Art Therapy Sydney

Have you tried different talking therapy and feel you haven’t progressed? Or you struggle with vocalising your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

How can it help?

Art therapy uses artistic creation to explore emotions, gain self-awareness, and improve mental well-being. It’s open to everyone, regardless of artistic skill. Sessions typically involve:

Discussing your goals with the therapist.
Creating artwork using various media (drawing, painting, etc.).
Reflecting on your creative process and the resulting artwork.

The therapist guides you through self-discovery by asking questions about your experience, fostering insight and growth.

What to Expect

Art Therapy can be used with individuals, couples, and groups. No artistic talent or experience is needed to engage with Art Therapy. It’s being open, non-judgemental, and willing to participate.

The first session will consist of talking to the therapist about why you want to find help and learning what the therapist offers. Together, you will devise a plan that involves creating some form of artwork. Once you begin creating, the therapist may sometimes observe your process as you work without interference.

When you have finished a piece of artwork or, in some cases, while you are still working on it, the therapist will ask you questions along the lines of how you feel about the artistic process, what was easy or difficult about creating your artwork, and what thoughts or memories you may have had while you were working. Generally, the therapist will ask about your experience and feelings before providing any observations.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Place a piece of paper and a pen or pencil in front of you.

Step 2: Breathe and Focus

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Feel yourself becoming grounded in the present moment. Push away any outside thoughts or distractions, focusing solely on yourself. Take a moment to acknowledge the emotions and thoughts swirling around in your mind right now.

Step 3: Draw Your Feelings

Open your eyes and pick up your pen or pencil. Without looking at the paper yet, begin to draw. Don’t analyse, judge, or overthink it. Just let your hand move freely and express the dominant feeling or thought you’re experiencing. Keep drawing for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Reflect on Your Artwork

Put your pen or pencil down and take a step back. Look at your creation with fresh eyes, as if you’re observing a piece of art in a museum.

Reflection

How does your artwork make you feel now?
Did your emotions or thoughts shift while you were drawing?
Are they the same as they were when you started?

This exercise is about using art as a tool for self-discovery. There’s no right or wrong way to create your art, and the most important aspect is the exploration of your inner world.