About

Hi, I'm Gemma Bowman, a Creative Arts Therapist with training in the arts and psychotherapy, offering creative arts therapy in Taupo and online for those further afield.

I address the whole person - mind, body and spirit using a holistic approach. Everything I do is grounded in my core values creativity, curiosity, integrity and courage. I aim to facilitate positive change and personal growth. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy principles, I collaborate with clients to delve into deeper aspects of themselves, fostering healing and transformation together.

My Values

The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, and ways of being. Develop new ideas, forms, and methods. Risk what is for what could be!

A love of learning, a strong desire to know, understand or learn something. When we are curious we follow our natural urge to learn more, know more, and understand people, places and things in the world.

Holding moral and ethical principles with high regard, Being true to ourselves and others. Walking the talk and being who you say you are.

The ability to confront fear with grace and optimism. Being dignified in the face of adversity and expecting the most favourable outcome.

Therapeutic Approach

I deeply value the innate wisdom of our bodies and recognise the healing potential inherent in somatic awareness. Additionally, I acknowledge the transformative influence of the natural world around us and infuse nature-based elements into therapy. With an integrated approach I include talking therapy, creative expression, mindfulness practices and guided visualisation.

Embarking on a journey into the client's inner world artmaking serves as a gateway to realms beyond verbal communication, offering a profound avenue for self-expression and introspection. By harnessing symbols, metaphor and colour, clients can navigate challenging issues and unconscious wounds with gentleness and insight. Fostering deeper understanding and self-awareness in a nurturing, non-confrontational manner.

Past Affecting the Present

Past experiences often play a part in the development of the problems listed below. You might be unaware of, or be struggling to acknowledge, the extent to which your past is impacting your life now. Many experiences such as

childhood trauma
emotional, physical and sexual abuse
neglect and abandonment
attachment issues
historic family and childhood events

affect psychological well-being and can play a significant part in the development of your struggles. I am experienced in helping clients explore their past, make sense of how this has impacted on the way they are now and enable them to make lasting change.

Finding the Right Therapist

Research consistently indicates that the most crucial factor by far in successful therapy outcomes is the quality of the relationship between the client and their therapist.

This has been true for my own experiences both professionally and personally. Therefore, find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and with whom you can build trust and a strong connection. Seek out someone you can genuinely bond with and feel confident opening up to. I would advise you to trust your instincts. The therapist who feels right to you is likely to be the right therapist for you! You may not know why you are drawn to a certain therapist but often the reasons emerge to become an important part of the therapy and your work together.

Carl Jung’s advice for therapists:

“Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul.”

Credentials

I completed my Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical) at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design. As a registered Arts Therapist (AThR), I am a professional member of ANZACATA (The Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association), and I adhere to their Standards of Professional Practice and Code of Ethics. Additionally, I maintain membership with the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and uphold their Code of Ethics. Committed to continuous growth, I engage in regular supervision with a registered supervisor and prioritise ongoing professional development.

My work in the MSD (Ministry of Social Development), community-based charities and private practice has seen me successfully help clients experiencing a wide range of presenting issues. With a background as a high school teacher and a lifelong involvement in the arts, I bring a rich and nuanced perspective to my practice.

As a health professional in New Zealand, I am obligated to adhere to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.