My Approach
Therapy That Meets Your Needs
No two people heal in the same way, and you shouldn’t have to fit into a box.
We’ll look at what’s taking up too much space in your life and what hasn’t been getting enough of it, using the methods that feel most helpful for you.
Explore My Methods
Art Therapy
Sometimes, life feels too heavy or complicated for wordss. I love using art because it lets us bypass the “thinking” part of our brain and tap into what’s actually going on underneath. You don’t need to be an artist—we aren’t making a masterpiece; we’re just making space for your inner world to show up.
How we might use this: You might begin by doodling or using colors to represent how you’re feeling. We can examine patterns in your art that reveal deeper emotional themes. It’s often in those little doodles where we find the biggest “aha!” moments.
Narrative Therapy
We all have scripts in our minds about who we are. Narrative therapy is a way for us to look at those stories together and see if they still fit who you are today.
How we might use this: If you feel stuck in a role that’s draining you, we’ll look at where that story started and start writing a new one that actually honours your boundaries and needs.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
When the world feels too loud or anxiety kicks in, your body feels it first. EFT (or “tapping”) is a simple, physical tool where we gently tap on specific points to help your nervous system shift out of that “high alert” mode.
How we might use this: If a certain memory or worry feels overwhelming, we’ll use tapping to dial down the intensity so you can feel a bit more steady and centered.
Mindfulness
It’s so easy to get pulled into “what ifs” or past regrets. Mindfulness is just about gently bringing yourself back to the present moment. It helps us notice thoughts without letting them bowl us over.
How we might use this: We might use a quick breathing exercise or a visualization to help you find your “balance point” when things start to feel like too much.
Psychoeducation
I’m a big believer that “knowledge is power.” When you understand how your brain and nervous system are trying to protect you, it’s much easier to let go of shame.
How we might use this: I might use a simple diagram or a metaphor (like an overactive smoke alarm) to explain why your body is reacting to stress, so we can work on bringing it back to safety.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Healing from the trauma requires a lot of trust and safety. I’ll never push you to go faster than you’re ready for. This is about you regaining a sense of control over your own story.
How we might use this: We’ll focus on what feels safe and manageable today. If exploring a certain topic feels like “too much,” we pause and ground ourselves before moving forward.
Transpersonal & Jungian Perspective
Sometimes, the images we create in art therapy have a magic of their own. Drawing from Jungian ideas, we look at the symbols and archetypes, like the “healer” or the “shadow,” that show up in your inner world.
How we might use this: We might look at a recurring symbol in your art to see what it’s trying to tell us about your journey or your connection to the bigger world around you.
Anti-Oppressive Lens
You don’t exist in a vacuum. Society, culture, and external expectations play a huge role in how we feel. I make sure we acknowledge those pressures rather than just looking at what’s inside.
How we might use this: If you’re struggling with people-pleasing, we might look at the societal norms that taught you to ignore your own voice, helping you reconnect with what feels authentic to you.
Finding What Works for You
Whether we’re using a paintbrush, tapping through a tough moment, or rewriting an old story, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. Each of these tools is just a different path toward the same goal: helping you feel more like yourself again.
Want to Learn More About How I Can Help?
Choosing a therapist is a big decision, and it’s so important that you feel comfortable with the person sitting across from you. I’d love to hop on a quick, Free 15-minute Consultation to hear a bit about what you’re looking for and answer any questions you have. It’s a low-pressure way for us to see if my approach feels like the right match for your journey.
(she/her) | Art therapist
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Simi Chepal
You are the expert on your own life. My role is to offer a gentle, compassionate presence and the structure needed to understand, process, and shift what’s been shaping your story. I believe therapy works best when we slow things down and look at what has been taking up all the space in your life, and what hasn’t been getting enough of it.
My approach is shaped by my background as an emergency nurse and my own path as a creative person. This allows me to offer a unique blend of calm, clinical grounding and intuitive, creative support, no matter what you’re going through.
get to know me
Ready to Begin?
You’ve been carrying a lot, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
I offer a Free 15-minute Consultation so you can share what’s been coming up for you, ask questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.
