Meet Claudia - Art Therapy Coaching

Bonjour, I'm Claudia

I'm an art therapist and wellness coach who believes that creativity is the language of the soul—a language that remains vibrant and alive even when memory fades and words become difficult to find.

My journey into art therapy wasn't planned. It was born from love, heartache, and the profound discovery that art could bridge the distance created by Alzheimer's disease. Today, I dedicate my life to helping families like yours discover the healing power of creative expression.

My Story: From Lyon to Healing

I was born and raised in Lyon, France—a city where art flows through the streets, fills the museums, and lives in the hearts of its people. Growing up surrounded by such beauty, I learned early that art is more than decoration; it's a way of seeing, feeling, and understanding the world.

My father was a literature professor, a man who loved words and wielded them with grace. When Alzheimer's began stealing his vocabulary, I watched him struggle, frustrated and isolated. One afternoon, in desperation, I placed watercolors before him.

What happened next changed everything. His hand moved across the paper with certainty, creating swirls of blue and gold. He couldn't tell me what he was painting, but I didn't need words—his face said it all. Peace. Joy. Connection.

That moment became my calling. I realized that while Alzheimer's may take words and memories, it cannot take the soul's capacity for beauty, creativity, and human connection.

My Philosophy: Dignité et Beauté

Dignity and beauty—these are the foundations of my practice. I believe every person, regardless of cognitive ability, deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are.

The Person, Not the Disease

I see your loved one as a complete human being with a rich life story, unique preferences, and inherent worth—not as a collection of symptoms or deficits.

Process Over Product

The value isn't in creating a perfect painting. It's in the experience itself—the feel of paint on paper, the joy of choosing colors, the connection we share in creative moments.

Family as Partners

I work alongside families, not just with patients. Your insights, stories, and presence are essential to creating meaningful therapeutic experiences.

Education & Professional Background

Blending European art therapy traditions with modern therapeutic practices

European Art Therapy Foundation

Trained in Lyon and Paris in classical European art therapy methods that emphasize humanistic, person-centered care and the therapeutic power of creative process over product.

Specialized Dementia Care

Specialized training in dementia care and memory support, with extensive experience working with Alzheimer's patients and their families through creative interventions.

Wellness Life Coaching

Certified wellness coach with expertise in supporting caregivers and families through the emotional challenges of caring for loved ones with cognitive decline.

Cultural Sensitivity Training

Extensive experience working with diverse populations, honoring cultural backgrounds and individual life stories in therapeutic practice.

Continuing Education

Regular participation in international conferences and workshops on art therapy, gerontology, and innovative approaches to dementia care.

Multilingual Practice

Fluent in 4 languages (Polish, Russian, English, and French), offering services to diverse families and those who appreciate European therapeutic traditions.

Beyond the Credentials

For over two decades, painting has been my way of exploring life and expressing what words cannot capture. My love for abstract art has been shaped by three extraordinary cities—New York, London, and Paris—each inspiring me in unique ways.

I am more than an art therapist and life coach. I am someone who loves people, loves stories, and treasures the moments of genuine connection that art creates. Classical music often fills my studio—it's the soundtrack that deepens my work and nourishes my soul.

When I'm not working with clients, you'll find me exploring art galleries, tending to my garden, or practicing watercolor painting by the window with a cup of tea. I believe that to be an effective therapist, I must also nurture my own creative spirit and connection to beauty.

The Values That Guide My Work

What you can expect when we work together

Compassion & Empathy

Having walked this path with my own father, I understand the emotional weight families carry. I bring genuine empathy to every interaction, honoring both the joys and challenges of your journey.

Patience & Presence

There is no rushing in art therapy. I create a calm, unhurried environment where your loved one can move at their own pace, explore freely, and simply be present in the moment.

Respect & Dignity

Every individual is treated with the utmost respect. I never speak down to clients or treat them as children. Their life experience and inherent worth are always honored.

Trust & Reliability

Building trust takes time, especially with individuals experiencing memory loss. I show up consistently, creating a safe and predictable environment where comfort and trust can grow.

My Practice

Individual Art Therapy Sessions

One-on-one sessions tailored to each person's unique interests, abilities, and emotional needs. We work at your loved one's pace, creating a safe space for expression and connection.

Family Participation Programs

Intergenerational sessions where family members can create alongside their loved ones, building new memories and finding new ways to connect without the pressure of conversation.

Flexible Session Locations

In-home visits for comfort and familiarity, care facility sessions, or appointments in my peaceful studio atelier. I adapt to what works best for your family.

Caregiver Support & Coaching

Wellness coaching for caregivers, helping you navigate the emotional challenges, prevent burnout, and find moments of peace and connection in your caregiving journey.

A Personal Reflection

I still think of my father often. The paintings he created in those final years hang in my home—abstract swirls of color that somehow capture his essence more truly than any photograph. They remind me daily why this work matters and why every session, every brushstroke, every moment of connection is sacred.

I believe art is about being real, being open, and embracing who you are. That's the spirit I bring to my teaching, my therapy, and every creative exchange. Your loved one's story is unique, and I would be honored to help you honor it through art.

Why Families Choose to Work With Me

What makes my approach distinctive

Personal Understanding

I'm not just a therapist—I'm someone who has lived this experience as a family member. I understand the grief, the frustration, the small victories, and the deep love that defines the caregiver journey.

European Perspective

My training in European art therapy brings a distinctive approach that emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, humanistic values, and the inherent healing power of creative expression.

Individualized Approach

No two people are alike, and no two sessions are identical. I carefully tailor each experience to match your loved one's interests, abilities, and emotional state on that particular day.

Whole-Family Support

I don't just work with patients—I support entire families. From caregiver coaching to sibling sessions to intergenerational art experiences, I'm here for everyone affected by this journey.

Let's Begin This Journey Together

Your loved one's story deserves to be honored, celebrated, and expressed.

I would be honored to meet you and your family, to hear your story, and to explore how art therapy might bring moments of joy, connection, and dignity to your journey. The first consultation is always complimentary—a chance for us to meet, for you to ask questions, and to see if this feels right for your family.

Schedule a Free Consultation