Shirley Katz

I am a fitness and wellness professional with a Doctoral degree in Counselling Psychology, interested in the integration of mind and body in overall wellness.  In my capacity as a psychotherapist, I work with people with unhealthy eating and body image using creative and integrative methods to teach mindfulness and wellness, and improve their relationships to their bodies and self-care, as well as to enhance creativity in their lives.  I teach wellness and relaxation/stress reduction workshops based on evidenced practices and creative methods.  I have university teaching experience from my work as an instructor in the graduate program of the University of British Columbia and the University of Calgary, where my focus was the use of creative and expressive methods in healing.  In my capacity as a dancer and dance instructor, I bring genuine enthusiasm and positive energy, as well as professionalism, to encourage people to find the joy of movement and re-connect with their bodies.  I trained as a Zumba instructor after teaching salsa for many years and studying dance therapy.  I prefer to teach and dance in a circle, away from mirrors, where people enjoy sharing and spreading their positive energy and joy.  I believe in the power of rhythm and movement to help people tune in to themselves, refuel, and connect with others.