Some things are hard to say out loud, even to the people closest to you. These workshops give you a different way in. We read a poem, make something with our hands, and see what comes up.
You don’t need art skills. Nothing is graded and nothing has to be shown. I run workshops on my own and with other women who work with expats, online and sometimes in person.
Therapeutic Art Workshops for Expat Women
What happens in a workshop
Each workshop is built around one theme, such as mixed emotions, grief while abroad, or feeling at home in a new place. A typical session includes:
A short opening and maybe a poem to sit with
Guided art-making with simple materials
Time to reflect, and to share if you want to
Something to take home and keep using
Workshops are not therapy. They are therapeutic art, led by a certified art therapist, in a gentle and trauma-informed way.
Past and upcoming workshops
Finding Your Anchor: Wellness Tools for Life Abroad
Practical ways to support your wellbeing while living abroad, with Janaline Smalman and Munisha Mirchandani.
Part of The Expat Woman’s Global Connect Month.
Thursday 12 November, online
9:00 AM PT | 12:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM UK | 8:00 PM Kuwait
Living abroad asks a lot of you. This 90-minute session gives you two simple ways to feel more anchored, and time to meet other women who understand.
What to expect
Therapeutic Art for Emotional Wellbeing While Living Abroad with Janaline : a short, hands-on taste of how art can help you process what’s hard to put into words
Aromatherapy Rituals: Your Everyday Anchor Wherever Life Takes You with Munisha : how scent and simple daily rituals can help you feel grounded, energised and inspired
Networking and interactive time
No art experience is needed. This is a taste of therapeutic art, not therapy, and you can take part as much or as little as you like.
Holding Both
A supportive workshop for women living abroad who are navigating the emotional complexity of building a life between cultures.
In collaboration with Paula from Expanding Waves.
This gentle 90-minute workshop combines:
guided conversation and reflection
therapeutic art exploration
practical tools for navigating mixed emotions
connection with a supportive community of expat women
Created for women living abroad who want to better understand and process the mixed emotions that can come with expat life—from excitement and possibility to loneliness, grief, uncertainty, and everything in between.
Finding Ground
A restorative workshop for expat moms navigating uncertainty, fear, and difficult decisions in times of conflict.
In collaboration with Daniela Blanchet, Ontological Coach & Expat Mom Coach.
This gentle 90-minute online workshop combines:
reflective practices
emotional coaching
therapeutic art exploration
community connection
Created for expat women in GCC countries navigating uncertainty and emotional overwhelm during this time.
Client Testimonials
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Sam, Canada
“Working with Janaline felt emotionally safe from the very first session. She listened deeply and remembered small details that made me feel truly seen.
Through her creative prompts, I was able to explore identity shifts and long-held anxiety in a way that felt grounding rather than overwhelming. I often left sessions feeling clearer, steadier, and more connected to myself.”
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Gillian, Vancouver
“Art therapy with Janaline gave me a safe space to process grief, anxiety, and complicated family emotions.
There was no pressure to perform or explain everything perfectly. I felt respected, supported, and allowed to move at my own pace.
What surprised me most was how much belonging I felt — even in the quiet moments.”
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Jennifer M. Sontag, Italy
“I used to reach for ways to numb or distract when things felt overwhelming.
After working with Janaline, I now find myself picking up my pencils and doodling instead.
It feels so much better — like I’m soothing myself in a healthier, more grounding way.”
Host a workshop with me
I’m open to hosting workshops with expat communities, memberships, and other facilitators. If you’d like to bring therapeutic art to your group, get in touch.