This PROGRAM fills in the “they never taught us this” gap so you can confidently build your art therapy practice.
You learned how
to hold space.
Now, it’s time to
create your own.
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Create Your Path is a self-paced online program for emerging (and returning to the field) art therapists who are ready to make an income and an impact with a private practice —without burning out or feeling overwhelmed.
Learn to set up a private practise with clarity, confidence,
and alignment right from the very start
(learn from all my past mistakes and
identify your dream business goals!)
+ ground into the art every step of the process!Â
- Self-Paced Online Program
- Because your business doesn't have a timeline other than yours
- Find your unique way at your own unique pace
- ground into the art - every step of the way
- Self-Paced Online Program
- Because your business doesn't have a timeline other than yours
- Find your unique way at your own unique pace
- Ground into the art - every step of the way
Build the art therapy private practice you've always dreamed of
You know how to hold space.
You’ve studied the theory, done the practicum, gone through the personal process.
But when it comes to building your private practice, suddenly you’re met with a whole new world of questions:
- How do I even register a business?
- What do I charge without second-guessing myself?
- Where do I find clients who actually want art therapy?
- Is Instagram even ethical—or worth it?
- Do I have to take that underpaid agency job just to feel legitimate?
You’re not alone.
And no—you didn’t miss anything.
This part just isn’t taught.
But it can be.
Create Your Path is the roadmap I wish I had when I was starting out.
This isn’t just about business.
It’s about becoming.
Whether you're starting from scratch or rebuilding something that doesn't feel like it's working…
You’ll walk away with:
— Clarity on how to build a private practice that fits your nervous system
— Confidence in your pricing, boundaries, and presence
— Practical tools to set up your business, market yourself, and attract dream clients
— Creative space to reflect, feel supported, and reconnect with why you started this path in the first place
All grounded in art.
All designed with intention.
All at a pace that honours you.
Because building a private practice isn’t just about checking off to-dos.
It’s about building a life that feels like your own.
hey there, I'm ASHLEIGH GURECKAS
Your art therapy fairy godmother
I’m a Canadian art therapist, alumni instructor at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, and someone who’s been exactly where you are—full of passion, training, and questions like:
How do I turn this into a real, thriving business that supports my life and serves my people?
When I started, I had to patch things together—Googling legal steps, guessing my rates, and doubting whether I could really make it work. I built this course because I don’t want you to have to do that alone.
Create Your Path is the clear, supportive guide I wish I had. It’s designed to help you gently build your practice, feel steady in your business, and grow into your role as a therapist and entrepreneur—with the art at the center of it all.
Now, I’ve built a life I love—with a full practice, a cozy office, online resources reaching thousands, and client stories that still bring me to tears. And I believe you can build your version of success, too.
You’re not meant to figure it all out alone. I’m here to walk alongside you.
introducing
Create Your Path
If you’re an emerging or returning art therapist, this is your invitation to build a private practice that’s rooted in both purpose and possibility.
This isn’t just about business—it’s about building a career that feels good to live inside.
You’ll get the structure you need to feel confident and the creative space to stay grounded.
Because you deserve to build something sustainable—something that reflects you.
With ART alongside you the whole way through.
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JOIN THE WAITLIST →From Uncertainty to Alignment
Here’s how we make it happen, step by step.
PRE-COURSE MODULE
Art First, Always
You get access to this module instantly after joining. This is your creative grounding space—before we dive into business, we return to why you’re here and who you're here for. Through art, journaling, and gentle reflection, you’ll get clear on your vision and set soulful intentions for this course.
You're going to get:
-
Guided visualization and intention-setting rituals for the program
-
Self-reflective art invitation to connect with your dream clients, clarify your core values, and envision your future thriving self—so you can begin building a practice that aligns with who you're becoming.
-
Get started in the community chat with other emerging art therapists at this point in their journey
* available immediately upon purchase after May 15 2025
module one
You’re an Entrepreneur Now
You’re not just an art therapist—you’re a business owner now. This module helps you understand the practical steps to get your business set up legally and professionally in Canada. We’ll reframe your identity to include entrepreneur, without losing your therapist heart.
