So what
is Art
Therapy?

Is Art Therapy just an art class?

No, it's not. Art Therapy is a credible Therapy like any other such as OT, Speech, Psychology etc. Below the act of making art, the Art Therapist is trained to support the client in reaching therapeutic goals for example, building motor skills, self-confidence, decreasing anxiety, working through gender identity challenges, perfectionism, shifting rigid thinking through trying new art materials and techniques, identifying and working on strategies for destructive behaviour, and practicing communication and trust while building the therapeutic relationship with your Art Therapist. Your Art Therapist is a practicing artist so, even if a client has building artistic skills as part of their goals, the Art Therapist is always mindful of incorporating therapeutic/counselling practices into this goal.

Do I have to be artistic or creative?

No, you don't! It's more about exploring your issues using art materials and art processes than the finished product. Creativity taps into the more intuitive part of you and the mindful activity of making art can be very healing. Find out how Art Therapy can help Autism here.

Can I do Art Therapy online?

Yes! Art Therapy online via Zoom can be just as effective as in person. There are instances where distance from our studio, anxiety about leaving home, mobility or health issues can prevent attending our studio in person. But that’s fine because we will work together with you with whatever art materials you have at home so that you can have your Art Therapy sessions in the comfort or your home online. If you have NDIS funding for art materials, we can also write a funding request letter to NDIS for art materials for you to use at home.

What If I Just Want To Talk And Not Make Art During A Session?

There are times during an Art Therapy session when a client just wants to talk rather than make art, and taking the client-centred approach, we accomodate that. We are also qualified Counsellors in "Talk Therapy", so if that's what you need during a particular session, that's fine. After all, there are times when you just need to "get things off your chest", problem solve, and have an objective other listen to you, "hear you", and make suggestions or recommend referrals to other services. 

How long is a session?

Art Therapy Sessions are typically 45 - 50 minutes depending on if the client is a child or adult. Sessions can be face-to-face or via Zoom. 

Will I only be doing painting?

Our art studio is filled with a wide variety of art materials. Yes, there's paint, but there's so much more: clay, mosaic, collage, paint pouring, play doh, busy box construction materials, doll making, felt, wool, sewing, knitting, and crochet materials etc. etc.

What happens during a session?

We use the "client led" approach so you will never be told you "have" to do any particular art. Even if you just want to talk about your issues and not make any art, that's fine! The Art Therapist/Counsellor will sit down with the client, chat about where the client is at emotionally or otherwise and offer suggestions. Some clients come in with ideas of their own so we brainstorm together as to how we can support the client in turning those ideas into reality thus helping the client build problem solving skills; skills which are transferrable to everyday life.

Sessions unfold organically, but underlying whatever process is chosen by the client, the Art Therapist keeps in mind the client's therapeutic goals.

Do I have to bring my own art materials with me?

All art materials are supplied during face-to-face sessions. If you are doing Art Therapy via Zoom, we will go through all the art materials you have at home and help you get the most out of them. If you just want to talk, then we can do that too. If you have NDIS funding, we can request NDIS to purchase art materials for you to use at home.

Can I use my NDIS funding for Art Therapy?

Yes, if there's enough funding in the Capacity Building Support or Core Support section of your NDIS Plan, Art Therapy is an approved type of therapy by NDIS. We charge the NDIS recommended fee and use NDIS item numbers so sessions will be fully covered by NDIS.

Is Art Therapy covered by Medicare?

Not at this stage, but there is lobbying for it to be in the future. In the meantime, if you don't have NDIS funding, we offer a reduced rate.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we are qualified Art Therapists and belong to and are insured by our professional body ANZACATA (The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association) and are also qualified Holistic Counsellors. Additionally, we have current police and Working With Children checks.

How do I book an appointment?

Click on the button below to contact us.