Charmaine M.A. Husum RCAT, MTC, RCS, CT, DKATI.
(403) 922-2272
[email protected] / www.centreoftheheart.com
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
With over 25 years of diverse experience spanning the arts, film, business, fundraising, grant writing, and international work in the helping professions, I have honed a multidisciplinary approach to healing through Art Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic-Based therapies. My practice is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. I employ methodologies such as Internal Family Systems, Somatic Therapy, Focusing-Oriented, Attachment-Based, Humanistic, Trauma-Informed, Feminist, and Person-Centered Art Therapy. As a seasoned Kundalini Yoga & Meditation teacher, my integrated approach facilitates emotional release and promotes holistic healing with a focus on rerouting neural pathways in the brain using up to date neuroscientific discoveries.
My work is characterized by a strong capacity to motivate, communicate, and advocate effectively. I possess exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills, managing complex projects and diverse client populations with a proven track record of success. My ongoing research interests include epigenetics, neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and inter-generational trauma, which are central themes in my upcoming book publication.
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY AFFILIATIONS & DESIGNATIONS
CORE COMPETENCIES
EDUCATION
Post-Graduate Studies:
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) 2016
Post Baccalaureate (Masters Level) Graduate of Art Therapy, Nelson, BC. (with honours)
Under-Graduate Studies:
McGill University (Sociology) 2001
University of Calgary 2000
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Centre of the Heart (2016 - Present)
Private Practice
Course: Psychedelics and Art Therapy Level One and Two
Founder & Course Creator
o Shadow Work - Diving Deep
o Understanding Our Attachment Styles
o Developing a Secure Attachment Style
o Sacred Geometry
o The 'How' of Neuroplasticity, Art Therapy & Mindfulness
Various Underground Plant Medicine Ceremonies (2013-Present)
Integration Specialist/ Art Therapist
Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor
Program Developer & Grant Writer
Program Developer & Grant Writer
Facilitator
PUBLICATIONS
PRESENTATIONS
- Presentation: Psychedelics and Art Therapy Paper
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ADVANCED TRAINING
REFERENCES
“The book of Charmaine Husum is a valuable contribution to the important subject of integration and healing by building a bridge between the work with psychedelics and art therapy. As an art therapist with extensive experience with trauma work she is providing the theoretical background of psychedelic work and art therapy combined with practical creative exercises and meditations supporting the integration of experiences in non- ordinary states of consciousness. The use of art as an instrument of integration has been part of my psychedelic research since the early years in Prague, Czech Republic and is still and important part of my contemporary holotropic work and our training with breathwork (Grof ® Breathwork) and psychedelics http://www.grof-legacy-training.com/ . Her book on psychedelics and art therapy can offer important guidelines for the work of therapists and for anybody who wishes to use art therapy as an instrument to deepen the integration of psychedelic experiences.”
Stanislav Grof, MD,PHD, Author of The Way of the Psychonaut
Brigitte Grof, PhD, Author of Holotropic Art- Images from Hidden Worlds
“Psychedelics and Art Therapy brings together two healing traditions in a clear, comprehensive and constructive way. It finds a nice balance between theoretical context and clinical practicality. It offers a unique blend of Art Therapy, meditation, and neuroscience, specifically tailored to the integration of Psychedelic experiences into daily life. As a workbook, it has an important place as an adjunct in working with a therapist and will be useful as a self-help guide for those seeking healing and growth on their own. But there’s also food aplenty here for both beginning therapists and experienced veterans.”
Bruce Tobin, PhD, RCC, ATR(BC) founder of TheraPsil (2019)
Advocacy for patient access to medical psilocybin, Charter & Honorary Life Member BC Art Therapy Assn
“This groundbreaking book is a must read for therapists navigating the new frontiers of Art Therapy and Psychedelics. Husum has written a very readable comprehensive workbook on non-ordinary states of consciousness, Psychedelics, and the use of meditation, breath work, and specifically the value and role for Art Therapy in this field. Husum advocates for a safe trauma-informed approach, and she is exceedingly thoughtful regarding the legal and ethical aspects within the larger historical and medical context of using drugs for healing, personal growth, and therapy. Husum is aware of the value and historical use of plants in sacred and healing practices and the impact of the current Psychedelic tourism has on Indigenous cultures. Charmaine Husum’s book will be of value for therapists and practitioners who wish to integrate meditation and creative explorations in the field of Psychedelics.”