You're going to get:
-
Overview of regulatory requirements where you live and where you will choose to work
ex CANADIANS: Let's unpack the CRPO, ACCT, RCAT etc -
How to register your business + choose your structure
-
Guidance on business banking, accounting
-
Malpractice and liability insurance and legal requirements
-
Art and journal prompts to help you name your fears, honour your excitement, and claim your space as a therapist stepping into your next chapter—with courage and clarity.
module two
Systems That Truly Support YouÂ
These are the behind-the-scenes systems that hold your business (and your nervous system) steady. From consent forms to client journey flow, this module walks you through everything you need to feel safe and professional as you grow.
You're going to get:
-
Comprehensive booking and documentation system overviews and recommendations
BONUS:Â discounted rate on Jane App -
Walk through of designing consent forms, intake flow, and paperwork for ease of your clients AND you
-
How to set up systems that save time and reduce stress
- Art and journal prompts to explore your nervous system's rhythm—so you can lead your business from regulation, not reactivity.
MODULEÂ three
Your Website, Branding & Online Presence
Whether you’re drawn to in-person, online, or a mix—this module helps you design a practice that matches your lifestyle and values.
You're going to get:
- Website platform comparisons (like Squarespace, Wix, and Kajabi) to help you choose what truly fits your workflow, needs, and style.
- An introduction to using website templates so you don’t have to start from scratch.
BONUS:Â 10% off discount code for beautiful, therapist-friendly website templates included. - A beginner-friendly breakdown of SEO and other basic tech tools to support visibility.
- A walk-through of event hosting platforms with honest pros and cons so you can confidently choose where to run your workshops or offerings.
- Branding tips to help you shape your voice, visuals, and presence—from colors and fonts to tone and feel.
- Art and journal prompts to explore your dream branding colours, imagery, flow, and presence!
module four
Money, Pricing &
Your Relationship to Worth
As art therapists we often don't have a sustainable relationship to money, and underprice our services (I mean come on, we did all this for FREE in our practicums, it's hard to charge $$ now!). This module guides you through pricing, insurance, and your own beliefs around money and value so you can get clear on what you want to charge.
What you'll explore:
-
A supportive space to unpack limiting beliefs, money stories, and the deeper layers of self-worth that impact how you show up in business.
-
Pricing strategies that feel grounded, ethical, and genuinely aligned with your values—never pushy or performative.
-
Ways to integrate sliding scale, subsidy, and reparative pricing into your offerings in a way that’s both sustainable and spacious.
-
An overview of how insurance and benefits can factor into your private practice, depending on where you live and work.
-
Art and journal prompts to help you redefine your relationship with money, release internalized scarcity, and envision a version of success that feels nourishing, expansive, and truly your own.
module FIVE
Online vs In-Person Practice
Whether you’re drawn to in-person, online, or a mix—this module helps you design a practice that matches your lifestyle and values.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
-
Clarity and confidence to build a brick-and-mortar practice that feels like home. (everything from rentals to subleases to workshops, retreats or non-clinical work)
-
Overview to set up online work; even if it's just an adjunct to an in-person business
- From Zoom to Psychology Today, you’ll learn which platforms align best with your style—and how to set them up with professionalism and care.
-
Guidance on remote work ethics, boundaries, and liability.
You’ll feel empowered to hold safe, contained space across digital platforms—without second-guessing your setup. -
Inspiration to expand beyond 1:1 work—gently.
Explore creative ways to diversify your income and make a bigger impact through offerings like memberships, groups, digital resources, and retreats—at your own pace, in your own way. -
Art and journal prompts to design your business around your ideal day—so your calendar reflects your values, your energy, and your joy.
module SIX
Listings on Directories
Your ideal clients are already searching—this module helps make sure they can actually find you. You’ll learn how to create clear, compelling, and values-aligned profiles on directories like Psychology Today that help the right people say yes to working with you.
You're going to get:
-
A step-by-step walkthrough to optimize your Psychology Today profile so it stands out in your area and speaks directly to the clients you're meant to serve.
