The Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) is dedicated to the belief that the creative process is healing and life enhancing. The Institute offers art therapy services to children, youth and adults, an accredited two year post-baccalaureate Art Therapy diploma program and professional development opportunities in expressive arts therapies and ecological identity. The KATI program integrates Art Therapy theory, practice and research.

The Institute is situated in the small heritage town of Nelson, BC, and emphasizes an awareness of the therapeutic needs of rural communities, with a focus on training culturally sensitive and responsive art therapists. The program is offered in 2 different formats: a campus program with planned practica placements; and a distance program with intensive on site course work and individually established practica placements in home communities.

The Kutenai Art Therapy Institute is a community based creative program. We are always doing new things: making art, writing books, making movies, putting on workshops, conferences and symposiums. Check out our workshops and events section. Over the last few years we have hosted national and international art and expressive arts therapists. Monica Carpendale, the founder and director, is a published author, film producer, and international presenter.

In 2010 the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute celebrated its 15th year anniversary with a winter party and an Art for the Heart cake. We also created new aprons that say, “She walks softly but she carries a paint brush”, upgrading our previous “Never surrender your creativity” aprons. This summer we are hosting “With Hope and Open Hearts: a sculpture symposium and eco art therapy conference”.

Welcome to our new website! We invite you to come in, explore, and join us in art therapy discovery, research, participation, and education.