Discover Healing Through Creative Art-Based Counselling
Are you feeling down and struggling to understand why?
Perhaps you know what's troubling you but can't see a way through it.
Maybe you just don't want to talk about it, yet you feel the need to release these feelings to find peace.
Perhaps you know what's troubling you but can't see a way through it.
Maybe you just don't want to talk about it, yet you feel the need to release these feelings to find peace.
Expressing ourselves effectively can sometimes be challenging.
For those who find it hard to put thoughts and feelings into words, or for those that simply prefer an alternative way to express themselves, therapies like art can be a helpful option.
Creative Art-Based counselling sessions offer a judgment-free space for anyone seeking an alternative way to express themselves, regardless of prior experience or artist ability. Using art as a means of expression doesn't require any expertise; it's about the process of tapping into our emotions and allowing them to guide us without worrying about the outcome using colour, shapes and forms to represent feelings that may be challenging to articulate verbally or perhaps, to even recognise.
Creative Art-Based Counselling focuses on your strengths, creating a positive and understanding space for personal growth and facilitating self-discovery.
Creative Art-Based counselling sessions offer a judgment-free space for anyone seeking an alternative way to express themselves, regardless of prior experience or artist ability. Using art as a means of expression doesn't require any expertise; it's about the process of tapping into our emotions and allowing them to guide us without worrying about the outcome using colour, shapes and forms to represent feelings that may be challenging to articulate verbally or perhaps, to even recognise.
Creative Art-Based Counselling focuses on your strengths, creating a positive and understanding space for personal growth and facilitating self-discovery.
In these sessions, I provide prompts and a supportive environment to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. The focus is on personal expression and the therapeutic benefits that come from expressing, releasing, exploring, reflecting upon, and understanding your emotions through the creative process
Creative Art-Based Counselling sessions can be based on the following, and more:
Personal Development
Developing Positive Mental Health
Exploration of Emotions
Stress Management
Career Development
Grief & Loss
Depression – Stress – Anxiety
An Exploration of Our Spiritual Self – Self Realisation
Personal Development
Developing Positive Mental Health
Exploration of Emotions
Stress Management
Career Development
Grief & Loss
Depression – Stress – Anxiety
An Exploration of Our Spiritual Self – Self Realisation
FAQ's
Do I need to have any prior knowledge or experience in art to express my emotions through artistic activities?
No.
The beauty of using art as a means of expression is that it doesn't require any prior art expertise at all. You don't need to be an artist or have any specific skills, and may not have done any drawing since were very young.
The focus is on the process of expressing yourself, not to create a stunning piece of art.
The beauty of using art as a means of expression is that it doesn't require any prior art expertise at all. You don't need to be an artist or have any specific skills, and may not have done any drawing since were very young.
The focus is on the process of expressing yourself, not to create a stunning piece of art.
I've never done art before; can I still benefit from expressing my emotions through artistic activities?
Yes, you can!
Artistic expression is for everyone, regardless of prior experience.
In fact, starting with a blank canvas can be liberating. It's about tapping into your emotions and allowing them to guide your creative process without the constraints of preconceived notions and worrying about the outcome.
Artistic expression is for everyone, regardless of prior experience.
In fact, starting with a blank canvas can be liberating. It's about tapping into your emotions and allowing them to guide your creative process without the constraints of preconceived notions and worrying about the outcome.
How does colour play a role in expressing emotions through art, and do I need to understand colour theory?
Colour is a powerful tool for expressing emotions - we use it as a means of expression daily without even noticing - Think about the things we say and hear, such as "I saw red mist", or, "I'm feeling a little blue", or "I'm feeling bright".
As the use of colour is intrinsically linked into our subconscious processes it can be an extremely effective tool to help us recognise our true thoughts and feelings. You do not need to understand colour theory - it's about intuitively choosing colours that resonate with your feelings. Whether it's vibrant or subdued, each colour can convey different emotions.
As the use of colour is intrinsically linked into our subconscious processes it can be an extremely effective tool to help us recognise our true thoughts and feelings. You do not need to understand colour theory - it's about intuitively choosing colours that resonate with your feelings. Whether it's vibrant or subdued, each colour can convey different emotions.
What if I feel unsure about how to start or what to create during an art therapy session?
Feeling unsure is completely normal and to be expected.
Expressive sessions are guided by the process, not the outcome. I will provide you prompts and suggestions, and a supportive environment to help you explore your emotions. You might start with simple exercises, like painting your mood or expressing a feeling through abstract shapes or purely colour - whatever you feel comfortable with.