+ 6 months FREE!!!!! - An overview of other key directories to consider—based on your location, niche, and where your dream clients are looking.
- A reality check on why relying on Facebook therapist groups for referrals often leads to burnout and misalignment.
-
Art and journal prompts to help you reverse-engineer a profile that actually connects—moving from “I’m so and so” to “You’re looking for support that feels safe, creative, and real.”
module seven
Boundaries, Energy & Burnout-Proofing Your Practice
You are your most valuable resource—and this module is all about protecting your capacity so you can build a business that sustains you, not drains you. Because when your energy is aligned, everything else flows.
What you're going to explore:
-
Foundational practices to support your nervous system as you step into the layered roles of art therapist, entrepreneur, admin, marketing director... and more!
-
How to attract aligned clients without overextending, overexplaining, or compromising your values.
Boundary-setting strategies that protect your energy while still allowing for growth, generosity, and expansion. -
Boundaries that honour both your rest and your ambition.
-
Art and journal prompts to help you notice your energetic patterns, gently prevent burnout, and imagine what real, ongoing support could look like in your work and your life.
module EIGHT
Social Media –
Being a Therapist Online
You don’t need to go viral to make an impact. This module helps you show up online in a way that’s clear, ethical, and true to who you are—so you can connect with the people who need your work, without performative pressure or burnout.
We will talk about:
-
What to post as a therapist online—ethically, authentically, and with clarity around your scope.
-
Social platforms 101 (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and the culture behind each of them & how to use them to attract your dream clients into your business
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How to use hashtags, reels, and relationship-based content to build trust—plus 10 content ideas to help you get started.
-
Setting and maintaining strong boundaries so your social media presence supports your practice, not your stress.
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Art and journal prompts to explore what it feels like to be visible—what parts of you feel safe to share, and how to bridge the space between therapist and public presence with care and intention.
MODULEÂ NINE
Bookkeeping, Taxes
& The Business Side
You don’t have to be a numbers person to run a thriving practice. This module breaks down the money side of things into clear, manageable pieces—so you can feel empowered, not overwhelmed, when it comes to finances.
We are going to talk about:
-
How to get started with bookkeeping—and why hiring a professional bookkeeper can be one of the best investments in your peace of mind.
-
Understanding taxes based on your country, province, or state, and how your services are classified.
-
How to track income and expenses in a simple, intuitive way—plus what might be tax-deductible as an art therapist (think: supplies, supervision, even parts of your home office).
-
Art and journal prompts to reflect on your relationship with money, financial responsibility, and the emotional stories we carry about numbers, value, and worth.
module TEN
Building Your Support Team
+ Long-Term Vision
Great practices don’t grow in isolation. This module is about building the kind of support—professional, personal, and emotional—that helps you stay grounded while dreaming bigger. Because sustainability isn’t just strategy—it’s community.
We will talk about:
- How to find supervision that supports your next chapter—including how (and why) to branch out beyond your school supervisor.
- Understanding supervision requirements so you can stay ethically aligned and professionally supported.
- Getting health benefits as an entrepreneur—because therapists deserve therapy, too.
-
Visioning future growth in your business: from group offerings to courses, retreats, and beyond.
-
Art and journal prompts to help you reflect on the kind of community you want to build, and to map out a self-care plan that truly sustains you as a helper and healer.
You’re ready. The next step is waiting.
This course gives you the clarity, tools, and support to begin—gently, confidently, and in full alignment with who you are.
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the bonuses
You'll also get access to these *bonus* resources to support your journey
Pre-Course Module
Enjoy a video welcome from Ashleigh of Discover Art Therapy and dive into guided art making to set your intentions, explore your dreams and desires for your business, and get excited about this new chapter.
6-Month FREE Psychology Today Listing
Skip the fees and get your first six months of visibility on this directory on me. You will 6 months Psychology Today listing for FREE!
Community
Join the Discover Art Therapy Community where all members of the "Create Your Path" program will have a private chat and feed to share, ask questions, and share wins. I'm on there as well and will reply to posts!
10% off Glo Creative
You will receive a special 10% off offer on the beautiful therapist friendly website templates from my friend Jamie at GLO!
