Why Sage Bay

SAGE is one of the Four Sacred Medicines in Indigenous cultures. It is used for cleansing, setting intentions, ceremonies, and more. It is a symbol of processes involved in healing and growing. A Sage is also a wise person. Humans grow in wisdom across their lifespans, but not in isolation. We require the help of guides to live in a good way.

A BAY is a place we sail to for respite from the high winds and fast currents of a lake or ocean. The waters are less deep and more forgiving. We can see the reassuring shoreline and catch our breath. This is the kind of space we are committed to holding for you: a place to pause and feel, coming to understanding before moving forward.

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly."

-Richard Bach

Author of Illusions

About Renée

BSc, DKATI, PCAT | Art Therapist & Creativity Guide

"To me, art therapy is the wise process of turning personal experiences into shared beauty. It’s a storyteller of growth (change? truth?).

At work, art-making is a highly engaging process for growing meta skills in self-management, social intelligence and innovation. A fun vehicle for team learning!"

Renée Michaud (they) is a Professional Canadian Art Therapist, facilitator, musician and dancer. Her devotion is to helping people live higher quality lives through creativity & rest.

She is the Métis founder of Sage Bay Art Therapy & Counselling, located on the unceded ancestral territories of the Algonquin Nation, also known as Ottawa (Adawe), Ontario, Canada. When not working or resting, she enjoys creating ridiculously joyous experiences with artists, healers, and entrepreneurs of all walks of life. Et oui, elle parle français!

Renée studied Biology and Communication at the University of Ottawa (2009) before working for 10 years at her alma mater supporting high school students, their families, and educators with youth transitions to postsecondary. She became an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation in 2020 and has since helped hundreds of individuals and groups of young professionals experience freedom through change-making.

She graduated from the master’s-level diploma program in Art Therapy from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute located in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada (2023). Renée finds great purpose guiding people & teams to lead more effective, creative & fulfilling lives. Reach out to connect!

What I Believe In

These values guide every session, circle, and workshop

Safety & Trust

You're in control of the pace of therapy. Therapy doesn’t have to feel urgent. It can be steady, gentle, and grounding.

Creativity for All

Art is a language everyone can speak. This is not art class. No need for grades, judgment, or expectations.

Inclusion & Respect

All identities, cultures, and lived experiences are welcome here. Therapy should feel empowering and create hope & possibilities.

Collaboration

We work together to reshape your narrative — you’re the active main character in your life's story.

Connection in Courage

Sessions are a safe place for you to express any stories and emotions stuck in the body. Brave vulnerability brings relief and connection.

A Note From Renée

I believe people are incredibly resilient — even when they don’t feel that way.

My role is simply to walk beside you, help you access your inner strengths, and offer tools that support emotional balance and deeper self-understanding.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to start… you’re not alone. Art therapy can help you find your footing again — and I’d be honoured to support you on that path.

Explore Services