Hi, I’m Heather Zuchowski, MS, ATR, SCPC, SRCD, CPRC.
I am an Art Therapist, Senior Certified Professional Coach, Certified Professional Recovery Coach, and SHE RECOVERS® Coach Designate, specializing in trauma-informed expressive arts therapy. My primary focus areas include trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges.
A little bit of my story…
Over my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, including schools, state mental health services, non-profits, wellness centers, outreach programs, and private practice. I have had the opportunity to work both domestically and internationally, which has enabled me to create community-based programs, develop and implement art therapy curricula, and even found a breast cancer awareness charity in China.
Having lived in Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, along with extensive international travel, I bring a rich cultural perspective to my practice. This diverse background allows me to approach therapy with a unique understanding of different cultural contexts and life experiences. My combined experience in recovery, art therapy, and education enables me to offer a distinctive and impactful approach to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. I am deeply passionate about helping people heal and achieve their fullest potential.
My Education, Work Experience & Community Work Says More About Me Than I Ever Could (thank heavens)
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Expressive Arts Therapist-Trauma-Informed EXAT – In process
Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
Senior Certified Professional Coach – Feb 2021
Coach Transformational Academy, Dubai, UAE
Master of Science Degree in Art Therapy – May 2000
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
Thesis Research: “Indicators of Domestic Violence in the Kinetic Family Drawing, A pilot study”
Bachelor of Arts – May 1998
Carlow College, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Art for Life, Clinton, TN. USA
Founded Art Therapy private practice
Specialize in trauma, addiction, mental health challenges
Conduct individual and group Art Therapy sessions in-person/online
Conduct workshops in-person/online
7/24 to 7/25 Founder - Art for Life, Lancaster, PA. USA
Founded Art Therapy private practice
Specialize in trauma, addiction, mental health challenges
Conduct individual and group Art Therapy sessions in-person/online
Conduct workshops in-person/online
8/21 to 9/23 Founder - Art for Life Couching, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Founded Art-based Recovery and Life Coaching business
Specialize in working with women in recovery
Conduct individual and group coaching sessions in-person/online
Conduct workshops in-person/online
6/14 to 3/18 Charity Founder and Director
One World One Dream, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Founded Breast Cancer Charity
Planned, organized, and implemented fundraising events
Developed bi-lingual breast cancer educational materials
Interfaced with Chinese government organizations
9/10 to 11/12 Art Therapist
Providence House, Whiting, NJ, USA
Creative Art Therapy Treatment Program
Conducted assessments, individual, and group therapy with abused children
Conducted family therapy sessions
2/05 to 10/05 Clinical Counselor
Crawford Day School, Norfolk, VA, USA
Conducted assessments, individual, and group therapy with severely emotionally disturbed children ages 5-19
Developed and implemented summer programming
Supervised clinical Art Therapy intern
10/02 to 8/04 Mental Health Counselor II
Department of Mental Health, Summerville, SC, USA
School-based mental health counselor
Conducted assessments, individual, and group therapy with at-risk adolescents
Conducted family therapy sessions
Developed and implemented alternative counseling initiatives
Assisted with County-wide Psychiatric Mobil Crisis Response Unit
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SHE RECOVERS® Coach Designate - June 2021
Professional Recovery Coach - International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches - April 2021
International MOMS Club of Barnegat – President 2008 - 2010
Licensed Art Therapist - Art Therapy Credentials Board - Jun 2002
Tri-County Counseling Association – President - 2002-2003
South Carolina Association of Art Therapists – President-elect – 2001-2003
American Art Therapy Association – member 1998-2007
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Developed and implemented Ruwais Roots & Shoots Program. A registered group with the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots an environmental education program. Ruwais Roots & Shoots, RRS was a social educational program developed for the Ruwais Homeschooling Association. RRS raised funds for a service trip to the Philippines. RRS service trip included 5 moms and 11 children. We traveled to Bocolod and Turlac, Philippines for 10 days. RRS service trip included the 2 projects. Project one: purchasing and installing 1 water pump, purchased and organized food supply donations in a local community. Project Two: Partnered with local High School to purchasing and installing 1 water pump, purchasing and installing 1 toilet, repaired 1 toilet, purchased and organized feminine hygiene supply donations. RRS traveled to Turlac, Philippines to learn about organic farming. Students had an opportunity to visit a local mountain village inhabited by Indigenous Filipino peoples to learn about their community and their daily lives.
Developed and implemented Ruwais Homeschooling Association. A social and support organization for homeschooling families in the community.
Developed and implemented service partner agreement with Providence House, Catholic Charities of Trenton, NJ and International MOMS Club of Barnegat, NJ. Service project included monthly donations for the Donation Closet, plus direct volunteering and donations for the annual Holiday Store.
Developed and implemented The Community Experience Project. A hands-on endeavor designed to expose at-risk youth to positive community experiences.
Developed and implemented Project Mentor Program. Matched Givhans Community School Project Opportunity students with community mentors.
Developed and implemented Project Right Choice. Program that provided the opportunity for Givhans Community School students to tour MacDougall Correctional Facility as well as the chance to interview incarcerated individuals.
Mentored an Academic Magnet School Student– supervised a senior on her thesis.
Participated in local Hospice sponsored Bereavement Camps
Developed and implemented a therapeutic art program for Iraqi refugee children. Provided English language early-education, support, and an expressive outlet for children suffering from PTSD. This program was a combined effort with the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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"I thought the 25 mins to do the tasks was going to be way too long, but the time went really quickly. If your focused on the art, then the normal things going through your brain went away and gave you peace. Being able to turn to something that we had never tried before and always thought would be rubbish at and to find out it was an achievement was gratifying. Looked forward to all the days that we had class."
Marion
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"Yes, I achieved lots from it. I surprised myself. I thought it was well presented relaxing very informative and made to feel comfortable as don't need to show my creations."
Anonymous
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"She taught us all the different parts that you can do. She is wonderful. She is very easy to follow. Gives good clear instructions. Also, I found my likes and dislikes. I'm sorry that its only 6 weeks, I'd have liked it to be longer, but I will carry on with what I have learned."
Simon
Podcasts I’ve been on…
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Rare Conversations - Nov 30, 2021
Art Therapy Can have a Powerful Influence on your Mental Health with Heather Zuchowski
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Woman Who Podcast Magazine - April/Spring 2023
Issue #9, Women Who Podcast with Heather Zuchowski
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Through the Glass Recovery Ep. 110
The Fear of Missing Out in Sobriety with Heather Zuchowski
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One Day at a Time Recovery Podcast
Heather shares she story of parental suicide, childhood abuse, and healing in sobriety, Ep. 346.