ART THERAPY
Creativity
Helps open us to wider possibilities for life questions. One can explore deeper emotions, loss, anger, anxiety, dreams and an infinite range of possibilities through image and symbols.
Clients notice working with art therapy accesses parts of the psyche which purely verbal approaches may not reach. It is a ‘doing’ therapy. Prior art experience and skills are not needed to engage in art therapy. The therapist guides and facilitates suitable exercises for therapeutic outcomes. Art therapy is a process of creative activity and reflective practice for healthy outcomes. Working with colour and form, creative writing and other artistic practices with mindful engagement has evidence based outcomes of enhanced well being.
HAUSCHKA ART THERAPY
In 1997 Amanda travelled to England to study Hauschka art therapy, a holistic approach to therapy using art to explore life questions and bring about therapeutic outcomes. She has been a practicing psychotherapist since 2001.
Hauschka art therapy recognises the threefold human being as body soul and spirit. The aim is to create balance and harmony in body, mind and soul and a sense of clarity and direction.
Amanda is a registered professional with ANZACATA, the professional body ensuring high standards of practice for arts therapists.
“A recent report from The World Health Organisation (Health Evidence Network synthesis report 67, 2019) investigated arts based therapies from over 3000 studies and found “a major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan”.
Does Creative Arts Therapy help?
The report noted:
1. The overall evidence base shows a robust impact of the arts on both mental and physical health 2. It is useful in the expression and exploration of difficult or complex problems.
Registered Creative Arts Therapists are trained in both creative methods and also in psychological and psychotherapeutic methods to help clients better express themselves and to improve their wellbeing”.
Excerpt from brochure of ANZACATA (The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association)