Drawing Within Art Therapy & Counselling Service Ballarat

What is Therapeutic Creative Arts Therapy?

"The most compelling reason for the use of Creative Arts therapy in trauma work, is the sensory nature of the arts themselves- their qualities involve: visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, vestibuilar and proprioceptive experiences." Cathy Malchiodi author and international Art Therapist.2020.

You have the opportunity to express how you are feeling through drawing, painting, clay work, collage, sandplay, ritual or ceremony, movement, music and dream exploration.
It is gentle, non-invasive,does not diagnose and connects us to our inner selves.

How does it work?

Through the art process, it peels off the masks that we wear in daily life and reaches to our core -our soul. Individuals can then access the unconscious mind to explore difficult issues in their lives in a clearer way, than if words were used.

The images created, serve as a record of these events which the individual can later reflect on and find meaning from.

Who is Creative Arts Therapy for?

Art therapy is beneficial for all. Doing therapy does not presume there is something wrong with you; it can support you in the many transition times you may experience in your life.
No talent is required, you need not know how to draw or paint, your feelings will provide the creative drive. You cannot make a mistake in creative Arts therapy.

What are some benefits of Creative Arts Therapy?

• Expression of feelings too difficult to talk about
• Relaxation and balance within oneself
• Confidence building and self-esteem
• Free exploration of one’s creative potential without any rights or wrongs
• Acknowledgement of hidden gifts and talents
• Awareness of tools to navigate major transitions in life,
• A non- judgemental attitude about an individual’s work and that of others
• Tuning into one’s inner voice or soul for guidance
• Breaking through rather than breaking down.

What does an Art therapist do?

As an art therapist I provide a safe space and gentle pathway for feelings to come to the surface and be acknowledged and addressed. Collaboratively I work with you to explore your art work and its meaning your life.

Online Creative Arts Therapy

For those who cannot attend face to face sessions, Creative Art therapy sessions can still successfully occur using the Zoom platform.I am very comfortable using this and happy to help clients learn to navigate this telehealth platform, so they can access my services.Clients will need their own basic art supplies of drawing materials such as oil pastels, sharpie pens, watercolour palette and brush and a A3 drawing pad.

What is Sand Play?

"To see the world in a grain of sand".-William Blake 1801

Sandplay therapy is a medium for clients to express, that for which they have no words. The process of Sandplay therapy involves the use of a sandtray and small figurines from categories including, people, animals, buildings, vehicles, vegetation, structures, natural objects & symbolic objects. The creative process offers a symbolic way of helping individuals express feelings in their lives, provides a fun non-threatening approach to the unconscious and a safe space to explore life situations that may feel overwhelming.

How does Sandplay Therapy work?

When individuals work and play in the sandtray they are making sense of their world, as they know it. When they are in control of moving a figurine, how a figurine behaves and what it can say and change symbolically in a particular situation in the sand, this can be empowering and transformational for clients. It may be the first time and the only place in their lives that they feel important, strong and powerful. Holding the therapeutic space for the client to experience this, is very important.

Who is Sandplay suitable for?

Sandplay therapy is naturally a favourite of children who love to play as part of the therapy but I have worked with both teens and adults who have also enjoyed, engaged and benefitted deeply from this special therapy.

What are the positive benefits?

Sand play exploration can be deeply healing, reaching the unconscious mind and helping clients see clearly how beliefs, patterns and issues are formed and can be resolved in the sand tray. This therapy has the ability to plant new seeds and tap into the potential of the client, to work towards creating a brand new his/herstory full of hope for the future.
Creativity is a good health practice because it keeps our brains flexible and active in old age. - Cathy Malchiodi -International Art Therapist 2013

Contact and More Information

Choosing Creative Arts Therapy could transform your life.
Open a new door and experience the power of these creative therapies.

Contact me on 0409 954 703 or email - drawingwithin@yahoo.com.au
I would love to hear from you.♥