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What Is Art Therapy ?
"... art images can help us understand who we are, to express feelings and ideas that words cannot and to enhance life through self expression".
Cathy Malchiodi
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I often hear the words "I'm not good at art ", or "I don't know how to be creative".  We all have the inherent capacity for creativity and self expression within us, it is the job of an arts therapist to safely support you to develop this inner resource and apply its insights to your everyday experience of life. Art making alone or in collaboration with others is supported by science as an experience that enhances well being, regulates the nervous system, increases our ability to communicate, enhances our interpersonal relationships and provides healing and integration of trauma. Art therapy is unique in that it accesses the wisdom of both body and mind, targeting specific parts of the brain, accessing our subconscious experiences through immersion with art materials and experiential processes. Art therapy combines art- based processes, psychotherapy and evidence-based interventions to integrate life experiences through the development of self awareness and connection to the physical body. Human beings are intrinsically creative and express themselves in many different ways when provided with a safe, non-judgemental environment and the knowledge of a qualified practitioner. As an arts therapist, one of the greatest honours is to witness the profound transformation and healing that can be accessed through art making to bring about personal insight, growth, change and empowerment.
How Art Therapy Works
Unsure about what an art therapy session might look like ? Here's what to expect.
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During an art therapy session, you will be guided through a client lead process that involves collaborating together as we decide what you would like to explore in your session. An invitation to explore subconscious content through immersion with art materials and processes is followed by an integration of new insights, debrief, and closing of the session.
Art therapy sessions are adapted to suit your needs and can be non-verbal, focus on a particular modality or follow whatever likes, passions or themes spark a person's interest.
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What Materials/ Art Making Processes Are Used In A Session ?
Multi-modal arts therapists draw upon various modalities to support people to explore an issue or experience from varying perspectives. In my sessions, I use the following modalities:
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Painting & Drawing
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Sculpture & 3D forms
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Music
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Dance
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Drama
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Narrative & Storytelling
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Sandplay
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Arts therapists adopt person-centred approaches to working with people, where choice, adaptability and flexibility are central to our practice. Following a person's passion or exploring their natural interests is a great starting place to begin working with art therapy.
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What Materials/ Art making Processes Are Used In A Session ?
My Approach-Counselling Methods & Philosophy
"The curious paradox is that when I can accept myself just as I am, then I can change".
Carl Rogers
I am deeply passionate about the therapeutic relationship between myself and the people I work with, which is where I believe the healing process truly begins. The foundation for this essential relationship and key values of my work are empathy, compassion, empowerment and unconditional positive regard for others. Each session is an invitation to be seen, heard and safely held as your creativity unfolds and reveals its wisdom. ​As a trauma informed, multi-modal arts therapist, I am trained to use multiple creative modalities in sessions that follow industry standards, are client lead and are sensitive to the social, cultural environment of the people I work with. I offer services to all members of the community regardless of age, race, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities. I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and welcome all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with adults, young people, people living with disabilities and provide individual and group therapy online and face to face. I am especially drawn to supporting women through the transition from maiden to motherhood and see the profound growth and transformation that is experienced by women during this season of life. As a mother, the ongoing navigation of the process of Matrescence is one that is close to my heart and a shared experience with other women/ parents that is beautifully supported by the insights art therapy offers. What I bring to my work is an invitational, warm and empathetic approach to working with people. I view each individual as expert on their own life and I am deeply committed to understanding your lived experience of the world. My role is to journey and walk beside you as we navigate life's challenges together, developing practical tools and skills to create a balanced and meaningful experience of life. I use Rogerian, Humanistic, Gestalt and Transpersonal approaches to psychotherapy which are combined with art therapy processes and materials to bring about a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others, our life patterns and how these impact on our experiences of life. My approach values the human need for safety, belongingness, self-esteem, freedom and the self actualisation to reach our inherent potential. Each of us has present within us the wisdom and answers we seek. Art therapy allows this "inner compass" to guide and support you to find long term healing through developing greater personal awareness, capacity for reflection, greater communication skills and autonomy in managing everyday life. I look forward to holding and sharing this sacred space with you as we learn and journey together.
How Art Therapy Can Support You
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Depression & Anxiety ​
Grief & Loss
Trauma
Relationships
Parenting
Matrescence
Perinatal Mental Health
Communication
Self Esteem
Isolation
Adolescent Mental Health
Life Transitions
Disability
Sexuality
Identity
Personal Development
Self Harm and Suicidality
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About Me
Warmth, Understanding, Empowerment
Welcome ! I live and work on Bundjalung land in the beautiful Byron Shire . Art making has always been a constant throughout my life, beginning with a passion for art in my teenage years. Painting and drawing began as a means of expressing the ups and downs of adolescence and is now an established practice I use to support my personal growth and well being.
As a young person, I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Arts) and was a practising artist before training in Youth Work and working with young people on the Mornington Peninsula in mainstream school and Special Education settings.
I am now a qualified Arts Psychotherapist (B. Arts Psychotherapy) and a member with the ACA (Australian Counselling Association). I am a passionate advocate for the healing power of the arts and am honoured to have the opportunity to participate in the growth of others through this powerful medium. It is an absolute privilege and joy to observe the powerful impact that even a small act of art making can have on the emotional, mental and physical state of an individual or groups of people exploring their creative expression together. I am also an avid nature lover, walker, road trip reveller, vintage collector and worshipper of the sand and sun.
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Session Fees
20 minute consult - FREE
If you are uncertain or hesitant to book a session this is a common experience !
I offer a free of charge phone call so you can ask any questions you may have and see whether I am "the right fit" for you.
60 Minute Session - $120
Zoom and Face to Face
My sessions are 60 minutes duration. Please note your first session with me is 75 minutes and is an extended session to allow me to get to know a bit about your life, your current circumstances and what goals you have for therapy. This will be charged as a normal 60 minute session.
FAQs
Is there a difference between art therapy and counselling or psychotherapy ?
Art therapy sessions are similar to other talking therapies such as counselling and psychotherapy. In an art therapy session there will be a combination of talking therapy and art based processes. The difference between art therapy and traditional talking therapies is there is an invitation to explore subconscious content through immersion with art materials. This is where deep healing and personal insight can be integrated through the body with the support of a trauma informed arts therapist. My sessions are person-centred and client lead.
Do you provide art materials ? Is there anything I should bring ?
You don't need to bring any art materials with you unless you would like to! All you need to bring is yourself. I have a selection of art materials, found objects and pieces from nature. If there is an object or item that is significant or special to you that you would like to bring along to your session, please do as that can be a great starting point for us to work with.
Do you offer Zoom or FaceTime sessions?
Do I need to have any art making experience or skills ?
Yes, I offer Zoom and FaceTime sessions. All that I require is a reliable internet connection and video to be set up on your phone, tablet or computer so that I can see your art making process on the screen.
Art therapy is for everyone and no previous art making experience is required. Our job as arts therapists is to work with you to make you feel comfortable and to meet you exactly where you are at. The focus of an art therapy session is to gain new understanding and insight through the art making process rather than the final product.
Hours & Availability
Monday - 10.30 am - 2.30 pm
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Tuesday - 9.30 am - 2.30 pm
Friday - 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
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*Other days and times may be available
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