ART THERAPY
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Another way to explore what words can’t always express.
Sometimes we know exactly what is troubling us. Other times, we simply recognise that something feels difficult, different or unresolved.
Art Therapy offers another way to explore those experiences.
Through creativity, imagery, metaphor, sensory exploration and conversation, we can begin to notice what is happening beneath the surface and approach experiences from a different perspective.
You don’t need to be artistic.
There is no expectation to create something beautiful, interpret an image correctly or even know what you want to make.
At Kambium, the creative process is shaped around the individual. What that looks like with a child may be very different from a session with a teenager or an adult — and that’s exactly as it should be.
WHAT ART THERAPY LOOKS LIKE AT KAMBIUM
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There is no one way a session needs to look.
Art Therapy at Kambium is not an art class, and there is no expectation to arrive knowing what you want to create.
A session may involve drawing, painting, pastels, clay, imagery, metaphor or sensory and creative exploration. At other times, conversation and reflection may naturally become part of the process.
The materials are simply another way in.
What matters is not how the artwork looks, but what happens through the process of creating it — what you notice, what emerges and what feels meaningful to you.
I don’t interpret your artwork for you.
I may invite curiosity, ask questions or notice something alongside you, but the meaning belongs to the person who created it.
Art Therapy across different stages of life
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I work with children, young people and adults from my private practice in Canton Beach on the Central Coast NSW, and naturally the way we work together can look very different.
People come to Art Therapy for many reasons. There may be something specific they would like support with — anxiety, emotional regulation, change, grief, relationships or navigating a difficult period — while for others there may simply be a sense that something feels unsettled or they would like to understand themselves differently.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
With children and young people, creativity, sensory exploration, play and interests can provide natural ways to communicate and explore experiences that may be difficult to explain.
ADULTS
For adults, Art Therapy can offer space to slow things down, reflect and explore experiences from a perspective that conversation alone may not always reach.
You don’t need a diagnosis, a crisis or even a perfectly formed reason to begin.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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There is no set formula for an Art Therapy session at Kambium.
We usually begin by taking some time to settle in and notice what feels important that day. You don’t need to arrive with something prepared to talk about or an idea of what you would like to create.
From there, I may introduce a creative process, material or invitation to explore — or something may emerge naturally through our conversation.
You are always part of deciding where the session goes.
There may be times when we talk more, create more, reflect on something that has emerged, or simply spend time with the process without needing to find an immediate answer.
The aim isn’t to produce an artwork.
It’s to create space for exploration.
FOR PARENTS
When I work with children and young people, establishing trust comes first. Sessions are shaped around the individual child rather than expecting them to immediately talk, create or participate in a particular way.
Where appropriate, I also work collaboratively with parents and caregivers while respecting the therapeutic space being created for the child.
BEGINNING ART THERAPY
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Beginning Art Therapy at Kambium is intentionally flexible.
If you’re unsure whether Art Therapy is the right fit, you’re welcome to begin with a complimentary 10–15 minute Pathfinder Call. It’s simply an opportunity to ask questions, talk through any uncertainty and get a better sense of what might be appropriate before deciding whether to proceed.
For children and young people, a parent consultation can also be arranged when it would be helpful to explore what has been happening in greater detail. This can be particularly useful when there are existing supports, developmental considerations or particular concerns to understand — but it isn’t a compulsory first step for every young person.
Before commencing Art Therapy, all new clients complete a confidential client questionnaire. This gives me important background information and helps me approach our first session with a better understanding of the person I’ll be working with.
From there, session length, frequency and approach can be considered according to the individual rather than following a predetermined program.
SESSION OPTIONS
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Art Therapy is available for children, young people and adults, with session length and frequency considered according to individual needs and circumstances.
Art Therapy sessions from $77
Session length and pricing vary depending on individual needs and the type of support.
Curious about Art Therapy?
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You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.
Whether you already know you’d like to explore Art Therapy or you simply have a few questions, there’s a place to start.