Charmaine M.A. Husum DKATI, RTC, CT
SE. Calgary, AB. T2J 6B7
(403) 922-2272
centreoftheheart@gmail.com / www.centreoftheheart.com
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Over 20 years’ experience working within the arts, film, business, fundraising, grant writing, and internationally in the helping professions including Art Therapy, Counselling and Psychedelic Integration/Support. Charmaine is an empathetic and compassionate professional. Her focus is on helping others find their personalized way to healing through Art Psychotherapy, Mindfulness and Somatic Based approaches. Psychotherapeutic methodologies used are Focusing Oriented, Attachment Based, Humanistic, Trauma Informed, Feminist, and Person-Centered Art Therapy and Counselling. Combining her skills as a Kundalini Yoga & Meditation teacher and student of Hatha yoga since 1994, allows her to effectively connect with her clients in a way that allows emotions to move through the body for expedited healing to occur.
With a passion for social justice, she is an effective motivator, communicator and advocate with inherit ability to manage large groups and projects, challenging personalities, diffuse stressful situations, proactively resolve issues, and meet and achieve advanced goals and objectives. Strong interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills are also qualities Charmaine exhibits. Her demonstrated track record of success working with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings is clear, from her experience and from the testimonials of those who have worked with her. Current hobbies and research objectives include epigenetics, neuroscience, neuroplasticity and inter-generational trauma; all to be included in an upcoming book publication.
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY AFFILIATIONS & DESIGNATIONS
CATA: Canadian Art Therapy Association- Professional Member
CCPA: Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association- Professional Member
CCPA: - AB/NWT Chapter- Professional Member
ACCT: Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada-
RTC (Registered Therapeutic Counsellor) -Registered Professional Member
IATSE 212: Member since 1998.
ACTA: Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta- CT (Counselling Therapist)
Registered Professional Member
CORE COMPETENCIES/SKILLS
- Advocacy Skills
- Clinical Case presentation
- Sand tray/Play Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Therapeutic Skills
- Expressive therapy
- Suicide Assessment
- Art-show facilitator
- Grief and Loss
- Sign Language
- Career Counselling
- Complex PTSD
- Autism Spectrum
- Downs Syndrome
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Family Education
- Violence Prevention
- Continued Care Planning
- Document Research/Review
- Treatment Analysis/Planning
- Data Entry/Administration
- Sexual Abuse Counselling
- Counselling
- Leadership/Management Skills
- Co-facilitation Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Business Counselling
- Assessment/Evaluation
- Grant Writing/ Presenting
- ADHD
- Crisis Intervention
- Group Facilitator / Leader
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
2016- Present Private Practice: Centre of the Heart
Private Practice where I see clients individually online and in person. Currently working on
creating an online course using Art Therapy, Mindfulness and Yoga Therapy.
2020-2021 North Kootenay Lake Community Services
Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor: with contracts with the Ministry and Children who have Witnessed Violence Programs
2020 Calgary Military Families Association
Program Developer & Grant Writer for Veteran’s and their Family’s Art Therapy Programs.
2020 Deer Run Community Center
Program Developer & Grant Writer for Seniors, Parents and families Art Therapy groups,
open studio programs and individual sessions.
2019 Dr. Lynne Murfin Functional Medical Clinic
· Worked with Clients of Dr. Murfin & Dr. Van der Westhuizen using Art Therapy, Neuroscience, Kundalini Yoga and Mindfulness techniques in monthly and weekly Workshops.
· Wrote Blog Posts for Dr. Murfin’s website on the brain, Neuroplasticity, Default Mode Network, Art Therapy, Yoga and Meditation.
2019 Centre of the Heart Workshops
- 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
2018 Peru: Tuky Tuky Retreat Centre
Facilitated Art Therapy, Meditation and Kundalini Yoga workshops for two different 10 day Plant Medicine Retreats
2018 Centre of the Heart Workshops
- 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
2017-19 Livdeep Kaur Kundalini Yoga
Teach Kundalini Yoga at various studios in Calgary and La Ventana, BCS, Mexico
2017 Centre of the Heart Workshops
- 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
2015 KATI Women’s Group
Facilitated 10 week closed art therapy group for women.
2015 Nelson Hospice
Facilitated grief and loss art therapy workshop with group.
2015 Parenting Art Therapy Group
Co-facilitated with registered psychologist and art therapist. Worked with male and female parents focusing on early childhood psychological development, co-parenting issues, stresses of parenting and ways to cope.
