Art Therapy

What is art therapy?

Art therapy uses art making as a modality to support and improve cognitive, social and spiritual health. The process of art making can encourage a deeper knowing that is inherent in each of us. Working in a therapeutic setting with a trained art therapist can enable you to tap into your inner wisdom and find answers to the many questions that life poses.

Art therapy can be used in diverse ways. Some of the ways I engage with art therapy are:-

Individual sessions
Aged Care and Dementia Respite
Groups
Workshops

Individual

How can it help you?

A session with an art therapist can provide a non-judgemental space to explore issues or to learn your strengths and create resilience. Creating art can give expression to ideas and emotions that may be difficult to put into words. Please note that being able to draw is not necessary and that the insights will come from the journey through the art making not the finished work.

What will you do in an art therapy session?

There are many modes of expression in art therapy. Using drawing, painting, collaging, chatting, journaling, poetry, music and more will enable you to find meaning and discover your potential. We will decide together how we work best and this will evolve as we get to know each other. I use a client-centred approach that allows you to express yourself and to feel safe and supported on your journey.

Why would you try art therapy?

There are many reasons to seek clarification, knowledge and different perspectives in our lives.

perhaps you are at a crossroad and looking for direction
there may have been a life changing event that need to be processed
seeking to explore strengths
expressing emotions that need a safe space to be expressed
dealing with stress, grief or trauma
creating rituals to close past events and welcome in new experiences
integrating or refining various aspects of self
searching for your spiritual or wise self

Using creativity as an avenue to your deeper self we can explore who you are, where you want to go and issues that need to be addressed. When words are difficult to find to express what is happening in your life, a trained art therapist can offer processes to explore your potential, your resilience and help you navigate life’s many challenges.

Join me in my garden studio for a one to one session. Contact me on 0408 642 012.

Aged Care

Aged Care and Dementia Care

Art therapy in aged care and dementia care provides creative opportunities to explore different themes, memories and perhaps to awaken a new mode of communication.

Weekly sessions encourage the growth of a community which binds the individuals together during this time when they create group and individual artworks. I have found that the conversation of shared endeavour continues throughout the week as they discuss what they did and look forward to the coming experience.

Please ask about the two hour sessions I facilitate with clients. Each session has a theme and can be experienced through creating art, reading poetry, listening to music, conversation and much more. This is an integrative experience that allows individuals to express themselves creatively and to form bonds within the group and above all have fun.

All materials are provided and many levels of ability are catered for. Strong outlines of images allow people with sight issues to be engaged. Music is varied and matches the theme of the day. Conversation and sharing of experiences and reminiscing are encouraged.

Please contact me if you would like some further information on these sessions – 0408 642 012.

Groups