San Canessa (she/they)
MA (Expressive Art Therapy/Counseling, in progress)
san@intrepidtherapy.com
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I’m a neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+2 expressive arts therapy coach passionate about blending creativity with therapeutic support. My approach integrates expressive arts therapy, emotional integration, and body-based (somatic) practices to help clients shift from unhelpful patterns to more resourceful, fulfilling ways of living. I provide tools and education to manage mental health, offering an inquisitive, adult learning-focused therapeutic approach.
With specialized training in mood disorders and movement practices, I’m committed to helping clients discover their strengths, heal, and create lasting transformation. My goal is to move beyond the limitations of traditional approaches that often label experiences as “wrong” or “other,” and instead embrace the artist and wisdom within all of us.
Whether you’re navigating mood issues, trauma, or personal growth, I provide support through creative exploration, authentic conversations, skill-building, and practical tools for living. Together, we can break through barriers and move toward a life filled with more authenticity.
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Soy un coach neurodivergente de arteterapia expresiva, LGBTQIA+2, apasionada por combinar la creatividad con el apoyo terapéutico. Mi enfoque integra la arteterapia expresiva, la integración emocional y las prácticas somáticas basadas en el cuerpo para ayudar a lxs clientes a pasar de patrones poco útiles a formas de vida más enriquecedoras y satisfactorias. Proporcionó herramientas y educación para manejar la salud mental, ofreciendo un enfoque terapéutico inquisitivo y centrado en el aprendizaje en la adultez.
Con formación especializada en trastornos del estado de ánimo y prácticas de movimiento, me comprometo a ayudar a lxs clientes a descubrir sus fortalezas, sanar y crear una transformación duradera. Mi objetivo es ir más allá de las limitaciones de los enfoques tradicionales que a menudo etiquetan las experiencias como "equivocadas" o "ajenas", y en su lugar, abrazar al artista y la sabiduría que hay dentro de todxs nosotrxs.
Ya sea que estés navegando problemas de ánimo, trauma o crecimiento personal, te ofrezco apoyo a través de la exploración creativa, conversaciones auténticas, desarrollo de habilidades y herramientas prácticas para vivir. Juntxs, podemos romper barreras y avanzar hacia una vida más auténtica.
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I was raised in El Salvador in a multicultural Catholic environment, which was often challenging as a young, queer, non-binary person. Feeling trapped and unseen, I turned to substance use during my teenage years to cope. In my twenties, I was diagnosed with Bipolar I.
Along the way, I explored both pharmaceutical and natural medicines, eventually finding my way through conscious dance (such as the 5 Rhythms) and creative expression. I become alive when I am dancing and singing when listening to music. I love abstractions and perspectives that offer opportunities to redefine the limits of our internal beliefs. I rest deeply when I am near water and give thanks. I like to get lost in the forest. I feel a deep connection to the invisible which inspires my imagination.
For the past 12 years, I have been a full-time artist, splitting my time between El Salvador and the United States. Movement and creativity have been lifesaving tools grounding me through difficult times. I'm also deeply grateful for the therapists who helped me find safety in my darkest moments—one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned.
In 2023, I moved to Santa Fe, NM, to pursue a Masters Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling at Southwestern College, continuing my passion for helping others navigate their mental health through creative and somatic practices.
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Crecí en El Salvador en un ambiente católico multicultural, lo cual fue a menudo un reto siendo una persona joven, queer y no binaria. Sintiéndome atrapada e invisible, recurrí al consumo de sustancias durante mi adolescencia para sobrellevarlo. En mis veintes, me diagnosticaron con Trastorno Bipolar I.
A lo largo del camino, exploré tanto medicinas farmacéuticas como naturales, y eventualmente encontré mi camino a través de la danza consciente (como los 5 Ritmos) y la expresión creativa. Me siento viva cuando bailo y canto al escuchar música. Me encantan las abstracciones y perspectivas que ofrecen oportunidades para redefinir los límites de nuestras creencias internas. Encuentro un descanso profundo cuando estoy cerca del agua y doy gracias. Me gusta perderme en el bosque. Siento una profunda conexión con lo invisible, lo que inspira mi imaginación.
Durante los últimos 12 años, he sido artista a tiempo completo, dividiendo mi tiempo entre El Salvador y los Estados Unidos. El movimiento y la creatividad han sido herramientas que me han salvado la vida, anclándome en momentos difíciles. También estoy profundamente agradecida con los terapeutas que me ayudaron a encontrar seguridad en mis momentos más oscuros, una de las lecciones más valiosas que he aprendido.
En 2023, me mudé a Santa Fe, NM, para cursar una Maestría en Arteterapia y Consejería en Southwestern College, continuando mi pasión por ayudar a los demás a navegar su salud mental a través de prácticas creativas y somáticas.
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My focus areas include working with individuals regardless of diagnosis status, including:
Autism and ADHD
Addictions
Trauma-related issues (including domestic violence, sexual assault, and PTSD)
Cult (high control/high demand group) recovery
Anxiety and depression
Personality disorders (narcissistic, borderline, and histrionic)
Specialties
- Mood Disorders
- LGBTQIA+ Support
- Anxiety & Depression
- Developing Awe and Creativity
- Expressive Arts Therapies
- Embodiment Practices
I specialize in humanistic, person-centered, somatic, and reality therapy, yet I adapt my approach to best suit each client's unique needs. Offering both individual and group counseling, my humanistic and person-centered orientation ensures a supportive and empathetic environment.
My practice is particularly attuned to serving:
Neurodivergent individuals
LGBTQIA+ community members
Trauma survivors
I work with both adolescents and adults, providing a safe space for exploration, healing, and growth.
My Approach- Somatic Practices: Body-based awareness
- Person-Centered: Humanistic approach
- The Artist’s Way: Using creativity as an ally
- Movement Practices: Focus on breath and embodiment
- Narrative Therapy
- Eco-Based Practices
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- MA in Expressive Art Therapy/Counseling, Southwestern College (in progress)
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Fine Arts, Glasgow School of Art
- BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies
- Peer Support Specialist, Mental Health Addiction Association of Oregon
- The 360 Emergence - Conscious Dance (in progress)
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Therapeutic Coaching and Peer Support
$60 session fee
Insurance: not accepted
Schedule directly through online scheduler.
If you’re unable to find an available time that works for you, please reach out to san@intrepidtherapy.com