PLUS:Â receive a free website planning guide!
2hrs Small Group Supervision
Join Ashleigh & Jen Hakola, MA, RCAT, DKATI, BFA in a small group supervision group.
âś” RCATÂ & CRPO eligible
For internationals, this is PD.
Everything you DIDN'T KNOW YOU NEEDED
You’re not just building a business—you’re stepping into your identity as an art therapist entrepreneur.
This isn’t just a handful of tips or a few downloadable templates.
This is a full-bodied guide—from student to practitioner, from uncertainty to grounded confidence.
You’ll learn the real steps to starting a
private art therapy practice—
→ The logistics no one taught you
→ The mindset shifts that make all the difference
→ The systems that hold your energy
→ And the soul of it all: staying rooted in the art
I created this course to give you what I desperately needed at the beginning:
Clear, compassionate guidance and the whole-picture view.
You’re getting the lessons I had to learn the hard way—plus three years of real experience across agency work, running a brick-and-mortar practice, and growing a thriving online community of 106K+.
This is everything I wish I had—packaged for you.
JOIN THE WAITLIST →
SINGLE PAYMENT
$497 CAD
âś“ INSTANT ACCESS TO THE
PRE-COURSE MODULEÂ AFTER MAY 15th
âś“ Â 10 VIDEO MODULES WITH RESOURCES, ART PROMPTS & MORE
âś“ 2 HOURS SMALL GROUP SUPERVISION
âś“ Â 6 MONTHS FREE OF PSYCHOLOGYÂ TODAY DIRECTORY LISTING
âś“Â ART AND JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR EACH MODULE
âś“ PAPERWORK TEMPLATES / CHAT GPT PROMPTS FOR FORMS
âś“Â DISCOUNT CODES
âś“Â COMMUNITY CHAT
âś“Â SPECIAL RATE FOR CONTINUED SUPERVISION SUPPORT
âś“Â TAX DEDUCTIBLEÂ PROFESSIONAL COURSE
Erin took the leap into private practise right after graduating
"Ashleigh rooted me in an art practise that helped me grow confidence along with practical tips and clarity for starting my own private practise"
- ERIN ROBINSON, DKATI (Jasper Art Therapy)
ready for a change?
By the end of Create Your Path, you will...
Register your business, obtain liability insurance, begin your regulatory requirements, set your business up legally
Create a financial plan for your business which includes sustainable pricing models for your lifestyle and goals
Have a booking system set up
and create your IMPORTANT PRELIMINARY client paperwork and forms
Have a website started and begin creating your online presence
Unpack limiting beliefs and fears AROUND MONEY AND BUSINESS AND TRANSMUTE THEM
KNOW HOW TO FIND YOUR FIRST PRIVATE PRACTISE CLIENTS & SET UP SYSTEMS FOR THEM TO FIND YOU ON AUTOPILOT
ON THE FENCE ABOUT JOINING?
Trust me, I've been in your shoes
 I created this program because I get asked by so many Canadian art therapy students around graduation time, "can you help me set up a private practise Ashleigh??"
It became time to make a self-paced program that new grads and returning art therapists to the field could explore.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF:
✔️ You’re craving both basic business support and deep personal reflection to grow and flourish
✔️ You're new to private practice and want A-Z set up support
✔️ You are excited about building an art therapy private practice
this might not be for you if:
❌ You want to grow a large following on social media (this is not a social media specific course & you don't necessarily need it right away)
❌ You already own or have an art therapy private practise
❌ You don't want to put in the work to set up your own private practise
ready for a change?
By the end of Create Your Path, you will feel...
Aligned with your values and clear about your direction
Grounded in the systems you’ve built to support your work
Confident in your pricing, messaging, and professional presence
Less anxious about visibility and more connected to your ideal clients
Supported in your energy, capacity, and personal rhythms
Like a real art therapist entrepreneur!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
The world needs more creative, embodied, grounded therapists. Let’s build the practice you were made for.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next small step.
This course was built for the messy middle—for the space between “I think I can” and “I’m actually doing it.”
Let this be your soft landing. Your solid start. Your path forward.
