Kanling Juric

Art Therapist & Founder

I am an Art Therapist, artist, strategic thinker and creative problem solver. Cerulean Space combines my passion for art and creativity, with my love for working with people and forming real human connections.

I am a strong advocate for Carl Rogers’s person-centred approach, emphasising on treating others with unconditional positive regard, and believing in everyone’s desire and capacity to live a fuller life. As such, I endeavour to embed these values in my art therapy practice and across each therapeutic encounter. Prior to becoming a full-time art therapist, I have 18 years of corporate experience in cybersecurity, strategy and governance. Combining my creative and empathic side, with my analytical and critical thinking side, I am excited and honoured to make my wholehearted contribution to the art therapy profession.

My Journey to Art Therapy

My love for art existed for as long as I can remember. However, my Chinese heritage means there is an unspoken expectation for achieving good grades, going to a reputable university and getting a “real job”. In 2014, I was working 60-80 hours a week. A colleague and friend asked what I do outside of work, and I responded “work”. After some persuasion and encouragement by my friend, I bought a canvas and painted my first painting in a decade. Since this “sliding door” moment, I have continued to develop and expand my art practice. My favourite media include acrylic, watercolour and fineliners. I am drawn to landscape, architecture and nature in my artwork – reminding me of the need to slow down and be more observant of the things we take for granted in life. I also enjoy making functional pottery that might put a smile on someone’s face. To sum it up, creativity helped me to heal and grow as a person.

Art is my passion, and art therapy is my calling.

Breaking Free: My Journey to Becoming an Art Therapist (2023)
Acrylic on canvas

My Professional Experience

Since 2021, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of populations across various settings such as schools, mental health organisations, community centres, residential aged cares, workplaces and in private practice.

Working alongside Children and Young People

I am experienced in working with children and adolescents who are struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, difficulty with unplanned changes, and maintaining focus. Using child-led and neurodiversity-affirming approaches, I support children and teens to express themselves through art, and enable them to foster resilience through strengthening inner resources, building confidence and engaging in creative problem solving.

Working Alongside Adults

Working in the adult mental health sector and private practice have equipped me with clinical experience in supporting clients with a range of different therapeutic goals and challenges (e.g. depression, anxiety, trauma, situational crisis). Adopting a person-centred philosophy and a trauma-informed approach, I support my clients to use art to unpack and process difficult thoughts and feelings, and hold a gentle and safe space for them to resolve inner conflicts and generate self-awareness and insights.

Working in Schools

I’ve had experience working as an in-house Art Therapist in a public primary school’s multidisciplinary Allied Health Team, as well as the honour to design and deliver customised art therapy programs to various education settings through my private practice. My approach to working in schools are underpinned by the following principles: 1) Placing the students’ needs in the centre; 2) Working within the school system alongside the educators and wellbeing team; and 3) Seek opportunities to drive prevention over reactive intervention.

Supporting Workplace Wellbeing

Having worked in high-pressure corporate organisations for 18 years, I have witnessed first-hand the mental health challenges corporate workers face and the long-term impact of chronic stress, burnout and anxiety on individuals and their families. Since becoming an art therapist, I have had the privilege to offer workplace art therapy programs for numerous organisations from both public and private sectors across various industries such as technology, transportation, health, education, and consulting. I am committed to continue to innovate in this space to promote workplace mental wellbeing.

Qualifications and Certifications

Master of Art Therapy (La Trobe University)
Registered Art Therapist / Professional member (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association “ANZACATA”)
Registered Counsellor – Level 3 (Australian Counselling Association “ACA”)
Registered Clinical Counsellor (PACFA)
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Monash University)
Sensorimotor Art Therapist / Diploma in Sensorimotor Art Therapy – (Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy “ISAT”)
Certificate in Clay Field Therapy – Adults (ISAT)
Certificate in Clay Field Therapy – Children (ISAT)
Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing (ISAT)
Accredited Crisis Supporter Training (Lifeline)
Certified Facilitator – The Lego® Serious Play® method
Project Management Professional “PMP” (Project Management Institute “PMI”)
Bachelor of Commerce (Degree with Honours)