was seeking.

I needed a place to practice being me. A place to make mistakes that are more boldly beautiful than I might allow in real life, to give playfulness a place of priority, to remember to wonder instead of struggling to understand. My art journaling practice helps me find...me

Now this is SO much easier said than done...so I started a Journaling Community to help me show up for myself, to cheer each other on and live a life more inspired. You might want join us? If any of this speaks to you, consider this your invite :)

Save this post to come back to or hop through to my website to learn more.

#monthlyjournalclub #creativejournaling #onlinecommunity

This is love. My wonderful husband @redpaddler built me a deck off the Studio for my birthday. It is better than any “thing” I can unwrap because this is an experience that keeps unfolding. Having morning coffee with the woodpeckers, drawing in the sun, dangling my feet toward the upreaching grass, lounging watching clouds drift by…the deck just keeps on giving to me and everyone who visits here. So here’s to being truly seen and loved on this new trip around the sun. I can’t wait to see what it holds. #birthdaylove❤️ #arttherapylife #outdoortherapy

Sometime the best way to learn about something is to explore what it is NOT so I put some examples together to highlight some key points.

Let me know what surprised you!

#selfcaretips #selfcarethreads

Have you ever wanted to write your own story? This mini book may just be the place to start.

I love their size. There is something about small that just feels a lot more possible and less overwhelming. Precious really :)

Hope you enjoy the demo and start making your own. Keep it mini or stack them together to write all the chapters you need!

Happy creating and remember to save this reel for later!

#minibooks #createwhatyouwant #artdemo

Every time I open the studio door my heart does a happy dance. It is such a privilege to have a dedicated creative space to welcome all to grow inside.

Here is a garden growing on my window. Each week a new additional arrives, organically, as people feel called to create them and I feel so lucky to have space to let it thrive :)

#feelinggrateful #therapyspace #artforall #arttherapylife

I rushed into the studio today to find space in my calendar. Rather than filling that void with my eternal catch up list, I sunk into the stillness.

This is a different kind of work. The rest that less can provide to unwind into our mind and body. It is harder to achieve than we may realise because we have been trained to fill every moment of our life with more.

Try it. Simply 5 minutes of intentional stillness in your day to be you… no fixing, no improving, no achieving but finding comfort in our own skin.

#mindfulnesspractice #arttherapylife #nervoussystemregulation

Close your eyes with me and allow yourself to sink for a moment into stillness. Take your time here...

This morning my mind is awash with the colour palette of a sunrise. Soft and glowing. This is what I need to create with today. The simplicity of echoing the inside, outside onto the page.

What do you see? Could you create it today?

#arttherapy #mindfulmoment #createfromtheheart

Welcome to the Studio shadow felt like a good reminder to share what happens here :)

I am Lora, Registered Art Therapist and Master Therapeutic Counsellor who loves to create spaces to connect with our creativity in meaningful ways.

This could look like Individual Art Therapy @ the studio or Virtually. Covered under most health plans within Canada.

You might want to join a workshop or group? I run various Therapeutic Art Workshops weekly, monthly and randomly at the Studio or Virtually for all ages.

Seeking a Creative Community? Monthly Journal Club is my virtual Art Journaling community that is rather amazing and growing in awesomeness with each new member.

These are a few of the things that happen here. Which are you most curious about?

#arttherapist #creativecommunity #artheals

Join me in a mindfulness practice to calm the nerves in our busy day.

Why this helps?

First to slow the heck down and take breath. We often charge forward to get all the things down but is it really an emergency or could we enter our world with a bit more awareness and presence

Second to signal to our most likely activate nervous system that we are indeed in a safe space. Looking around you while noticing nothing to be on alert for allows our body to step down our stress response and relax.

Try it. Try it with your kids, partner, friends as just another normal start to your day.

#mindfulnesspractice #slowingdown #bepresentinthemoment

When did you stop playing?

Trauma doesn’t have to be a big event but is often the result of many micro events that freezes us in place. The majority of us are living in a survival state just managing our lives. Noticing a lack of play in you or your child’s life is a good indicator that some supports might be needed.

Art therapy is a wonderful bottom up approach to turning that light back on. Learning how to feel safe in our body and our world in ways that words might not allow. We are SO very good at staying stuck in our heads when often what we need is not to understand but simply feel again.

Creative play can lead us there...

#arttherapy #traumarecovery #feelbetter

Setting up for the start of Spring Creativity Club.

This series theme is inspired by Nature. Today we will be making a river of Creativity to lean into playful connection with the environment and each other.

Youth will explore colour theory, alcohol inks, their unique emotions and lots of time outdoors in this beautiful spring sunshine.

