Art therapy is not about the artistic quality or merit of the created artwork; it has nothing to do with how well you can draw or paint and everything to do with helping you express and explore your feelings in a safe environment. The art making is simply about expression; and the sessions provide an opportunity to experiment with the art materials and with your creativity (and to have some fun). There are no rules about art making and you cannot make a mistake; your artwork is never judged or critiqued.

In an art therapy session you will generally be invited to make an artwork with the materials of your choice and of a theme that you freely choose, or alternatively – if it is helpful – a theme or direction may be given. People usually quickly become comfortable with the art making, finding themselves becoming quite engaged with the process and often finding images arising spontaneously. The latter part of the session will usually involve reflection upon the artwork itself and upon the process of creating it. The art therapist’s role here is not to impose an interpretation but to help you make your own associations and find your own meanings. There may be several different meanings and emotional connections that you make to the work and its relation to your life; often with the themes and depth of meaning unfolding over time. Sessions are usually an hour long, though the initial session may be longer to allow time for you to identify what you hope to achieve through art therapy and to set some ground rules and expectations (such as confidentiality) that contribute to making it a safe space.

There is a growing evidence base demonstrating that art therapy is a very effective therapy that can bring about positive changes.
If you are interested, contact me and I can send you some of the research and evidence literature.

Anyone can call themselves a therapist or art therapist, but only professionals who have undertaken an approved Masters level degree can become members of ANZATA. Art therapists accredited with ANZATA are guided and bound by rigorous standards of ethics, professional development and supervision.

Art therapists are recognised in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classifications of Occupations (ANZSC). However, National Registration with the government is still to occur and so Medicare rebates are not yet available.
Health Insurance rebates are available with some Private Health Insurers. (If your fund doesn't provide rebates why not request that they do include this proven form of therapy?)

	ANZATA