Monica Carpendale, BFA, DVATI, RCAT, BCATR, HLM,
Professor Emeritus, Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
(403) 922-2272
[email protected] / www.centreoftheheart.com
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
With over 25 years of diverse experience spanning the arts, film, business, fundraising, grant writing, and international work in the helping professions, I have honed a multidisciplinary approach to healing through Art Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic-Based therapies. My practice is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. I employ methodologies such as Internal Family Systems, Somatic Therapy, Focusing-Oriented, Attachment-Based, Humanistic, Trauma-Informed, Feminist, and Person-Centered Art Therapy. As a seasoned Kundalini Yoga & Meditation teacher, my integrated approach facilitates emotional release and promotes holistic healing with a focus on rerouting neural pathways in the brain using up to date neuroscientific discoveries.
My work is characterized by a strong capacity to motivate, communicate, and advocate effectively. I possess exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills, managing complex projects and diverse client populations with a proven track record of success. My ongoing research interests include epigenetics, neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and inter-generational trauma, which are central themes in my upcoming book publication.
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY AFFILIATIONS & DESIGNATIONS
- • Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA): (RCAT) Registered Canadian Art Therapist #378-R-23
- • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA): Professional Member #1000106
- • Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT): Masters Therapeutic Counsellor (MTC) #2615
- • Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT): Registered Counselling Supervisor (RCS) #2615
- • Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA): Registered Counselling Therapist (CT) #1700
- • International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE 212): Member since 1998
- • American Art Therapy Association (AATA): International Member
- • International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA): Professional Member
CORE COMPETENCIES
- • Advocacy and Conflict Resolution
- • Clinical Case Presentation and Treatment Planning
- • Expressive Therapies (Sand Tray/Play, Narrative Therapy, Movement Therapy)
- • Suicide Assessment and Crisis Intervention
- • Leadership, Management, and Group Facilitation
- • Grant Writing, Fundraising, and Business Counselling
- • Specialized Trauma Therapy for Complex PTSD
- • Somatic Art Therapy for Grief, Loss, and Trauma Integration
- • Psychedelic Integration Specialist
- • Workshop Facilitation
- • Academic writing with two books published
- • Clinical Supervision and Consultation
EDUCATION
Post-Graduate Studies:
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) 2016
Post Baccalaureate (Masters Level) Graduate of Art Therapy, Nelson, BC. (with honours)
Under-Graduate Studies:
McGill University (Sociology) 2001
University of Calgary 2000
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Centre of the Heart (2016 - Present)
Private Practice
- • Delivering individual sessions online and in person, with a focus on Art Therapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic Therapy.
Course: Psychedelics and Art Therapy Level One and Two
- • Developed and taught a specialized course integrating psychedelics and art therapy, focusing on therapeutic methodologies and practical applications.
Founder & Course Creator
- • Developed a series of online courses available at https://courses.centreoftheheart.com
o Shadow Work - Diving Deep
o Understanding Our Attachment Styles
o Developing a Secure Attachment Style
o Sacred Geometry
o The 'How' of Neuroplasticity, Art Therapy & Mindfulness
Various Underground Plant Medicine Ceremonies (2013-Present)
Integration Specialist/ Art Therapist
- • Conducted Art Therapy and Meditation workshops supporting integration of Plant Medicine after ceremonies in Canada, the US and South America.
Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor
- • Provided counseling through contracts with Ministry programs, focusing on children who have witnessed violence.
Program Developer & Grant Writer
- • Developed and wrote grants funding for Art Therapy programs for veterans and their families.
Program Developer & Grant Writer
- • Created and funded Art Therapy programs for seniors, parents, and families.
- • Led workshops integrating Art Therapy with neuroscience and mindfulness techniques. Contributed blog content on related topics.
