hello, I'm Jess
My name is Jessica Clarke, although most people know me as Jess. I am a mother, a professional art therapist (CATA) and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying, CRPO).
I studied art history and visual arts before completing my art therapy diploma through the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI). My passion has always been helping people discover the healing power of creativity, compassion, and meaningful connection.
I grew up in Vancouver, BC, spent 17 years on Northern Vancouver Island, and eventually returned to Vancouver to be closer to my family. I'm the proud mother of two wonderful boys and the primary caregiver to my eldest son, who is disabled.
Being both a therapist and a caregiver has profoundly shaped who I am. It has taught me that even in life's most difficult seasons, creativity can offer moments of connection, resilience, hope, and joy.
I have experienced firsthand the power of artmaking to support emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and meaningful connection - both in my own life and with my children. My eldest son is non-speaking with high support needs and art has provided him with a beautiful way to communicate through imagery while supporting sensory regulation, motor planning, and self-expression.
As an art therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I practice through a trauma-informed, relational, and client-centred lens. I believe our emotional wellbeing is shaped by our relationships, our lived experiences, our nervous systems, and the stories we carry. My role is not to "fix" people, but to walk alongside them with curiosity, compassion, and respect as they reconnect with their own inner strengths.
Every therapeutic relationship is built on unconditional acceptance, trust, respect, and genuine collaboration. Sessions are strength-based, creative, and tailored to your unique needs, allowing you to explore at your own pace in a safe and supportive space.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: even when life feels overwhelming, every person has an incredible capacity for resilience, healing and, growth. Creativity helps us reconnect with that part of ourselves. My work is informed by Positive Psychology (PERMA), Polyvagal Theory, Sensorimotor Art Therapy, attachment theory, metaphor theory, sensory-based relational art therapy, and spiritual approaches to creativity. Together, these perspectives support nervous system regulation, self-understanding, and lasting wellbeing.
I offer both individual and group art therapy sessions online. Whether you are looking for personal support, a creative wellness group, or an art therapy program for your organization, I'd be honoured to help create a space where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.
A special area of interest in my work is caregiver grief, sometimes called chronic sorrow or living grief—the ongoing grief that can accompany caring for someone you deeply love. My research and artwork exploring this lived experience have been published in the Canadian Journal of Art Therapy, and I remain deeply committed to supporting caregivers with compassion, creativity, and hope.
You can access my publications here:
Puharich-Clarke, J. (2024). Discovering Chronic Sorrow: An Arts-Based Autoethnographic Journey with Art Therapy and Metaphor. Canadian Journal of Art Therapy, 37(1), 50-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/26907240.2024.2344314
Puharich-Clarke, J. (2024). Tree Metaphor. Canadian Journal of Art Therapy 37(1), 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1080/26907240.2024.2347130
I believe every person has the capability to learn, grow, communicate, and share their unique wisdom. I also believe that creativity and the artmaking process can deepen self-understanding, foster connection, and support wellbeing.
A core value that guides both my life and my practice is the presumption of competence. This means I begin with the belief that every individual has the ability to learn, think, and communicate, even if they are not always able to demonstrate it in conventional ways or in every moment.
I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive therapeutic space for all individuals, including those who are non-speaking, minimally speaking, unreliably speaking, or who communicate using text-based systems.
Additional Info
At home, I practice and advocate for text-based communication to support my non-speaking son. I completed a Level 1 Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) practitioner course and have completed additional training through Communication for Education, Spell 2 Communicate (S2C), the Spellers Method, and LAMP Words For Life® through the Center of AAC and Autism.
These experiences have deepened my understanding of communication, neurodiversity, and the importance of honouring each person's unique strengths and ways of connecting with the world.
During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your goals and interests, and I'll explain the therapeutic approaches that may support your work. You will always have the opportunity to decide what feels most meaningful for you. I believe informed choice is essential.
As part of my personal journey, I also have an interest in spirituality and creative practices that help people connect more deeply with themselves and, for many, something greater than themselves. While my clinical practice is always client-centred and guided by your goals and values, I may also share personal reflections and future educational offerings related to spirituality, creativity, and personal growth.
I also share my creative and educational content through my professional social media accounts. There, you'll find reflections on art therapy, psychotherapy, creativity, visual arts, autism, caregiving, and my lived experience as a parent caregiver.
From time to time, I also offer workshops, digital resources, and other educational content to support wellbeing and creative expression. I may also recommend books, products, or resources that I personally value, some of which may include affiliate links.
Associations and Credentials:
Member
Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA)
Member (Qualifying)
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Member
Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT)
Art Therapy Diploma
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI)
Bachelor of Visual Arts
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History
University of British Columbia
Certifications, Grants and Courses:
Unyte Safe and Sound Protocol Certificate
Spellers Method Communication Partner
Polyvagal Therapy Certification
LAMP Words For Life®
Communication for Education
PSYCH-K Level 1 and Level 2 Online Workshops
Soma®RPM Level 1
Polyvagal Theory in Action: Harnessing the Healing Potential of the ANS
Sensorimotor Art Therapy Certificate
Student Research Grant Recipient, CATA
Using Art to Support Children with Sensory Processing Disorder
Low Arousal Approach, Foundations Certificate
Spell to Communicate Parent Workshop
Reference and Regulate Parent Workshops
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