Creative Arts Therapists, also known as Arts Therapists, are highly trained professionals with a Master’s degree and over 750 hours of supervised clinical placement to receive registration (AThR) to provide assessment and treatment.

They utilise diverse art forms to assist individuals in exploring and expressing emotions, fostering healing and personal growth. They are recognised alongside psychotherapists, psychologists, and counsellors by organisations such as WINZ and ACC for their expertise in trauma healing and therapeutic intervention.

No. You do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art at all. Creative Arts Therapy isn’t a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable and uplifting.

Creative Arts Therapy is not an art class. In art lessons you learn techniques and skills to create products, Creative Arts Therapy centres on self-expression, exploration, and personal growth. You don't need to have any prior experience as an artist or try to create beautiful or perfect artworks. The emphasis is on using the arts as a tool to gain insight into yourself and address personal challenges. The therapist guides the client in exploring emotions, thoughts, and experiences. You may be introduced to new materials or try out things you haven’t before, but the focus is on the creative process rather than the final product.

Engaging in Creative Arts Therapy offers numerous benefits beyond mere self-expression. Through art, individuals discover a unique means of communication, especially when words fail. This exploration delves into inner themes, fostering deeper self-understanding. The creative process often brings clarity and peace, enhancing intuitive connection. Arts therapy catalyses powerful self-healing, addressing present challenges and past wounds. Through sensory experiences and fostering self-esteem, confidence, and expression, individuals gain calmness, security, and relational adeptness. As behaviour patterns shift and needs are met, a transformative journey can unfold, enabling individuals to embrace their inherent worth and find solace in healing and self-discovery.

Creative Arts Therapy is effective for a wide range of individuals and concerns. It is effective for those facing medical or mental health challenges such as stress, relationship problems, panic attacks, anxiety, bereavement, feelings of disconnection or depression, obsessive thoughts, trauma, addiction, and compulsive or destructive behaviours.

However, it is also for anyone seeking emotional, creative, or spiritual growth. It is beneficial for people of all ages and stages of life, including those affected by personal or cultural experiences, illness, or disability. Importantly, artistic skill is not necessary to greatly benefit from arts therapy.

Deciding whether you want to seek therapy or counselling is a personal choice.

If you find yourself struggling with overwhelming emotions, persistent negative thoughts, or challenges in relationships, seeking support from a therapist can be invaluable. Simply having a confidential space to talk to someone who isn't a friend or family member can make a significant difference.

Therapy provides a safe environment to explore your feelings, gain insights into your challenges, and develop effective coping strategies. Investing in your mental health is crucial for overall well-being, and therapy can empower you to lead a more fulfilling life.

Exploring underlying challenges is a fundamental aspect of therapy, especially an arts psychotherapeutic approach. Rather than just addressing surface symptoms, we aim to uncover root causes for lasting solutions. Alongside short-term coping strategies, we work towards comprehensive resolutions that address the core issues.

Yes, 100% this is a confidential space. As a registered health professional in New Zealand, I must uphold the Standards of Professional Practice and Code of Ethics set by ANZACATA.

I also adhere to the NZ Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. The only exception to breaking confidentiality is if a serious threat is made to the life or health of any individual.

During a standard session, we start with a brief check-in to discuss anything arising or current issues. We may incorporate guided visualisation or focusing meditation to deepen the therapeutic experience and see how your body is feeling in the space. Following this, you'll be invited to engage in artmaking, choosing from the materials available like paint, pastels, clay, or collage. As you create, I'll either quietly observe or participate alongside you, depending on what you prefer. Throughout, we'll engage in open dialogue, or you can make art in silence if you want, allowing you to express thoughts and feelings as they arise. Towards the end, we'll reflect on your artwork together, exploring your emotions and experiences. The session provides a safe space for your creative expression, self-reflection, and therapeutic exploration.

The Art for Thriving process unfolds in several stages to ensure a comprehensive and effective therapeutic experience:

• Discovery Session: Our journey begins with a 20-minute free Discovery Session via video call. This session allows us to establish rapport and determine if arts therapy is the right fit for you. We'll discuss your needs, goals, and relevant background information, providing you with an opportunity to ask questions and get to know me.
• Paperwork: After the Discovery Session, you'll receive information on my rates, along with consent forms and confidentiality agreements to review. If you decide to proceed you can book your first appointment.
• First Session: We delve deeper into your needs and goals in our first full session. Together, we establish clear therapy goals based on your aspirations and circumstances. These serve as a roadmap guiding our work together and ensuring a tailored approach for your unique needs.
• Ongoing Sessions: Subsequent sessions are focused on addressing your goals, and insights gained during sessions are applied to your daily life. No prior experience or knowledge in art is necessary; I provide all necessary materials for our sessions that are in person. Sessions can take place either in person at Waiora House in Taupō or online via Zoom.
• Review and Adjustment: Therapy is a dynamic process, and we will regularly review our progress towards your goals, adjusting as needed.
• Concluding Treatment: During our final session, we discuss the possibility of longer-term treatment or referral to another service if needed. We’ll develop an individualised plan focused on fostering self-care and personal growth.
• Ongoing Support: Longer-term clients have access to the Client Portal on my website, providing resources to support their therapeutic journey and enable independent well-being practices.

Throughout this process, my focus remains on you, and your healing journey towards living your best life.

50 minutes to one hour

The number of sessions needed varies based on individual needs.

Typically, it ranges from 6 to 10 sessions, scheduled weekly or fortnightly. This is reassessed collaboratively with your therapist during your time working together.

Some clients may require only 2 to 3 sessions for a specific challenge, while others may prefer ongoing support for overall mental health and wellness through regular monthly appointments long term.

The rate is $120 per session.

However, funding support may be available to you through various providers such as Clearhead, WINZ, I am Hope, and Aoake te Rā. To explore funding options or inquire about session rates, please use the Get in Touch form at the bottom of this page. For additional details on our services and pricing, please visit the Services page on this website.

Claim your free discovery session by selecting a convenient time using the button at the top of the screen.