Expressive sessions are guided by the process, not the outcome. I will provide you prompts and suggestions, and a supportive environment to help you explore your emotions. You might start with simple exercises, like painting your mood or expressing a feeling through abstract shapes or purely colour - whatever you feel comfortable with.
Can expressing emotions through art be therapeutic even if I don't consider myself creative?
Yes!
Expressive Art Therapy is a therapeutic process available to everyone regardless of how you view your level of artistic or creative ability.
Expressive Art Therapy is a therapeutic process available to everyone regardless of how you view your level of artistic or creative ability.
How can I use art to express complex emotions that are hard to put into words?
Art based expression provides a non-verbal outlet for our emotions emotions. You can use colours, shapes, and forms to represent feelings that may be challenging to articulate verbally. The act of creating becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and understanding the nuances of your emotional landscape.
I'm worried about judgment - Will my art be critiqued during therapy sessions?
Absolutely not.
All my counselling sessions, whether art-based or not are a judgment-free space.
The focus is on your personal expression and what it means to you, not on creating a perfect or pretty artwork. I am there to support and guide you through the process and to create a safe environment where you can freely express your emotions without fear of criticism.
All my counselling sessions, whether art-based or not are a judgment-free space.
The focus is on your personal expression and what it means to you, not on creating a perfect or pretty artwork. I am there to support and guide you through the process and to create a safe environment where you can freely express your emotions without fear of criticism.
How long is an Expressive Art Therapy session?
Typically, an expressive art therapy session, that incorporates counselling, lasts 75 minutes.
What is the cost of a Creative Art-Based Counselling session?
A 75 minute expressive art therapy session costs $145AUD which is payable at the time of booking.
How do i arrange a session - what's the process?
Firstly, book in for a free 15 minute consult with me to discuss your situation.
Together, we'll agree on the number of sessions you'd like, be it 1 session or more. Generally speaking, most people benefit from a series of 3 sessions depending on the complexity of their concerns.
During the 15minute consult, we shall discuss the practical arrangements for your session such as the materials required and where and how you will join the session online
Together, we'll agree on the number of sessions you'd like, be it 1 session or more. Generally speaking, most people benefit from a series of 3 sessions depending on the complexity of their concerns.
During the 15minute consult, we shall discuss the practical arrangements for your session such as the materials required and where and how you will join the session online
Do i need to have my own materials, like pencils and paint?
Yes, you need to provide your own materials.
The materials you will need will be dependent on the focus of your session/s which we will discuss in the 15 minute consult.
Materials can be purchased at very reasonable prices and many of my clients like to repeat the exercises they have accomplished in their own time.
If you are undertaking a series of sessions, then we shall agree on some in-between session exercises for you to do that will enhance your sessions.
Typical materials may consist of some of the following:
A4 and A3 sized paper - This can be standard drawing paper, but will need to be thicker paper if for paint work. A4 size paper can be sticky taped together to create larger piece.
*A selection of coloured pencils and/or pens/markers, including black *
....additional....
*General stationary items such as pencil sharpener, an eraser and a ruler*
*soft/chalk pastels*
*Collage materials (if desired) such as old magazines or self created collage papers*
*If painting - A selection of acrylic colour paint incl. black and white*
*A small selection of different size paint brushes and a water pot*
*Air-Drying clay for clay work, if desired*
*Paper towel/cloth for clean up etc*
The materials you will need will be dependent on the focus of your session/s which we will discuss in the 15 minute consult.
Materials can be purchased at very reasonable prices and many of my clients like to repeat the exercises they have accomplished in their own time.
If you are undertaking a series of sessions, then we shall agree on some in-between session exercises for you to do that will enhance your sessions.
Typical materials may consist of some of the following:
A4 and A3 sized paper - This can be standard drawing paper, but will need to be thicker paper if for paint work. A4 size paper can be sticky taped together to create larger piece.
*A selection of coloured pencils and/or pens/markers, including black *
....additional....
*General stationary items such as pencil sharpener, an eraser and a ruler*
*soft/chalk pastels*
*Collage materials (if desired) such as old magazines or self created collage papers*
*If painting - A selection of acrylic colour paint incl. black and white*
*A small selection of different size paint brushes and a water pot*
*Air-Drying clay for clay work, if desired*
*Paper towel/cloth for clean up etc*
Examples of expressive works, reproduced with kind permission.
