Name: Louise Couzens
Position: Therapist/Clinical Intervention Specialist
What led you to your current position? I have always been drawn (pun!) to art therapy, as art was such an important form of expression and connection for me when I was younger, but it wasn't until I had the opportunity to work with children at a school for those with severe Autism, and later at our very own Building Blocks (Go Ladybugs!) that I fell in love with working with children and families. I love how children use all forms of expression, behaviors included, to try and let us know what they are experiencing and what they might need, and in working at a school I really enjoy the challenge of translating those expressions for teachers and caregivers to better understand how to meet the children where they're at.
What inspires you to do this work? Those 'aha' moments when a child connects to an idea or a person where they feel completely seen or understood. And the breath that a caregiver can take when they no longer have to carry everything alone, if at least for just a moment.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? I wish I knew who originally said this, but always striving to work myself out of a job is an important lesson that I sit with often. I work amongst so many amazing people, the children and caregivers included, who have so many strengths that if highlighted in the right way, children will see that they have all they need to cope with life's challenges, or if they're struggling, how to ask for and receive help from the right people around them.
Share something unique about yourself: I love drawing portraits to express people and emotions, and my BA is in printmaking (I LOVE lithography and the smell of ink!)
Position: Therapist/Clinical Intervention Specialist
What led you to your current position? I have always been drawn (pun!) to art therapy, as art was such an important form of expression and connection for me when I was younger, but it wasn't until I had the opportunity to work with children at a school for those with severe Autism, and later at our very own Building Blocks (Go Ladybugs!) that I fell in love with working with children and families. I love how children use all forms of expression, behaviors included, to try and let us know what they are experiencing and what they might need, and in working at a school I really enjoy the challenge of translating those expressions for teachers and caregivers to better understand how to meet the children where they're at.
What inspires you to do this work? Those 'aha' moments when a child connects to an idea or a person where they feel completely seen or understood. And the breath that a caregiver can take when they no longer have to carry everything alone, if at least for just a moment.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? I wish I knew who originally said this, but always striving to work myself out of a job is an important lesson that I sit with often. I work amongst so many amazing people, the children and caregivers included, who have so many strengths that if highlighted in the right way, children will see that they have all they need to cope with life's challenges, or if they're struggling, how to ask for and receive help from the right people around them.
Share something unique about yourself: I love drawing portraits to express people and emotions, and my BA is in printmaking (I LOVE lithography and the smell of ink!)
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