Frequently Asked Questions
The terms 'Art Therapist, Counsellor' and 'Psychotherapist' aren't regulated in Australia which means they can be used widely in the community by people with varying degrees of training, skills, and professional development.
At The Art of She I take my professional standing as an allied health professional very seriously and am registered with both PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) and ACA (Australian Counselling Association). I continue to pursue professional development and am currently completing my Masters.
Parents are welcome to sit in on the first session or until your child feels comfortable enough for you to be able to leave the room. We will begin the session by getting to know each other so that your child can begin to feel comfortable and at ease.
Once the child feels comfortable without you being in the room I will offer some creative art activity and support your child along the way. I will also be responsible for preparing a specific support plan to suit your child's individual needs so that they can begin to understand themselves better and boost their self-worth.
My whole focus is building trust with your child so they can feel like they can open up to me and begin to express themselves so that we can get the best from the session.
At the end of the session, you will be invited back into the room and with your child's permission I can tell you a little bit about the session and together we can make a plan for the next session.
Usually what happens at the end of the first session is I will have made a tentative plan for your child and that generally includes booking out two further sessions to build upon this initial session. This is very important in continuing to gain trust and building a positive relationship with your child and any significant gaps in bookings will mean re-establishing the whole trust-building process again. I want to make this as easy for your child as possible and we do that by making a regular appointment.
I am a professional registered counsellor and use Expressive Arts in my practice.
Fees: $150.00
Medicare Plan is not available however concessionary rates and payment plans may apply.
NDIS Self/plan managed are welcome.
CANCELLATIONS
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Missed appointments and cancellations with less than 24-hour notice are charged the full session fee. (except for cases of emergency).
PLEASE NOTE: If you are feeling ill in any way, please let me know and we will cancel or postpone your session to another day (with NO cancellation fee).
Rebates are available for select health funds. Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, St Lukes Health, and Phoenix Health provider number: AC17259T
This will depend on the nature of your child's challenges and circumstances. Each child, tween and or teen is different and will have individual needs.
In my experience, positive changes begin to be noticed between 6 and 10 sessions however this again is individual to the child's needs.
Your child's ability to do art is not important and drawing skills are only a small part of art expression. The emphasis is on the process and not the product, which is at the heart of all therapy.
No art training is required, just an open mind and the desire to explore the magic of the expressive arts.
Expressive Arts therapy can include:
- Clay
- Collage
- Drawing,
- Painting,
- Mindfulness
- Sandtray work,
- Symbol work
- The possibilities are endless, and together we will determine what is best for you.
You do not need a referral to attend The Art of She. You use the contact/booking button on the website to schedule an appointment. As Art therapists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists, we aren't permitted to take referrals under the Better Access to Mental Health (mental health care plans) scheme. This is something that is being reviewed at a Federal Government level but is sadly outside of our control.