“A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step”
- Lao Tzu
WHAT IS ART THERAPY ?
Creative Arts Therapy is used to deepen psychotherapy or to discover new strengths and increase self awareness .
It is no longer considered an 'alternative' therapy, and is gaining momentum as an evidence based therapy around the world.
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Research in neuroscience shows that the structure and function of the human brain can be changed by images we see in our mind. Using creative expression which focuses on chosen images improves mental and physical functioning.
Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that incorporates creative expression into the therapeutic process. . Often I hear " I have no creative skills". Well, that's all the better, as there is no expectation of a perfect art piece. Creating and processing your art with my guidance and support offers you a space for personal insight, and often, this brings some answer..
SERVICES
01
INDIVIDUAL ART THERAPY
There are various ways we can work together for an individual art therapy
session.
02
GROUP THERAPY / WORKSHOPS
A big part of group therapy is recognizing that you are amongst people who are experiencing similar emotions and circumstances.
COUNSELLING/PSYCHOTHERAPY (TALK THERAPY)
03
Sometimes we just need to talk. Talking with a professional allows you to unpack everything that is swimming around inside your head.
WHAT CAN I HELP WITH ?
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Bereavement & Grief/Loss
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Significant life transitions (e.g. marital breakdown, identity transitions like parenthood etc)
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Anxiety disorders (General Anxiety, Social Phobia and Panic)
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Developmental and Learning difficulties
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Attachment and Relationship difficulties
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Adjustment/coping with separation
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Anxiety related disorders (OCD and PTSD)
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Depression
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Childhood issues
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Sleep difficulties
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Impacts of Chronic Health Conditions (inc. Chronic pain)
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Support during Palliative Care/Carer & sibling support
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Family counselling
WHAT DOES A SESSION LOOK LIKE ?
When you have a session with me, whether it's a group workshop or individual session, one of the most important elements is getting to know you. The therapeutic relationship which develops between myself and my clients is the basis for all the work we do together. Once we have decided that we would like to work together, you will have art material available if you feel you would like to use them I am happy to give a directive or prompts to guide you with your expressions. If you feel you would rather just talk, I am here to help. The session is your time to explore, discover and create. There are no expectations of a completed piece of art. The therapy is all in the process. I will always bring with me my sense of humour. empathy and professionalism.
WHO CAN I HELP ?
01
ADULTS
Art therapy works with visual materials and techniques, focusing on how the materials are experienced and used. Art therapy is about experiencing, expressing, and emotionally structuring patterns of feelings, thoughts, and reactions through the art medium. This allows you to gain insight and learn from corrective experiences through discovery, improvisation, experimentation, modelling, shaping, or intuitive actions at the moment. Art therapy is a direct path to deeper emotional layers –. The materials, techniques, colors, and images offer a wide range of specific possibilities for discovery. The focus of art therapy is creativity; less than an aesthetically pleasing result.
02
ADOLESCENCE
Art therapy is often used to help teenagers and young adults who are experiencing a range of challenges, such as bereavement, family breakdown, anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, behavioural or social problems, or difficulties relating to abuse, neglect or trauma.
In my sessions I help with:
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teenagers and young adults recognise and label their emotions
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support them as they learn to regulate difficult emotions
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manage specific behavioural difficulties
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broaden perspectives
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build frustration tolerance
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support sensory integration
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promote the development of interpersonal skills
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support mentalization processes (the ability to see and understand ones own thoughts and motivations – and those of others)
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equip our young people with the coping skills needed to navigate life with increased confidence and resilience
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build self-confidence and self-esteem
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encourage the life-affirming pleasures of art making.
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CHILDREN
Children and young people who access Art Therapy come with a range of difficulties, which include emotional and behavioural problems; mental health diagnoses; learning difficulties, bereavement, trauma and much more. When there is something that prevents a child or young person from living a fulfilled life and reaching their full potential, this is something that can be explored within Art Therapy, in a safe and compassionate way.
Eliza Mealey
Bachelors of creative arts Psychotherapy
Qualified counsellor and Psychotherapist.
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I am an accredited Arts Psychotherapist with the registered body, ACA. I have
a Bachelor of Arts in Psychotherapy from Ikon Institute Australia. My background in theatre and my understanding of the power of using creative methods to dive deeper into our subconscious led me to pursue a career in arts Psychotherapy. I work in a holistic way, guiding clients towards their strengths. I have experience working with adults who face life challenges, young children and adolescents who have social, emotional and behavioural issues.
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Presently, I have a number of clients living with autism. Using art therapy with clients on the spectrum is something that very much interests me.
I am trauma-informed as a therapist and also work as a counsellor. I believe that emotional agility and strength is a natural outcome of therapy. We all need to discover our great bits, so we can lean on them when the water gets rough and recognise when joy arrives.
MY CLINIC
CONTACT
Red Hill QLD, Australia
aaatherapyaus.gmail.com
​0422523277
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Tel: +614 - 2252 - 3277
OPENING HOURS
Monday - Friday: 7 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm
Sunday: Closed