Discover Healing Through Creative Art-Based Counselling
Are you feeling down and struggling to understand why?
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Perhaps you know what's troubling you but can't see a way through it.
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Maybe you just don't want to talk about it, yet you feel the need to release these feelings.
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Perhaps you know what's troubling you but can't see a way through it.
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Maybe you just don't want to talk about it, yet you feel the need to release these feelings.
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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. |
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What does a session look like?In these sessions I combine traditional counselling with creative expression to help explore how you're feeling.
Arts based counselling sessions can be held online or in person. If you're attending the session online, you'll need access to a few basic materials like colored pencils or pens and paper. We'll start the session with a chat about how you are and what you'd like to achieve in the session - if you're not sure, that's okay and then we'll do some super simple drawing exercises. Then, based on our discussion, I'll provide you with some simple prompts to help you explore your thoughts and feelings - It's up to you if you'd like to then talk about those thoughts and feelings. The focus of the session is on personal expression and the therapeutic benefits that come from expressing, releasing, exploring, reflecting upon, and understanding your emotions through the creative process - it's never about 'how good' your drawing or paintings may be. |
For more information, take a look through the FAQ's at the bottom of the page. You can learn more about me, or book in for a discussion by clicking the buttons below:
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Creative Art-Based Counselling sessions can be based on the following, and more:
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FAQ's
Do I need to have any prior knowledge or experience in art to express my emotions through artistic activities?
Not at all....
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 want to try this, but im not sure i can...
Yes, you can!
Artistic expression is for everyone, regardless of prior experience.
This process is not about creating a 'master-piece' - It's about tapping into your emotions and allowing them to guide your creative process without the constraints of preconceived notions and worrying about how it might look.
Artistic expression is for everyone, regardless of prior experience.
This process is not about creating a 'master-piece' - It's about tapping into your emotions and allowing them to guide your creative process without the constraints of preconceived notions and worrying about how it might look.
DO I need to know about colour theory?
...nope. No knowledge is required at all.
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 and so you do not need to understand colour theory - it's about intuitively choosing colours that resonate with your feelings.
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 and so you do not need to understand colour theory - it's about intuitively choosing colours that resonate with your feelings.
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. We'll 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. We'll 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 drawing or painting 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 do you 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 think im a terrbile artist and 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?
For adults, typically, an expressive art therapy session, that incorporates counselling, lasts 75 minutes. For Teens, we limit the session to 1 hour.
How much do you charge?
For adults, an online (Zoom) 75 minute expressive art therapy session costs $145AUD which is payable at the time of booking.
For Teens, the cost of a 1hour In-Person expressive art therapy session costs $130AUD, which is payable at the time of booking.
As we are registered with the ACA - The Australian Counselling Association, we are able to accept Plan and Self-Managed NDIS clients.
There is no difference in the fee or booking booking process.
For Teens, the cost of a 1hour In-Person expressive art therapy session costs $130AUD, which is payable at the time of booking.
As we are registered with the ACA - The Australian Counselling Association, we are able to accept Plan and Self-Managed NDIS clients.
There is no difference in the fee or booking booking process.
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 to 6 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 to 6 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 pencils and paint and other things?
If your session is ONLINE, then 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*
You will need somewhere to effectively join the meeting from - Many of my clients set themselves up a desk or table space with their preferred materials laid out. It is also useful to have a pen and pad paper hand too. You need to be able to join the meeting from a phone or computer/lap top, and so have a good think about how this could work for you.
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*
You will need somewhere to effectively join the meeting from - Many of my clients set themselves up a desk or table space with their preferred materials laid out. It is also useful to have a pen and pad paper hand too. You need to be able to join the meeting from a phone or computer/lap top, and so have a good think about how this could work for you.
Examples of expressive works, reproduced with kind permission.