2015 Kundalini Yoga and Art Therapy Women’s workshops
Co-facilitated 3 monthly weekend workshops focusing on strength-based resourcing for women using art therapy, Kundalini yoga, mindfulness and narrative therapy.
2014-15 Waldorf School
Pilot program that evolved into a practicum placement with KATI. Worked with individuals and small groups dealing with issues ranging from grief and loss, attachment and abandonment issues, childhood depression and parental separation.
2014-15 Selkirk College: Art Therapist
Facilitated individual art therapy sessions for young adults with developmental delays experiencing difficulties transitioning into adult life. Client’s needs ranged from dealing with past traumas of sexual assault to suicide ideation.
2014-15 Reach Alternative High School Mural project
Worked with at-risk youth developing mural project. Presenting issues were drug abuse, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, teenage pregnancy, and homelessness.
2014-15 Castlegar and Slocan Valley School District: Leadership and the
Environment
With the help from a grant by Canada Post, worked with grades 4-6 teaching environmental awareness and helped support and cultivate mental and emotion healing after a devastating jet fuel spill in the remote and fragile area of Lemon Creek BC. Focuses of these workshops were developing leadership qualities and anti-bullying awareness.
2013-15 Individual Art Therapy Sessions
Worked with a variety of individuals including women, children, and adults with developmental delays. Presenting issues were sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, ADHD, autism, anxiety disorders, PTSD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and depression.
2013-15 Open Studio Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
Weekly Art as Therapy open studio format for members of the community. Facilitated, organized and promoted.
2013-15 Selkirk College: Transitional Program for Adults with Developmental
Delays
Projects centered on art as therapy in a group setting. Through creating and sharing artwork, participants were supported and encouraged to express feelings relating to everyday life challenges.
2014 Bridges for Women
Facilitated group art therapy sessions for the Bridging for Women BC employment program with the goal of helping women break the cycle of abuse and trauma and manage symptoms of PTSD. Thesis research was gathered using data on an art directive designed for this group.
2014 Nelson Women’s Center
Facilitated weekly art as healing workshops for women. Workshops include, Mandalas for
healing, Doll making, Animal totems, Prayer flags, Inside/Outside boxes and spontaneous
art making. All projects focus on women gaining greater understand of one’s self,
integrating aspects of self and healing through the process of art making and sharing in a
group setting.
2014 LV Rogers High School Teen Girls Group
Program developed with the assistance of school counsellor’s recommendations for adolescent girls requiring extra emotional support.
2014 Mental Health Workshop
Art as therapy workshop with adults dealing with severe mental health issues.
2013-14 Kutenai Art Therapy Institute Teen Girl’s Group
An open group where at risk adolescent girls use art and group discussion to face issues of transitioning into adulthood, eating disorders, bullying, suicide, drug use, homelessness, relationships and family life.
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
2019 The Jann Arden Show Head Scenic Artist- Managed crews, budgets, ordering and
estimating materials, sign writing, mural painting, set painting and collaborated with Art Department.
2015-19 Heartland CBC Head Scenic Artist- Managed crews, budgets, ordering and
estimating materials, sign writing, mural painting, set painting and collaborated with Art Department.
2009-19 La Ventana Classic Fundraiser- La Ventana, Baja California Sur , Mexico
Co-Producer of entire event, worked with the elementary school children of 3 towns to create awards for local kite boarding fundraiser, worked with local and international businesses, organized all fundraising parties, raising over $200,000 USD in total to send local children to high school in Mexico.
1995-19 Scenic Artist/ Paint Dept. Coordinator- Film and Television IATSE
Headed crews, Managed large budgets, sign writing, mural painting, set painting, On-set and Pre-production work.
2009-12 Mexican Schools, Baja California Sur - Art and English Teacher
Implemented and facilitated classes for two different schools in La Ventana and El Sargento, Baja California Sur, Mexico teaching both art and English to grades 2-6.
2009-12 Mexican Orphanage- La Paz, B.C.S., MX
Organized and facilitated art classes focusing on healing through art with girls ages 6-18 at an orphanage in La Paz, BCS, Mexico. Presenting issues included sexual abuse, abandonment, homelessness, prostitution, substance abuse and fetal alcohol syndrome. All communications were in Spanish.
