I am a Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Artist, Counsellor, and Art Therapist.
I wanted to share briefly how art and Art Therapy have been an important part of my life.
Trauma and negative experiences once coloured my life, shaping and changing my emotional and physical being. I felt like a nondescript caterpillar hidden in the darkness, silently enduring loss and grief, not really aware of the world around me. Then gradually and slowly, I emerged through the other side, embraced who I am and accepted my past… I was ready to spread my wings.
As a child, I was always drawn to art and the way it made me feel that I could express the real me. My lifelong love of art led to a career as a graphic designer, specialising in illustration for various companies. I found I could immerse myself into an imaginary world filled with whimsical characters away from how I was sometimes feeling.
Over the years, I have worked with children and adults through creative means of expression through art. I have volunteered my Art Therapy service to individual and group sessions at various aged care homes specialising in dementia and relating age issues. I have also, worked with children with disabilities and behavioural issues in school and respite care.
Eventually, I realised I wanted to help others as I could stand in their shoes and truly know how it felt. I went back to study as a mature aged student, completing a Diploma in Counselling, then a Bachelor Degree in Art Psychotherapy. Studying for the Art Therapy degree helped me untangle so many negative built-up emotions, further strengthening my resolve to share the incredible benefits of Art Therapy.
Art has been an enduring blueprint and a record of my personal history, Art is part of my conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings. Art brings things to the surface, enhances connections, and gives me a better understanding of who I am. Most of all, art brings me great joy and creates clarity in my life.
With my lived experiences and my qualifications in Counselling and Art Psychotherapy, I have found my true purpose and passion. By exploring myself through art and unlocking the past, I have learned to take time for my self-care and to share these skills with others. In a safe, non-judgmental environment, I can help you work through issues with the healing power of this truly magical therapy.
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I believe Michelle has a very special way of working and being with clients offering a genuine, compassionate, gentle and respectful presence and she has my recommendation.
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— SARAH KIPNIS, AthR.
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Michelle has achieved great things through her ability to inspire others, work collaboratively & take on any challenge with a ‘can do’ attitude. Her desire to connect comes from an authentic place, as does her passion for her work.
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— LORNA VISSARITIS.
Lifestyle Coordinator & RN 2, Park Lane Residential Aged Care, Croydon.
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Michelle is a creative, nurturing Therapist who makes you feel valued and heard the minute you enter her therapeutic practice. She will take you on a journey of self-discovery and create a platform that will bring forth new knowing. I would highly recommend Michelle's professional and caring service to anyone seeking an Art Therapist in the Lilydale region.
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— TINA CORCORAN
Arts Psychotherapist, Berwick Victoria.
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Michelle is very competent in building relationships with clients and I was deeply impressed with her relaxed and confident therapeutic demeanour and capacity to facilitate a relationally safe client centred arts-based therapy inquiry.
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— ANNIE SLOSS, AthR.
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Mingarra residents were excited each week to see what new project Michelle created & they were never disappointed. Each week residents completed projects with lots of effort and would surprise themselves with their ability to finish the project. This built great confidence among the residents. What an impact she has made on the lives of Mingarra residents.
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— TANIA URQUHART.
Lifestyle Coordinator, Aveo Mingarra Residential & Aged Care.
Feedback from HP Inc & Elite Print
Solutions Corporate teams
“In all my years working in corporate I have never done anything like this……was fun & engaging”.
“We need to do this ongoing and regular”.
“The meditation was an added bonus”.
“The most enjoyable fun thing we have done so far”.
“Was really nice way to learn more about my teammates, a very informative session”.
“I normally lack confidence around teammates and bosses, but after today I felt more comfortable & confident”.
“Great tips on communicating and ways of better listening”.
“Excellent session about self-reflection about how we react with others & how we view them”.
“I felt this will change my usual thinking patterns”.
“I will listen more & be less judgemental”.
B.A. Art Psychotherapy - Ikon Institute, Melbourne
Diploma of Counselling - Australian College of Applied Psychology, Melbourne
Reiki Level 1 & 2 - Restore Naturally, Melbourne
HTA, (Premium member) Holistic Therapies Australia Inc
ANZACATA - current member
Current Police Check, Intercheck Australia
Working with children check
Current Drivers licence
Current influenza immunisation 2021
AstraZeneca vaccine - First injection/ 2nd in August
Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation & First Aid certification
I offer a free 15-20 minute initial consultation where we can briefly discuss the issues or needs of yourself, your child, or your teenager, and decide if we are a good match to work together.