01 — What can I expect in an Art Therapy Session with Michelle?

You will receive a warm welcoming into my private Art therapy room, an assurance of privacy, confidentiality, and respect. Consent and Confidentiality client forms are signed and a copy will be provided along with a welcome letter and bottled water to take with you.

I work in relation to your needs. During a session, I will check in with you to see if there is anything you would like to share or express. I will share a little about myself to help begin the therapeutic relationship and give you a brief rundown about how Art Therapy works.

If appropriate and you would like to participate, I offer breathing or imaginary exercises to help gently clear your mind and help you gather your thoughts.

There is no need to be nervous as I am here to help you. In Art therapy, there is no judgement about what is discussed or expressed in our time together in a session.

02 — What if I have no artistic ability?

Not a problem! You don’t need to have any artistic or creative abilities as this is not the essence of what Art Therapy is about. All you need is an open mind and a little curiosity. The sessions are totally driven by you, which means you can participate in the art experience at any stage during our time together, or if you prefer, we can just talk or combine both art and talking. It is a time to engage the right side of the brain, explore the subconscious, capture the essence, and dare to be messy! Artistic abilities are not a pre-requisite for any of these goals.

03 — What do I need to bring to an Art Therapy Session?

Just yourself, unless you want to include something special in your session with me. I supply everything you need. I have a cupboard brimming with a kaleidoscope of paints, textures, trinkets, stickers, coloured papers, and craft objects. I also have many types of visual prompts, such as pictures and words cut from magazines, inspiration cards, objects, and figurines. These can aid you if you are stuck in your thoughts or unsure how to begin to express yourself. I usually have a garden full of flowers and things found in nature (depending on the season) as well as writing materials and soft toys for play. Oh, and if you are a butterfly lover like me, I have plenty of those…. not real of course!

04 — What happens to my artwork?

Your art is your personal visual documentation of what transpired in session with me. Any art you create is yours to keep and take with you. Otherwise, I can store it in your own personal diary, which will be locked in a cupboard ready for the next time we visit. You are welcome to take this home with you anytime or I can keep it safe for you until our final session together.

05 — What do I do while my child is seeing you?

I know it will be tempting to want to stay and be present in the art therapy session, but as you can understand this would not be appropriate. When a parent is not around, it can give a child the opportunity to open up in different ways and express other sides of their personality.

I live close to the lovely Lilydale lake, plenty of walking tracks, and an engaging children’s playground if you have other children to entertain while you are waiting. I am also in close proximity to two shopping centres, where you could grab a coffee and have some chill-out time for yourself.

When you come back to pick up your child, I cannot discuss what was said or show their artwork as it is their personal and private expression of how they are feeling at the time. This is not meant to cause offence, only to protect your child’s right to confidentiality.

In regard to your child’s artwork, most children want to take it with them or add to it in their own time. Otherwise, I can store it in their own personal diary, which will be locked in a cupboard ready for their next Art Therapy session.