2009-12 Mexican School Murals- La Ventana, Baja California Sur
Bringing together local Mexican families, children, Caucasian families and community members to paint together. Also designed and created murals on various school buildings in Mexican towns with a focus on community building.
2010-12 La Ventana Classic Garbage Clean Up- La Ventana, Baja California Sur
Assisted in facilitation and organization of community garbage clean-up to stop garbage from being washed into Ocean during hurricane season.
2004-15 Guatemalan Orphanage and Women’s Center
Currently working to raise funds for an orphanage in Guatemala. Project involvement includes setting up an arts/business center for women to sell their artwork internationally.
2000-01 Women for Women: Afghanistan
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.
1999 CCASA: Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse
- Crisis Line volunteer counselor
After 50 hours of training I would answer calls for the crisis line as well as accompany women to court, meet them at the hospital after abuse had occurred and give overall support to women in need and the organization.
1998-99 IATSE Local 212: Sexual Harassment Policy
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
Advocated for our union’s own sexual harassment policy that was then adopted by other film and television locals of our international union. Also managed cases dealing with both physical, verbal and sexual harassment within the film and television industry working on resolution and education for union members. It was with the assistance of the Canadian Human Rights Commission that this policy was finally implemented.
1998-01 IATSE Human Rights Committee
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.
1997-98 Off The Wall Productions: Sexual Harassment Policy
Created first sexual harassment policy in this workplace. At 18 years old, I was the only woman working in this production facility with 34 men. Experiences ranged from displays of pornographic pictures to threats of assault as common occurrences.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT / ADVANCED TRAINING.
2022- Trauma Informed Poly-Vagal Expressive Arts Therapy- Cathy Malchiodi
2022- Internal Family Systems Therapy Theory- Richard Schwartz
2021- Psychedelic Support- Understanding Psilocybin: Effects, Neurobiology, and Therapeutic Approaches
2021- TheraPsil's Psilocybin Therapy Training Program
2020- PRATI (Psychedelic Research and Training Institute) - Building a
2021 Psychedelic Medicine Clinic
2021- Sand Play therapy training with Marie José Dhaese,PhD,RCC,ATR,RPT-S,CPT-S
2021- Violence is Preventable (VIP)- BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH)
2021- PEACE II: Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Violence Against Women- BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH)
2021- PEACE I: Introduction to Working with Children and Youth Experiencing Violence- BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH)
2021- BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH) online course Foundations in Violence Against Women v2.0
2020 Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals: Online course by PESI
2020 Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada: Advanced Note Taking and Clinical
File Storage Procedures Supervision
2020 Supervision: Ongoing professional supervision from 2016- present by Registered Clinical
Counsellor and Registered Art Therapy Supervisor Millie Cumming
2019 Canadian Art Therapy Conference
2019 Standard First Aid – Canadian Red Cross
2019 Criminal Record Check
2019 Light in the Shadow: Shadow Yoga, Shamanism & Psychology-
4-week course @ Embodied Philosophy Online training - with Isa Gucciardi
2019 Psychedelic Integration: Psychedelics, Neuroplasticity & Spiritual Practice
6-week course @ Embodied Philosophy Online training - with Isa Gucciardi, Dr. Alexander Belser, Dr. Rachel Harris, Dr. Jae Sevelius & Kenneth Tupper
2019 Treating Trauma Master Series
5 week course @ NICABM (National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine) - with Pat Ogden, Bessel Van Der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Dan Seigel, Ron Seigel, Peter Levine, Ruth Lanius & Allan Schore
- The Neurobiology of Trauma – What’s Going On In the Brain When Someone Experiences Trauma?
- The Neurobiology of Attachment
- How to Work with Traumatic Memory That Is Embedded in the Nervous System
- How to Help Clients Tolerate Dysregulation and Come Back from Hyper-arousal
- How to Work with the Limbic System to Reverse the Physiological Imprint of Trauma
2019 The Brain Change Summit: Optimizing Your Brain for Enhanced Health,
Resilience, High Performance & Inner Peace
21 Module Online course @ Sounds True with 25 various presenters
2018 IATSE Harassment in the Workplace Training
2018 Beyond Addiction- 9 day intensive and 16 week course- with Sat Kaur Khalsa
2017 Psychotherapy & Spirituality Summit- 30 Module Online course@ Soundstrue
with 30 various presenters
2017 Trauma-Informed Yoga- training with Dana Moore (taught Bessel Van Der Kolk)
2017 Compassionate Inquiry- training with Gabor Mate
2017 Beyond Addiction- 9 day intensive and 16 week course- Gabor Mate and Dr. S. D. Kaur.
2016-17 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training
2015-17 IBP training- 2 year program in Integrative Body Psychotherapy course which included
Family Constellations therapy and Pre & Post-Natal therapy.
