Hey, I’m Julie James! I’m the owner and art therapist at Black Dog Therapy but I’m also an artist, a dog mom, a sushi lover, and a traveller. I grew up on the coast of BC, and moved to Nelson 5 years ago to study at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute.

I believe that building a healthy relationship with your creativity is an essential part of holistic healing. Some people develop this connection early, while others discover it later in life. For me, the path to art therapy wasn’t linear. After years of struggling with my own relationship to art—feeling 'not good enough' and constantly seeking validation—I found my way to this profession.

I studied theatre in college, but it wasn’t until I discovered art therapy that I realized I could make art just for myself—simply because it’s fun and relaxing. Letting go of the pressure to create for others freed me to experiment, play, and take the time to repair mistakes. The art process is full of valuable lessons in patience, self-compassion, and creativity.

The hardest part, I know, is often just picking up the pen. Let me help you get started.

Cheers,

Julie James