Our Story

We believe in self-discovery and healing

At Making Space, we believe in the therapeutic potential of creative expression, and our art studio serves as a canvas for self-discovery and healing. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking personal development, or simply looking for a space to unwind, our range of services includes traditional clinical therapy, art therapy, and engaging group classes and events. Our studio is equipped to inspire, encourage, and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Our all-inclusive approach recognizes that healing is a multi-faceted journey, and our dedicated team of licensed therapists and certified art therapists are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for exploration and growth. Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.

Our Philosophy

At Making Space, we believe in the dignity and value of all human beings. We strive to create a space that is inclusive and safe for ALL, welcoming all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, and sizes. Being together allows us to reflect this value to each other so that we can see value in ourselves.

We believe that when we create together, we can heal both the spoken and unspoken wounds in ourselves and our communities. Making art enlivens, engages, comforts, and challenges us. Art making is a fundamental human activity and is part of a whole person approach to health and healing.  

We believe that joy is finding the opportunity that exists in all circumstances. When we give ourselves permission to engage in life with joy, we are empowered.

about the founder

Katie Kajdan Bell

Hello!

I am Katie Kajdan Bell, the owner and founder of Making Space and Art Therapy AK LLC.

I am a lifelong Alaskan and a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2009 I received my M. A. in Clinical Psychology and Art Therapy from Antioch University Seattle. My graduate research focused on intergenerational expressions of trauma and the influence of our genetics, families, environments, and community on our wellbeing. This research continues to impact my personal and professional philosophy, recognizing we are all more than the sum of our parts. I began my work in community mental health services and expanded to private practice as a clinical art therapist in 2013.

I am Certified Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Specialist and Level 3 Traits Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S) certified clinician for eating disorders. I have additional specialized training in Somatic Art Therapy, ARC Trauma Treatment, CBT, and Exposure Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,  and Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy. I continue to pursue educational opportunities to support increased efficacy of treatment and improved outcomes for my clients.

Throughout the years, I longed to expand the community of creative art therapists to support one another and offer amazing programs beyond traditional counseling services. One of the barriers that I ran into again and again was a lack of professional studio space to support the hybrid services offered. I needed a home base and wanted a collection and connection point for like minded professionals. What would it be like to share a space with others who spoke the same language and could move back and forth between the clinical and creative? A new idea was born, Making Space: A Therapeutic Community. In early 2022, I opened the doors. 

In addition to running Making Space, I served on the founding board of directors for AKEDA (Alaska Eating Disorder Alliance) which works to connect Alaskans to education, resources, and support for those impacted by Eating Disorders, and continues to work with the organization. I am an active member of the American Counseling Association, American Art Therapy Association, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. I am active in the local professional community through consultation groups and providing educational lectures, panel discussions, and professional training and workshops.

When I am not at Making Space,  I am painting, playing outside, and enjoying the challenges and joys of raising three children.

Founder of Making Space, Katie Kajdan Bell smiles at the camera while pointing to a "mental health matters" t-shirt

Welcome to Making Space: A Therapeutic Community. I hope you will find a place here!

Katie is a certified therapist with Psychology Today

Making Space Offers the following Services

  • Classes and Workshops

    Interested in learning skills to unlock creative potential, improve emotional understanding, and live life to the fullest? Join with like minded folks in a supportive and fun community: book a class or workshop and learn the skills you need to get the most out of life.

  • Clinical Therapy

    Feel like you have tried on your own to create change, heal from the past, or manage a difficult situation? Are you ready to have someone in your corner? Clinical psychotherapy services are specific and individually tailored to each patient’s needs. There is no judgment here, just effective, evidence based strategies to move forward in your life.

  • Community Hosting Space

    Do you share a passion and commitment to helping others through the creative process and want to be part of a great community? Let Making Space host your next workshop, class, or group and be a part of something bigger. Let’s do good, together.