Facilitator
- • Conducted Art Therapy and Kundalini Yoga workshops during plant medicine retreats.
- • Healing and Nurturing the Child Within using Art, Meditation and Kundalini Yoga; 4-week series
- • Overcoming Fear and Self Doubt: Creating Inner Strength and Confidence with Yoga, Art and Meditation; 4-week series
- • Healing from the Inside Out: Art Therapy and Meditation; 4-week series
- • Uncovering Your Essential Vitality with Art and Meditation; 4-week series
- • Brain Scapes Session I: Optimizing Brain Health with Yoga and Art; Full Day Workshop
- • Brain Scapes Session II: Calming the Nervous System to Expand Our Capacity for Memory; Full Day Workshop
- • Brain Scapes Session III: Overcoming Anxiety with Art Therapy and Kundalini Yoga; Full Day Workshop
- • Creative Integration: Integrating the Healing Effects of Plant Medicine Ceremony using Art Therapy, Somatic Experiencing and Reflection- Okotoks, AB
- • Numa Somatics: Breath-Work & Art Therapy Integration: Muscular Mechanic Clinic, Calgary AB
- • Kundalini Yoga & Sacred Geometry: LIV Yoga & Wellness Studio, Calgary, AB
- • Kundalini Yoga & Sacred Geometry: Casa Tara Retreat Centre, La Ventana BCS, Mexico
- • Kundalini Yoga & Sacred Geometry: One Tribe 2018 Intentional Gathering Festival
- • The Soul Speaks: Integrating the Healing Effects of Plant Medicine Ceremony using Art Therapy, Meditation and Reflection- Okotoks, AB
- • Meetings with Madre: Women's Medicine Retreat- Invoking Creativity- East Shore Kootaney Lake, BC
- • Creative Healing: The Heart Yoga Studio, Bragg Creek
PUBLICATIONS
- • Husum, Charmaine (2025). Psychedelics and Art Therapy: A Trauma informed Manual for Somatic Self Discovery. Routledge, NY
- • Husum, Charmaine M. A. (2024). Sacred Geometry: Visionary Art. Available on Amazon at https://a.co/d/4Y8kqZL.
- • Husum, Charmaine M. A. (2016). An Exploration into Trauma and Healing: Using a Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy Approach (Master's thesis). Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Nelson, BC. Available at https://www.centreoftheheart.com/uploads/6/2/6/9/62693489/charmaines_thesis_2016_final_draft-7_1.pdf
PRESENTATIONS
- 56th AATA Conference: Ascending to New Heights -American Art Therapy Association Annual Virtual Conference (October 2025): Presentation: The Shadow Sides of Psychedelics with Brigitte Grof and Roberta Shoemaker-Beal
- 16th International IEATA® Conference :International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA): Presentation: Supporting Psychedelic Therapy with Expressive Arts
- 46th Annual CATA-ACAT Conference in partnership with OEATA
- Dreaming us Forward: Co-creating Belonging through the Healing Arts
- Presentation: The Essential Role of Art Therapy and Indigenous Wisdom in Trauma-Informed Psychedelic Healing
- 55th AATA Conference: American Art Therapy Association Annual virtual Conference (October 2024): Presentation: Psychedelics and Art Therapy Panel
- 55th AATA Conference: American Art Therapy Association Annual in person Conference (October 2024):
- Presentation: Psychedelics and Art Therapy Paper
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Scenic Artist & Paint Dept. Coordinator (1995- 2019) - Managed crews, large budgets, sign writing, mural painting, set painting, On-set and Pre-production work.
- La Ventana Classic Fundraiser (2009 - 2019) - Organized fundraising events, raising over $200,000 USD to support local education in Mexico.
- Art and English Teacher (2009 - 2012) - Taught in schools and orphanages in Baja California Sur, Mexico, focusing on healing through art grades 2-6.
- Mexican Orphanage- La Paz, B.C.S., MX (2009-2012 ) - Organized and facilitated art classes focusing on healing through art with girls ages 6-18.