If you live in the Comox Valley and would love to explore Art from an Expressive Arts Lens get in touch. I run many workshops for Adult/Youth and am taking names for the May Creativity Club Waitlist.

#comoxvalley #comoxvalleyarts #creativecommunity #arttherapylife

Our first Create Night was a blast! So many interesting connections, creations and new friends found.

What is Create Night?

It is a place to create together, bring your own creation or try out one of the prompts to inspire. Enjoy gathering in an art studio with access to a wide array of creative materials to play, get curious and try new things.This is a non-instructional, hang time to build connections in real time as we create with our hands and hearts.

Looking forward to many more come!

Next gathering is family friendly. Come do something different with your Friday Night.

#createcommunity #comoxvalley

We know being creative is good for us but isn't it so hard to find the time, will, or energy to just do the thing? These body doubling sessions are here to support you taking a short creative break each week in Creative Community because isn't it easier to do things together?

Offering short 30 minutes Zoom Sessions at various times/days throughout April.

Be greeted with some mellow background music, a creative prompt in the chat to inspire or go your own way. This is non-instructional space to simply BE with each other and take the time to unwind in creative play. No sharing needed.

Won't you join me?

By donation.

Monthly Journal Club members this is a perk of your subscription. Look inside the community to RSVP.

#creativecommunity #meditation ##MindfulMoments

Have you felt your feelings today? Try this simple reflective exercise to tune in and connect.

With everything going on in the world, it can be so easy to disconnect and not feel anything at all. Our art can help us step into hard places in ways that might feel more possible.

Give this activity a try and see if you might just learn something new about yourself today.

#arttherapy #feelyourfeelings

What if we didn't create to keep? Our art still has a lot to teach us far past simply being created. What about the unbecoming?

This is an area of creation we don't give much attention. But there is such soft beauty in the dissolve. When we allow non-attachment we rewire our relationship with creativity. Unlearn what we have been taught as being valid.

How cool that we can witness what letting go looks like. You know what? It's kinda messy, rather ugly, incredibly slow but eventually it disappears leaving a space for something new. Practicing letting go, teaches us that change although hard is indeed possible.

This is how art can transform us from the inside out :)

#arttherapylife #artheals

It's time! Here's your gentle nudge to just do the thing you USED to do that made your heart happy. Dust off those art supplies, dig out that old guitar, put on your favourite song and allow your expression to ease some of what we hold. You do not need to be "good" at something for it to be so worthy of your time.

#expressyourself #mentalhealthmatters

Unplugging where Westcoast Expressive began was much needed medicine. Here’s to more sun, seas and adventures. #arttherapylife

I like to gather words that feel true. Write them down. Digest them until they roll off my tongue as truth. Here is a wee compilation of some ringing true these days.

Which did you need to hear today?

#believes #wordsofwisdom

Last day of sessions before spring break reset AND last day of the seasonal mural wall!

I love this ritual of leaving your mark for the season as a living mural that unites all that spend time in the studio.

Why do I do this?
To root into the seasons rhythm
To normalise therapy
To not feel alone
To provide a place connect
To witness change
and then let it go as we begin again each seasons change.

My clients run to this wall to see what has changed since last session, to discover their creations grow with others or simply feel seen. It is really beautiful to witness.

Check out how amazing it turned out!

#arrtherapylife #creativespaces

Did you know that your breath naturally deepens when you create?

It is one of the many reasons that the act of creation is so incredibly regulating for our body and mind.

Next time you pick up your newest creative endeavour take a moment to notice your breathe. You might even want to give a big ol' sigh as you begin.

Know that your urge to pick up your knitting, painting, drawing, dancing, writing, doodle... is actually an important part of your mental wellbeing and not a just a hobby.

Let's give it the space it deserves as a vital part of existence.

#artishealing #creativeselfcare #arttherapy

Best answer? A lot of everything.

The art therapy room is focused on supporting our curiosity and for everyone that material might look different. I love having a variety within sight to start the possibilities percolating with so much more tucked away to not overwhelm but wait to be called.

What material would you be excited to find here? I will make sure to stock it :)

#arttherapy #artheals #artmaterials

I took a moment today to feel the sun, swing my legs and feel gravity rooting me in place. It felt good. Just a wee reminder to find your pause today in these simple moments. #arttherapylife #selfcaretips

Sometimes your whole day can shift with the simplicity of a bobble. Jump to a new mental track, a new point of view or simply remember to not take things so damn seriously. Bobble on…

#arttherapylife #creativeselfcare

I love arts ability to help us through failure.

How often have you started out strong, just to feel defeated, disappointed, frustrated by what you created? This is actually a gift.

