Jackie Ferris
Art Therapy for Self-Esteem, Relationship Challenges and Anxiety
Art Psychotherapist Intern | (She/Her/Hers)
Jackie helps overwhelmed but ready-for-change humans use art therapy to explore emotions, unlock creativity, and reconnect with who they truly are.
Contact: jackie.ferris@niilowellness.ca
In-Person Counselling for: All Individuals (aged 10+) Pre-Teens, Teens, Young Adults & Adults
Primary Focuses: Self-Esteem, Relationship & Interpersonal Challenges, Life transitions & feeling stuck
Main Therapy Modality: Person-Centered Art Therapy
Language Spoken: English
Accepting New Clients
Free 15 Min Introductory Sessions Available
Reduced Rates with a Niilo Intern are:
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Individual 1 hr Session: $80/hr
Scroll down to learn more about further sliding scale or free art therapy options with Jackie.
Who Jackie Helps...
If you’re someone who doesn’t consider themselves “an artist”, but you think it could feel nice (and maybe even fun) to intentionally explore and create with various art materials while learning more about yourself in the process, Jackie might be the therapist for you. Jackie works with pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, and adults who are navigating emotional challenges, identity shifts, relationship struggles, or who are feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns. Her clients work with her not because they want to create something “beautiful”, but because she provides a welcoming, non-judgmental space for expressing unfiltered emotions, thoughts, and feelings through the process of art-making. Come as you are, messy, awkward, quiet, loud, tired, weird, and know you’ll be met with warmth, humour, and radical acceptance.
What Therapy is Like with Jackie...
Therapy with Jackie is collaborative and responsive, guided by your unique needs, challenges, interests, and goals. Some days you may splash paint around to release big feelings; other days you may work with images, metaphors, or mixed media to help uncover deeper insights. You don’t need to know what to make, or how to make it, Jackie is there to offer gentle support, and provides everything you’ll need. Sometimes the creative process and product spark deep, meaningful conversations, other times, words aren’t necessary because the marks you’ve made say it all.
Why Art Therapy Matters...
Sometimes, thinking and talking just doesn’t cut it. That’s where art can help. Whether you don’t know where to start or you don’t want to talk about it, art can do the heavy lifting for you. Art therapy can reveal what’s happening beneath the surface, offering new perspectives, emotional release, and even unexpected breakthroughs. It invites curiosity, discovery, comfort, and connection, without any pressure to make beautiful pieces of art (though it could happen!). If you’re going through a shift, navigating difficult relationships, or wanting to understand your emotions, Jackie welcomes you into a creative space for self-discovery and gives you the permission to play.
When Is Jackie Available...
A mix of Day and Evening In-Person Appointments including Weekend Availability:
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Monday Evenings
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Tuesday Daytime
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Saturday Mornings
Other Concerns / Issues Jackie Helps With...
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Psychosis
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Emotional regulation
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Communication Skills
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Loneliness
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Boundaries
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ADHD & Autism / Neurodivergence (diagnosed or not)
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PTSD and Trauma
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School Refusal and Behavioural Concern
Other Therapy Modalities Jackie Uses within Art Therapy...
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Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
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Gestalt
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Psychoanalytic
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Mindfulness
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Attachment Theory
Certification Info...
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Student Art Therapist at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT)
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Graduate Level Art Therapy Diploma
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Bachelor of Arts, Honours Degree in Studio Art and Psychology from the University of Guelph
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Under the supervision of a Registered Creative Art Therapist Supervisor
Additional Info...
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Jackie is the Mentor and Founder of Comrade Morpho, a social-emotional mentorship program for youth in Guelph
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) with LivingWorks
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Mentoring for Youth Mental Health certificate from Fordham University & Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring
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Certified in Developmental Relationships from Search Institute
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Volunteer Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters Guelph
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10+ years of marketing in the Radio Broadcasting Industry
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Advertising Diploma from Georgian College
Art Therapy Session Cost...
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As a Psychotherapy Intern, Jackie is able to offer clients No Waitlist as Interns typically have more available session times until they fill their client caseload
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Niilo Interns also offer Low Session Rates to make counselling more financially accessible and to stretch out Health Benefits Insurance coverage.
Reduced Rates with a Niilo Intern are:
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Individual Session: $80/hr
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For those who do not have Health Benefit coverage for psychotherapy or if the Intern Reduced Rate is still a financial barrier preventing clients from seeking care, Niilo Interns offer further sliding scale rates, including free counselling sessions, however these spots are limited. It is not required for clients to prove their need for a reduced rate, just email us, and let us know the rate that you can afford - if that is $10 then so be it!
Email info@niilowellness.ca to inquire if a sliding scale or free therapy client spot is available with Jackie.
To learn more, reach out to Jackie at jackie.ferris@niilowellness.ca
To book your first session, including a Free 15 Minute Intro Call...
Articles & Resources by Jackie
