The Compassionate Self is an online therapeutic arts workshop designed to support you in exploring your life’s journey and welcoming the future with compassion. This workshop is ideal for anyone navigating life transitions.

Join professional art therapists Carole Preston and Miream Rabba for a micro-retreat - a gentle space to:

Take stock of where you are
Compassionately pause and reflect
Identify your hopes for the new season

You will be guided through arts-based invitations for self-expression and exploration. Carole and Miream weave in music and poetry to hold space for creative expression.

The Compassionate Self offers a supportive online space to slow down and reconnect with your inner resources as you move forward into a new season.

Come as you are.

Sharing is optional.

No art experience necessary.

Frequently asked questions

When is this happening?

This online workshop will be held via Zoom on :

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM PDT (Pacific Time)
Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT (Eastern Time)
Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM AEST (Sydney Time)

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for adults (18+) who are:

Considering or experiencing a life transition and unsure about next steps.
Curious about self-exploration through mark-making.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever basic art supplies you have at home - markers, coloured pencils, crayons and sheets of plain printer paper - whatever you have on hand. No need to buy anything new.

Why Pay-What-You-Can?

We want this workshop to be accessible and inclusive, so no one is turned away for financial reasons. Your contribution also supports the facilitators’ work and expertise, helping us sustain this creative, therapeutic experience. Please give what feels right for you.

Is this art therapy?

No, this is not art therapy. This is a therapeutic arts workshop focused on self-exploration and creative expression. While it is facilitated by Art Therapists, it is not clinical art therapy and is not a substitute for individual or group therapy.

Do I need to be an artist?

Not at all! This is about creative expression, exploration, and experimentation, not artistic skill. You'll be invited to express yourself through words, shapes, and colours, whatever feels right to you.

Is this an art class?

No formal art instruction is provided. You'll receive art invitations where the focus is on the creative process, not the end product.

What do I need to participate?

To make the most of our time together, we recommend that you have a computer with a working microphone and camera, reliable internet access, and a quiet, private space where you can work comfortably.

How many participants will there be?

The group is limited to 15 participants.

Who is facilitating this event?

Miream Rabba (she/her), PCAT, DCiiAT, founder of Art is Within (Victoria, BC) and Carole Preston (she/her), RP (Qualifying), CT, PCAT of Currents Art Therapy (Camrose, AB) look forward to guiding and holding space for you.

If you have any questions, email the facilitator at miream@artiswithin.com.

Contact the host of Compassionate Self - An online therapeutic arts workshop April 2026