Sitting in discomfort isn't a place we often allow...not for long anyway. Art allows us to experience struggling in such safe ways. The world isn't going to end if our art doesn't please us BUT we get a practice run at that feeling. Get to know it, identify it and let our nervous system make friends with all those messy feelings we might avoid. THEN, find our way through.

Creating is vital to our learning, developing problem solving skills , emotional regulation and dreaming our ideas into being. Failure and all!
#arttherapy #artheals

Moms: When was the last time you played?

We spend so much time supporting our kids in their play time but rarely do we have our own. Yes, we go to the gym or those walks to keep our bodies strong but what about our mind?

This months Mothership gathering is all about play....with clay! One of the oldest and most supportive art materials in existence.

Come out and be guided to rest that motherload in our creations in playful ways. To be curious, increase our capacity while we laugh the night away with other moms needing the same.

Next gathering: March 16th, 6pm @ the Studio.
Cost: $30
(promo code @ check out if cost is a barrier)

Hope to play with you soon!

#comoxvalleymoms #comoxvalleyevents

Women show strength, grace, and quiet power every day. Some stories are whispered, some are bold, but all deserve to be celebrated, always.

Here are some creative ways to honour International Womens Day. I hope these ideas help bring us together to celebrate all that identify as female.

Feel free to share or save. Leaning into this conversation goes far beyond today.

#internationalwomensday #intentionalart #arttherapy

Just an average Friday sculpting brains in the studio.

One of the main motivators to opening my private practice was being able to show up more in my kids lives. Today really affirmed that decision.

We shifted gears to homeschooling this year for my son. The only reason I could do this was because I can create my own schedule. It is still far from easy but being able to sit here getting to be a part of his everyday feels like a gift.

So we made brains this morning because making is a vital part of understanding.Hope your friday is just as wonderfully weird.

#homeschoolife #beamaker #arttherapylife

A wee window into my journaling practice. One month, one page, one drawing.

This act of layering, taking the time to slow…investigate…wonder…as each month’s page emerges in its own time is just so dreamy. That feels like a vital space to hold these days. Finding our way to our light... to shine true. Feels like a necessary place to hold the line.

Birds sing to start the day, regardless of the weather and for today, I will too.

#monthlyjournalclub #artjournalingpractice #selfcareinplace

A wee flip through some of my Monthly Journal Club pages.

My play space to lean into wondering, wandering and processing all that my month holds.

Do you play with your creativity? Tell me all about it!

#creativecare #arttherapypractice

Working on making this space inclusive for all that want to be here. Now with three ways to join!

What the heck is Monthly Journal Club?

We are a group of folks that gather Virtually each month to journal as an act of creative care. This is not a space for pretty Insta pages- although sometimes beauty happens- Here we layer on the page, the messy bits, the feeling bits, as we move through the month around a central wellness theme. At the end of the month, we simply turn the page and begin again. One month, One page, One drawing.

Who would love this space?

Anyone seeking a creative practice that supports and nourishes you. Are you curious to see what your art might teach you about yourself? Then this might be the space for you.

LOTS more info on my website. If you are curious come check it out.

#artjournalingpractice #creativeselfcare #community #arttherapy

Today’s balancing act….

I do these watercolour meditations when overwhelm hits. This simple creation helps me find my centre and give form to the feeling. Teetering through the day with micro adjustments here and there hoping a wind doesn't come our way.

How many stones are you balancing today?

#watercolourmeditation #artmoment #overwhelm

The only wasted art supplies are the ones left in the tube. Be bold, get messy, let go and art your life.

#arttherapy #selfdevelopment

Often we come to therapy to “fix” what we perceive to be broken. Usually what is needed is simply a new perspective.

Our life is shaped by the lens we view it through. The choices we make, how we might view ourselves, the relationships we nourish using the tools we were taught.

Learning new skills to regulate, express, process can shift those old stories into a new light.

This is why we come to therapy. Not to fix for you are not broken but simply step into a truer version of ourselves with support along the way

#mentalhealthawareness #arttherapy

My new favourite way to spend a rainy Friday Night.

I love seeing adults play. Their eyes light up and glee surely follows. Lots of laughter at last nights Live Inspired Workshop creating our personalised Affirmation Cards. Pondering a series of Friday Night: Create & Regulate Events.

Would you like to come play in the studio?

#comoxvalleybc #comoxvalley #courtenaybc

Working on foundations today.

Often what holds us up the best is not pretty or perfect. It is made of stuff we do not show. Our grit, determination and mucky bits that allow ourselves to keep building, striving and becoming.

Curious what is holding you up today? #arttherapylife

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Lora McNeil RCAT, MTC, BFA

Welcome...I am so glad you're here.

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