2014-16 Thesis Research/Writing
“An Exploration into Trauma and Healing: Using a Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy Approach”.
Over 120 pages discussing leading research into the history and current treatment
of trauma survivors experiencing the effects of PTSD. Using the information of
nearly 100 publications, this thesis explores a Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy
directive used with a group of Female trauma survivors.
2016 Psychotherapy 2.0
7-day online workshop with 14 different presentations on leading edge discoveries
and teachings in Neuroscience, Trauma, Mindfulness and Attachment Therapy.
Presenters included 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
Carmen Richardson @ Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy
2015 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
7 day online workshop with 14 different presentations on leading edge discoveries
and teachings in Neuroscience, Trauma, Mindfulness and Attachment Therapy.
Presenters included Rick Hansen, Bonnie Badenoch, Peter Levine, Sue Johnson,
Steve Porges, Dan Siegel, Esther Perel, and Joan Borysanko.
2013-15 Kundalini Yoga for Personal Transformation- Parts I & II & III
Three 8-week courses in Kundalini yoga for personal transformation focusing on mindfulness and rerouting neural patterns to achieve deep healing and peace within the heart.
2013-15 Art Therapy Training Group- Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
2014 Expressive Arts Therapies workshop with Marcus Alexander
2014 Dealing with Grief and Loss workshop with Alan Wolfelt
2014 Sand Tray/ Play Therapy workshop with Cathy Swanson
2014 Photo Therapy workshop with Jeremy Addington, BA, BAA, DKATI
2007 The Divine Feminine
4-week workshop studying the history of Goddess based religions in the world as
well as moon cycles and how they can be applied, harnessed and activated for
women.
2003 MKS Learning, Entrepreneurial Success
A business school specializing in self-employment and developing skills of an
entrepreneur. Included in the program were classes on accounting, marketing,
legalities and insurance, budgeting, creating cost reports and financial statements.
2001 The People’s Summit- FTAA Quebec City
A conference of progressive civil society from North to South America coming together to discuss the larger social, environmental and economic issues that arise from free trade agreements.
2001 WHIMS Training
2001 Alberta Federation of Labour/ Canadian Labour Congress
Jasper Labour School: “It’s a Small World: Understanding Globalization”
2000 World Women’s March
A National conference with workshops including Gender in Popular Culture, Challenging our own Heterosexualism and Inequalities in class with a focus on social welfare of all people regardless of sex, age, culture, colour, creed, or sexual preference.
2000 Alberta Federation of Labour
Shop Steward Training
1999-01 Saskatchewan Federation of Labour: Prairie School for Union Women
Women’s issues in the work place with a focus on implementation of policies.
1998 Mount Royal College
Set Étiquette and Protocol
REFERENCES
Millie Cumming
Professor/Supervising Art Therapist/ Counselor KATI
Nelson, BC
(250)-352-2264
milliejcumming@gmail.com
Kate Leppard
Art Therapist/ Instructor
Nelson, BC
(250)-352-2264
kateleppard@gmail.com
Karon Hatler
Co-Producer, La Ventana Classic Fundraiser. MX
Whatsapp: +526121618658
karon@palapasventana.com
Sami Mitchell
(406)-531-7237
Associate: Mexico/ US
samimitchell11@gmail.com
Tim Hatler
Director/Producer, La Ventana Classic Fundraiser. MX
Whatsapp: +526121591326
tim@palapasventana.com
Sat Kaur Khalsa
Beyond Addiction Teacher Trainer
(250)-777-3595 sat_kaur@shaw.ca
Dr. Lynne Murfin
Functional Medicine
Calgary, AB
(587) 390-0180
reception@lynnemurfinmd.com
Diane Finley
Nelson Waldorf School
(250)-352-6919 dianafinley@shaw.ca
Deirdre Collier
Embodiment Therapist
Nelson, BC
(250) 352-3383
deirdrecollier@shaw.ca
Ray Brock
Instructor, Selkirk College
(250) 354-3219
RBrock@selkirk.ca
Heidi Pedersen
Keys to Hope Counselling Services
Medicine Hat, AB
(403) 952-2710
h.pedersen2710@gmail.com
