Emma JM. Ates, BFA, DTATI, RP, RCAT
Psychopractitioner in Contemplative
and Integrative Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO, Ontario, Canada)
Registered Canadian Art Therapist (RCAT)
Member of SFAT – French Union of Art Therapists
Application in progress with FF2P – French Federation of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
I support individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, and relationship challenges within a structured, integrative, and compassionate therapeutic framework.
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My work bridges Western psychology and Buddhist-informed contemplative practice, integrating approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and the Contemplative Creative Therapy (CCT) model.
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Originally trained and registered in Canada, I continue my professional practice internationally while contributing to the development of contemplative and integrative therapeutic education.
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I am also the founder of the Lojong Center for Contemplative Creative Science, dedicated to professional training and research in contemplative creative therapy.
International Clinical Background
Emma J.M. Ates is a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO, Ontario, Canada) and Registered Canadian Art Therapist (RCAT, CATA) in private practice. She has been practicing for nine years across diverse clinical settings, including the past five years in private practice, where she works with adults and couples.
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She supports individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, and relationship challenges within a structured and integrative therapeutic framework. Her approach bridges Western psychology and Buddhist-informed contemplative psychotherapy, integrating evidence-based modalities such as Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). At the heart of her work is the eight-level framework of Contemplative Creative Therapy (CCT), a developmental model that supports gradual, embodied, and empowering transformation.
Clinical and Teaching Background
Emma has taught in professional and academic contexts, including the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (Applied Mindfulness Meditation Certificate Program), the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She has taught at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies in the Applied Mindfulness Meditation Certificate Program (Mindfulness & Art Therapy course), and at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI). She has also led workshops and trainings with Glendon York University, the Mindful Society Global Institute, and SickKids Hospital in Toronto.
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Originally trained and registered in Canada, she now offers bilingual therapeutic services internationally while maintaining active professional affiliations in both Canada and France.
Meditation & Contemplative Creative Training
Emma’s clinical work is deeply informed by over two decades of meditation and contemplative practice. She took refuge in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition in France in 1999 and continues her Buddhist study and practice in Canada with Gaden Choling for the West and the Paramita Center in Toronto.
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Since 2022, she has further deepened her engagement in Dharma Art and Zen creative disciplines through study with Jody Hojin Kimmel Sensei of Zen Mountain Monastery.
Her training includes contemplative arts practices such as Nalanda Miksang Contemplative Photography, Shambhala Art, Zen brushwork, sumi-e, ikebana, and other embodied creative disciplines. These practices continue to inform her clinical presence, teaching, and writing.
About the Lojong Center
Emma is the founder of the Lojong Center for Contemplative Creative Science, an educational platform dedicated to professional training and research in contemplative creative therapy. Through the Center, she offers advanced training programs and workshops for mental health professionals and contemplative practitioners.
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