Nicki Koethner

Nicki Koethner is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at Sofia University, specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy. She holds an MA and is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). Her work integrates creativity, somatic practices, and earth-based spirituality to address trauma, stress, and life transitions. She supervises at the Art of Health and Healing program at Contra Costa County Medical Centers (CCRMC) and serves on the Board of BodyTales and as an advisor to the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA).

Education includes training at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and the European Graduate School (EGS), with a focus on transpersonal and somatic approaches. Her research interests emphasize the therapeutic power of creative expression in fostering resilience and community connection. She has facilitated workshops globally, including at IEATA and NADT conferences, addressing themes like trauma, cultural diversity, and eco-spirituality. Her practice combines private therapy in Berkeley with public workshops promoting self-care and creative exploration.

Nicki’s approach, rooted in ‘Express-Explore-Expand,’ prioritizes curiosity and embodiment. She advocates for expressive arts as a bridge to personal and collective healing, emphasizing its role in stress management for healthcare providers and social change. Her professional narrative highlights teaching, community engagement, and innovative applications of expressive arts in medical and educational settings.