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<p>"The creative arts therapies are based on the idea that creativity enhances the well-being of all people and is a natural aspect of all cultures and human experience. It is an experiential psychotherapeutic approach utilising many creative modalities within a therapeutic relationship with a trained therapist. It is holistic – attending to emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual well-being – and aligns well with indigenous models of health and well-being." <em>(<a href="https://anzacata.org/about-cat">ANZACATA, About the Creative Therapies</a>)</em></p>
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<h4>About my approach</h4>
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<p>My way of working therapeutically with the arts is not to interpret an artwork or another's actions. I do not diagnose, it is not my job. Instead, I am a non-judgemental companion. I walk alongside to assist in making sense of what is happening in a person's life. This we do by exploring personal material, using not just words (as in talk-based therapies) but by privileging of creative modes and their materials.</p>
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<p>You do not need artistic skills or an interest in the creative arts to participate in this form of personal therapy. The emphasis is on process not a finished product and using ways to communicate beyond (or in connection with) words. I introduce possible creative pathways for exploration, which my client-inquirer either 'takes-up' or we try another way. It can also be that creative exploration is already a natural way of communicating or making sense of the world for some - this is particularly true for children. For those who identify with being creative or artistic, we can begin with current creative pathways and see where it leads. In my way of working therapeutically with the arts, it can also be about the production of an artistic form (see <a href="https://holdingspacestudio.wordpress.com/arts-practice/">my arts practice</a> as an example).</p>
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<p>I work with people of all ages, from little ones through to elders. My specialised area is living with on-going conditions, disability and trauma. I practice as a trauma-informed therapist. Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss potential interest in a personal therapy session. I consider all self, medical and agency referrals.  </p>
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<h4>A session cost</h4>
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<p>A therapy session is one hour in length <br>(with allocation for 15mins additional, as required).</p>
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<p>The fee per session is $105.</p>
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<p><em>As a registered Creative Arts Therapist, I am able to accept clients who have access to the WINZ disability allowance for counselling. I will consider matching this allowance, please contact me directly to discuss. </em></p>
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<p><em>Unfortunately my studio does not have wheelchair toilet access, however please still be in touch to discuss the possibility of an alternative venue. </em><br>﻿ </p>
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