Up Coming Events
Date: Tuesdays
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Time: 9:15-10:15am
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
Cost: Free
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This is a free, drop-in event. For more information please contact Laurie at larkinboyletherapy@gmail.com.
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Soul Cafe
Every Tuesday morning from 9:15-10:15 join Layla Robbie & Laurie Larkin-Boyle for Soul Cafe.
A gathering to explore the connection between spirituality and the arts, using expressive art therapy processes we will read, discuss and create. Supplies and prompts provided.
Feel free to bring any arts or crafts and/or spiritual, philosophical, self help or other books of interest.
This gathering is open to anyone who appreciates talking about life's deeper questions. No particular spiritual viewpoint is required and no particular spiritual agenda is promoted, though writings from diverse traditions may be engaged.
Date: Mondays April 7, May 5, June 2
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Time: 12pm-2pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
Cost: Free
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Munch and Mingle
"First Monday of the Month"​
These collegial meet-ups are for intermodal Expressive Arts Therapists and Creative Arts Therapists such as Art Therapists, Drama Therapists, Dance/Movement Therapists, Music Therapists, and Poetry Therapists.
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Network and create community
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Share resources and techniques
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Attend to self care and network
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Offer peer supervision
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Play and attend to self-care
Held on the first Monday of the month at My Inner Harbour. Bring your lunch and notebook/sketchbook. co-hosted by Laurie Larkin-Boyle and Janet Walker. RSVP
Expressive Arts Workshop Series – May 2025
This May, Larkin-Boyle Therapy is offering a five-week series of Expressive Arts Therapy workshops in collaboration with My Inner Harbour. Led by Laurie Larkin-Boyle, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Art Therapist, these workshops are part of her doctoral studies in Expressive Arts Therapy.
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Each session invites participants into a space of creative exploration, self-expression, and connection. No prior art experience is necessary—just an openness to engage with the creative process.
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Participants can expect:
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Guided expressive arts experiences using a variety of modalities
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A safe, supportive space for emotional insight and self-discovery
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Practices rooted in neuroscience and trauma-informed care
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Community connection through shared creative engagement
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Whether attending a single session or the full series, participants are invited to experience the healing and transformative power of the arts in community.
Date: Thursday, May 1
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Time: 6pm-8:30pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
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Needle Felting: Felted Hearts – A Self-Care Workshop
Offered by Laurie Larkin-Boyle, an experienced art therapist, this self-care workshop blends creativity and mindfulness through the gentle practice of needle felting. You will learn how to shape soft wool into colourful felted hearts—perfect as personal keepsakes, heartfelt gifts, or symbols of encouragement.
No experience needed. Laurie will guide you step-by-step through basic needle felting techniques in a calm, supportive space. As you focus on the repetitive motions of felting, you will also tap into a relaxing, meditative rhythm—helping you slow down, connect, and recharge.
All materials provided. Come as you are and leave with handmade hearts and a little more peace of mind.
Date: Thursday, May 8
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Time: 6pm-8:30pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
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Wish Dolls: A Community Doll-Making Workshop
Offered by Laurie Larkin-Boyle, an experienced art therapist, this workshop invites you to create your own Wish Doll—a small, symbolic figure made with intention, care, and creativity. As you
craft your doll, you will have the chance to reflect on personal hopes, healing, or affirmations, all while connecting with others in a meaningful, supportive setting. This is more than a craft project—it is a way to slow down, share space, and build community through art. Laurie will guide you through the process using simple materials and open-ended prompts. No experience needed. Come solo or bring a friend.
All materials are included. You will leave with a handmade doll, a grounded sense of connection, and maybe even a little magic.
Date: Thursday, May 15
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Time: 6pm-8:30pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
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Bilateral Drawing for Self-Regulation and Insight
Led by art therapist Laurie Larkin-Boyle, this workshop introduces the gentle, grounding practice of bilateral drawing—using both hands to draw at the same time. This simple yet powerful technique supports nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and access to deeper self-awareness.In a calm, supportive environment, Laurie will guide you through a series of bilateral drawing exercises using basic materials. No art experience is needed—just a willingness to explore. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, reconnect with your body, or gain new personal insight, this workshop offers a creative space to do just that.
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All materials provided. Come as you are and leave with tools you can continue to use on your own.
Date: Thursday, May 22
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Time: 6pm-8:30pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
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Shift: Changing Thought Patterns Through Movement and Creative Expression
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This experiential workshop invites you to explore how mindful movement and creative expression can shift limiting thought patterns and open space for new ways of being. Guided by expressive arts therapist Janet Walker, with support from art therapist Laurie Larkin-Boyle, the session blends guided movement with reflective art-making to help reconnect body and mind. No dance or art experience is needed. The focus is on presence, curiosity, and inner awareness—not performance or product. Together, we will explore how embodied practices can loosen mental habits, regulate the nervous system, and support personal growth.
Bring your own writing notebook or art sketchbook if you have one. All materials are provided. Wear comfortable clothes, bring an open mind, and leave with practical tools for everyday life.
Date: Thursday, May 29
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Time: 6pm-8:30pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
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Process Painting: Expression Without Judgement
Offered by art therapist Laurie Larkin-Boyle, this workshop invites you into a freeing, intuitive painting experience where the focus is on the process, not the product. No rules, no pressure to make it “look right”—just colour, movement, and honest expression. Process painting creates space for curiosity, emotional release, and inner dialogue. Laurie will guide you through this open-ended approach with gentle prompts and a supportive atmosphere that honours wherever you are in your creative or personal journey. No painting experience needed.
All materials provided. Come explore what wants to surface—without judgment, expectation, or the need to explain.
Date: August 2025
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Time: TBD
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Location: Nanaimo
Cost: TBD
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Retreat
Expressive Art Therapy Retreat
More details coming soon!
Past Events
Date: 3rd, 10th, and 17th of March 2025
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Time: Lunchtime 12 - 1pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
Cost: Free for members of My Inner Harbour | $12 for non-members
Add Some Magic to Your Mondays
Take a break from the hustle and embrace a bit of self-care, creativity, and community at our Needle Felting session! Drop in during your lunch break to explore the relaxing art of needle felting. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just curious to try something new, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and connect with others.
Date: March 31st, 2025
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Time: 6 - 8pm
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Location: My Inner Harbour, 149 Wallace Street, Nanaimo BC
Cost: Free
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Creative Self-Care: Using expressive arts to nourish the mind, body, and soul
A free 45 minute lecture for ages 16 and up, integrating expressive arts, brain research, and self-care followed by an engaging expressive arts experience.