Art Therapy

Art therapy is a type of creative therapy that integrates psychotherapy with art making to improve the mental wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Art therapy is not about making beautiful artwork and does not require artistic skills for one to benefit from it. An art therapist is a clinically trained mental health professional whose role is to foster a safe, non-judgemental and supportive space for participants to unpack their feelings, generate self-awareness and insights, and reduce stress and anxiety through art making and engagement with art materials.

No. You do not need to be “arty” or “creative” to benefit from art therapy. If you are conscious about “not being able to draw”, think of art making as expressing your feelings non-verbally. Additionally, art therapy is also not limited to conventional visual art media such as paint. There are many other material options such as magazines and coloured papers (for collage), craft materials, natural materials and more that you can use to express yourself.

Yes. ANZACATA registered Professional Art Therapists are eligible to support NDIS self-managed and plan managed participants. In line with NDIS and ANZACATA guidance, “the participant must have funding allocated for Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills and it must be deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’”.

The virtual consultation is completely cost free and obligation free. It provides an opportunity for you to enquire about the therapeutic process and approach, as well as address any logistical and practical considerations. This is also the opportunity to discuss your therapeutic goals. It is important that you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist. The consultation call allows you to virtually meet with the art therapist and determine whether she is the right fit for you. These consultations calls can be held over Microsoft Teams (requires access to internet and webcam), or over the phone.

Unless your child requests for you to be present during therapy, generally it is advised that parents or guardians do not stay in the therapy space. Our studio has a waiting area for parents. It is important the child feels comfortable and in control of the therapeutic space, so they can freely express themselves through art and creativity.

Art materials may range from controlled media (e.g. markers, pencils, fine liners, oil pastels) to fluid media (e.g. watercolour, soft pastels, ink, acrylic paint). Tactile materials such as clay and craft materials (e.g. wool, fabric, beads), natural materials (e.g. leaves, branches, seashells), and found objects are common in art therapy. Photography and digital media can also be used.

Like any other form of therapy (e.g. psychology, counselling, etc.), there is no definitive timeframe of the therapeutic journey. Everyone has different psychological, physiological, environmental and situational factors which may impact their mood, behaviours and psychological state. Art therapy is a holistic mental health discipline that focuses on promoting mental wellbeing rather than “fixing” mental illnesses or deficits. Though there are ample evidence-based research demonstrating the efficacy of art therapy in reducing anxiety, improving mood, promoting relaxation and improving self-esteem, and more. Some participants may benefit after one session, while others may require many more sessions.