Art Therapy FAQs
FAQs
Where do we start?
A free 15 minute phone chat to discuss what you’re looking for and if Art Therapy might be the right fit for your wishes. We may cover some exciting topics and some trickier ones. Everyone is always welcome to decline speaking on a subject.
What are the first few sessions like?
The first few sessions are a warm introduction to what an art therapy session can look like, and getting to know each other. The first 6 sessions are formally known as an “assessment period”, however they are rather informal in nature. The goal is to figure out if and how best to support a participant’s needs, and most importantly if the participant feels they’ve found the right fit for them.
What topics can be brought to Art Therapy and is it confidential?
All topics are welcome, we work from a perspective called “Unconditional Positive Regard” - A non-judgemental position considering all the factors that brings a person to be who and where they are today. Art therapy is confidential, the only time an Art Therapist will go outside of confidentiality is if they have serious reasons to believe a participant is of risk to themselves or others. Participants are also welcome to give consent for the Art Therapist to confer with their other supports if they feel this would be helpful.
How frequent should sessions be?
This all depends on desired outcomes and available funding. Weekly provides the most consistent support, especially for those in hard times or with challenging barriers. Fortnightly is a close second however may be a little trickier if you’re looking to learn, practice and retain skills for the outside world such as emotional regulation. Monthly is more so seen as maintenance, catching up, a safe check in.
Is Art Therapy funded by the NDIS or subsidised by Medicare?
Yes, Art Therapy is funded via Therapeutic Supports, Improved Daily Living as a Capacity Building Support. As our Art Therapist is NDIS Registered all Participants are elligible, Plan, Self and Agency Managed. For those who may have little Therapeutic Supports available there may be alternative funding options, please contact us for more information.
No, Medicare provides no rebate for Art Therapy presently, our governing body is lobbying for change currently. Until such time Art Therapy can be inaccessible to some due to the fees. If you fall into this group, please do contact us for sliding scale discount options, ie. low income earners, veterans, pensioners etc.
What’s the difference between group and individual work?
Group work focusses on the dynamics, connections, potential conflicts, learning resolutions and support for each other, support network making and confidence to go forward finding further connections. Individual work is focussed on an individual’s unique psychological needs, barriers and aspirations.
“Art Therapy is not limited to any one space or style. It could be a cosy room with paints or an adventure with photography”
Clemency Doyle
Art Therapist & Printmaker
BVA MAT (AThR)
The Science - What benefits might I see?
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Reduces Anxiety & Depression
Provides a safe space to express, shake off, explore and work through life’s challenges.
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Emotional Regulation
A dual approach, via the art making itself and the therapeutic interventions. Fosters healthy coping mechanisms that can be learned and used outside the therapy room.
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Non-Verbal Communication
Accessible mental healthcare for those who cannot use words.
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Self-Esteem Building
Fosters confidence through personal, social and artistic achievements.
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Broadens Support Network
Research shows the more services a participant is engaged with the better the outcomes. Participants achieve both a primary support with an art therapist and learned skills within therapy to seek further support networks.
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Accommodates Diverse Needs
Highly adaptable to cognitive, physical and social barriers. Every program is tailored to the participant’s unique needs.