My name is Tamara Reynolds, though most people call me Tammy. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, I earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts (HBA) and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University. In 1991, I began my career with the Thunder Bay Police Service as a dispatcher and later transitioned to a police officer, ultimately being promoted to Sergeant in 2007.
I’ve always been an artist, but over time, I discovered there was also a deeply therapeutic aspect to creating art. In 2015, I was diagnosed with complicated grief and began experiencing symptoms of PTSD. During that challenging time, I turned to drawing and painting, realizing how much it helped me cope when I was feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed. This personal connection to art as a healing tool sparked my interest in art therapy as a profession.
In 2016, I began my formal training at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, graduating in 2019. I then opened my private practice to help others struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, grief, and low self-esteem. While completing my training, I had the opportunity to work with first responders and individuals facing similar challenges.
After retiring from the police service in 2018, I fully embraced my new career as a professional art therapist. As a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario), I incorporate creativity into therapy, using an eclectic approach that integrates modalities such as positive psychology, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and narrative therapy. I enjoy experimenting with various art mediums, encouraging clients to have fun and explore their creative side.
Outside of art therapy, I love to draw, paint, and stay active. I play the trumpet, hockey, and slow-pitch, enjoy camping, fishing, singing, and walking my dog.
The beauty of art therapy is that it doesn’t require you to be an artist. The process itself is what matters most. Clients often discover personal meanings, metaphors, or messages within their artwork, which can be both surprising and enlightening. While the focus is on the process of mindful engagement, you might also uncover your inner artist and find joy in creating.
For me, creating art has always been a part of who I am, but I’ve come to appreciate its therapeutic power. Art remains a vital tool for managing my own PTSD symptoms, helping me navigate moments when I feel activated or need to slow down and simply be present.

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