About

CASSANDRA EVANS, MCP-AT, RCC-ACS, BCATR, RCAT-S

Close-up of art therapist Cassandra Evans with long red hair smiling outdoors, wearing a black top and a pearl necklace.

My practice is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to support and skills that empower them to live their best lives, regardless of their circumstances.

Over the last seven years, I have worked in hospital and community settings and private practice with clients of all ages. In addition, I am an adjunct instructor and program coordinator at Adler University in the MCP-AT program, providing education and supervision to students in the program as a dedicated advocate for the art therapy profession.

Throughout my career, I have been continually inspired by the resilience of my clients and the valuable lessons they have shared with me.

In my work with clients, I specialize in reducing the impacts of trauma, compassion fatigue and grief using an approach underscored by trauma-informed, culturally competent and anti-oppressive care. I use techniques from EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Art therapy and Narrative therapy, adjusting my therapeutic approach depending on client needs.

I welcome the opportunity to connect and collaborate in creating meaningful change for individuals and communities.

A cracked gray ceramic bowl with gold repair lines in the cracks.

My Philosophy

I use the metaphor of the Japanese art of Kintsukuroi (Keen-tsu-koo-lo-ee) in my practice, which is the art of repairing pottery with gold with an understanding that these pieces are more beautiful for having been broken.

To me, therapy is not about hiding the challenges a person faces but celebrating the uniqueness and special-ness of each individual for overcoming (or repairing) ways of being in the world that have held them back from joy and healthfulness.

Cornerstones of my work:

01

Trauma-Informed

I aim to create an environment that promotes safety, comfort, trust and transparency.

02

Anti-Oppression

I acknowledge how pervasive societal forces like late-state capitalism, colonialism, patriarchy, racism and ableism impact emotional well-being and identity.

03

Cultural Competency

I remain committed to fostering cultural connections and practicing with humility and openness.

What is Nirivia?

Nirivia (Nir-i-vee-a) is a group of islands in Lake Superior near Red Rock Ontario; the largest of these islands is St. Ignace Island where the Nirivian Embassy stands. In the 1970’s my father Rusty Evans and his friends Jim Stevens and the late Dave Kruszewski discovered this group of islands had been left out of treaties between the First Nations groups and the government. In an effort to raise awareness of preserving the land and surrounding ecosystems, the group attempted to claim the islands for their own and secede from Canada. While Canada does not officially recognize the land as a separate country, the group was able to secure the only land claims on St. Ignace Island and to ensure that the rest of the land and islands are preserved as part of Lake Superior National Park. To this day they work to maintain the islands' biodiversity, to ensure that everyone who enters Nirivia can experience the healing connection to nature of this remote and magical land.

This legacy of stewardship, justice, preservation and connection to nature is a driving force behind Nirivia Counselling and something deeply ingrained into my belief system.