- Mexican School Murals- La Ventana, Baja California Sur (2009-2012) - Bringing together local Mexican families, children, Caucasian families and community
- Women for Women: Afghanistan (2000-2001) - Part of an international collective of activists working to spread awareness to the world of the atrocities experienced by women and girls at the hands of the Taliban. My experience with this group was before 9/11.
- IATSE Human Rights Committee (1998-2001) - Implemented and chaired the human rights committee for my union. Represented my union local at various conferences and events nationally, bringing back information and education to the membership. Wrote monthly articles for Union newsletter on Human Rights and union issues.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ADVANCED TRAINING
- • Trauma Research Foundation’s Certificate in Traumatic Stress- 7 month program - Bessel van der Kolk (2025)
- • Supervision Training- College of Alberta Psychologists (2025)
- • Trauma and Altered States of Consciousness: Ruth Lanius MD, PhD, FRCPC, (2025)
- • Documentation in Supervision: Blyth Shepard: ACCT (2025)
- • Clinical Supervision Competencies and Best Practices: Blyth Shepard: ACCT (2025)
- • CPTSD & Ketamine Workshop (2025)
- • Supervision Training- Alberta Counseling Therapists Association (2025)
- • Monica Carpendale - Level 2 Supervision 2025
- • Monica Carpendale - Level 1 Supervision (2025)
- • Psychedelics And Therapy- ACCT: Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (2025)
- • Mental Health Academy- Suicide Training (2025)
- • Sexual Abuse & Misconduct- ACTA (2025)
- • Indigenous Awareness Training- ACTA: Leigh Sheldon RPscych (2025)
- • Advanced TheraPsil Psychedelic Practitioner Certificate (2025)
- • Pharmacology And Psilocybin (2025)
- • Psychedelics and IFS (2024)
- • CPTSD and IFS (2024)
- • Ritual Abuse- Dr. Ericha (2024)
- • Supervision Training- PAC (2024)
- • CCPA: Cultural Sensitivity (2024)
- • Hypnotherapy (2023-24)
- • IFS training with Risa Adams (2024)
- • IFS with Derrek Scott (2024)
- • IFS and Art Therapy (2024)
- • How to Become an Anti-Racist & Anti Oppressive Practitioner (2023)- ACTA: Gina Ko, Ph.D.
- • Trauma-Informed Poly-Vagal Expressive Arts Therapy - Cathy Malchiodi (2022)
- • Internal Family Systems Therapy Theory - Richard Schwartz (2022)
- • Psychedelic Support - Understanding Psilocybin: Effects, Neurobiology, and Therapeutic Approaches (2021)
- • Psilocybin Therapy Training Program: TheraPsil (2021)
- • PRATI (Psychedelic Research and Training Institute) - Building a Psychedelic Medicine Clinic (2020-2021)
- • Sand Play Therapy Training - Marie José Dhaese, PhD, RCC, ATR, RPT-S, CPT-S (2021)
- • Violence is Preventable - BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH) (2021)
- • PEACE II: Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Violence Against Women - BCSTH (2021)
- • PEACE I: Working with Children and Youth Experiencing Violence - BCSTH (2021)
- • BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH) Foundations in Violence Against Women (2021)
- • Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals: PESI (2020)
- • Canadian Art Therapy Conference (2019)
- • Light in the Shadow: Shadow Yoga, Shamanism & Psychology - Isa Gucciardi (2019)
- • Psychedelic Integration: Psychedelics, Neuroplasticity & Spiritual Practice - Isa Gucciardi, Dr. Alexander Belser, Dr. Rachel Harris, Dr. Jae Sevelius & Kenneth Tupper (2019)
- • Treating Trauma Master Series - NICABM (National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine) - with Pat Ogden, Bessel Van Der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Dan Siegel, Ron Siegel, Peter Levine, Ruth Lanius & Allan Schore (2019)
- • The Brain Change Summit: Optimizing Your Brain for Enhanced Health, Resilience, High Performance & Inner Peace - (2019)
- • Beyond Addiction - with Gabor Mate & Sat Kaur Khalsa (2018)
- • Psychotherapy & Spirituality Summit - (2017)
- • Trauma-Informed Yoga - Dana Moore (taught Bessel Van Der Kolk) (2017)
- • Compassionate Inquiry - Gabor Mate (2017)
- • Beyond Addiction - Gabor Mate and Dr. S. D. Kaur (2017)
- • Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training (2016-2017)
- • Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP) Training - including Family Constellations therapy and Pre & Post-Natal therapy (2015-2017)
- • Psychotherapy 2.0 - Neuroscience, Trauma, Mindfulness and Attachment Therapy. Presenters: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Diana Fosha, Jack Kornfield, Gay and Katie Hendricks, Steven Hayes, Richard Schwartz, and Ellyn Bader (2016)
- • Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children and Adolescents - Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy (2016)
- • First Responder Training for Sexual Assault - Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (2015)
- • Focusing Orientated Psychotherapy Level II - Alexis and Shawn Philips (2015)
- • Psychotherapy 2.0 - Neuroscience, Trauma, Mindfulness and Attachment Therapy. Presenters : Rick Hansen, Bonnie Badenoch, Peter Levine, Sue Johnson, Steve Porges, Dan Siegel, Esther Perel, and Joan Borysanko (2015)
- • Kundalini Yoga for Personal Transformation - (2013-2015)
- • Expressive Arts Therapies Workshop - Marcus Alexander (2014)
- • Dealing with Grief and Loss Workshop - Alan Wolfelt (2014)
- • Sand Tray/ Play Therapy Workshop - Cathy Swanson (2014)
- • Photo Therapy Workshop - Jeremy Addington, BA, BAA, DKATI (2014)
REFERENCES
“The book of Charmaine Husum is a valuable contribution to the important subject of integration and healing by building a bridge between the work with psychedelics and art therapy. As an art therapist with extensive experience with trauma work she is providing the theoretical background of psychedelic work and art therapy combined with practical creative exercises and meditations supporting the integration of experiences in non- ordinary states of consciousness. The use of art as an instrument of integration has been part of my psychedelic research since the early years in Prague, Czech Republic and is still and important part of my contemporary holotropic work and our training with breathwork (Grof ® Breathwork) and psychedelics http://www.grof-legacy-training.com/ . Her book on psychedelics and art therapy can offer important guidelines for the work of therapists and for anybody who wishes to use art therapy as an instrument to deepen the integration of psychedelic experiences.”
Stanislav Grof, MD,PHD, Author of The Way of the Psychonaut
Brigitte Grof, PhD, Author of Holotropic Art- Images from Hidden Worlds
“Psychedelics and Art Therapy brings together two healing traditions in a clear, comprehensive and constructive way. It finds a nice balance between theoretical context and clinical practicality. It offers a unique blend of Art Therapy, meditation, and neuroscience, specifically tailored to the integration of Psychedelic experiences into daily life. As a workbook, it has an important place as an adjunct in working with a therapist and will be useful as a self-help guide for those seeking healing and growth on their own. But there’s also food aplenty here for both beginning therapists and experienced veterans.”
Bruce Tobin, PhD, RCC, ATR(BC) founder of TheraPsil (2019)
Advocacy for patient access to medical psilocybin, Charter & Honorary Life Member BC Art Therapy Assn
“This groundbreaking book is a must read for therapists navigating the new frontiers of Art Therapy and Psychedelics. Husum has written a very readable comprehensive workbook on non-ordinary states of consciousness, Psychedelics, and the use of meditation, breath work, and specifically the value and role for Art Therapy in this field. Husum advocates for a safe trauma-informed approach, and she is exceedingly thoughtful regarding the legal and ethical aspects within the larger historical and medical context of using drugs for healing, personal growth, and therapy. Husum is aware of the value and historical use of plants in sacred and healing practices and the impact of the current Psychedelic tourism has on Indigenous cultures. Charmaine Husum’s book will be of value for therapists and practitioners who wish to integrate meditation and creative explorations in the field of Psychedelics.”
Monica Carpendale, BFA, DVATI, RCAT, BCATR, HLM,
Professor Emeritus, Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
