Katie Kapugi is a nationally registered art therapist and licensed mental health counselor with over seven years of experience specializing in chronic pain, medical trauma, complex trauma, nervous system challenges, and navigating adjustment and transition. Katie is a founder, vice president, and clinical director of Dream Big Wellness, where she also serves as a full-time art therapist.
Her expertise lies in mindfulness-based therapies and relaxation strategies, including training in biofeedback, polyvagal theory, breathwork, and autonomic nervous system regulation. Katie integrates trauma-informed care with art therapy, drawing on a deep well of theoretical knowledge, curiosity, and compassion to support those she works with.
Katie has worked extensively in nonprofit settings with people across all stages of life. Her experience includes roles in shelters, long-term care facilities, hospital settings, outpatient community mental health clinics, and school-based mental health programs. Internationally, she has contributed to arts in medicine programs in Rwanda and Guatemala, bringing creative healing to diverse communities.
As a retreat presenter, Katie has provided training in autonomic nervous system regulation and art therapy through Dream Big Wellness retreats for the past three years. Her work focuses on co-occurring medical and mental health challenges, anxiety, panic disorders, CPTSD, grief and loss, relationship dynamics, body-based trauma, identity transitions, and chronic illness and pain.
A lifelong artist, Katie grew up homeschooled by professional artists, which shaped her unique perspective on the transformative power of creativity for healing and self-expression. Her practice is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and deeply supportive, emphasizing the importance of relationships with oneself and others as a cornerstone of healing.
Katie brings a creative, compassionate, and holistic approach to her work.
Check out our upcoming therapist retreats! We have a whole lot to offer with locations all around the world.
Want to stay up to date with our latest retreats? Drop your name and email to be notified!
