what is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy, in which clients use the creative process (facilitated by an Art Therapist) of making art to explore their feelings.
Art Therapy draws upon a number of creative and expressive modalities ranging from painting, drawing, writing, clay, poetry, drama, dance, music, and sand play.
Art therapists use the process of self-expression, and the resulting artwork to help clients understand their emotional conflicts, develop social skills, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, reduce anxiety, and restore normal function to their lives.
Art Therapy is known for reducing stress and anxiety, and assisting with emotion regulation. It also allows for people to express themselves in a safe and non-confrontational way, improves mood and mental health, encourages mindfulness and explores life events through a creative lens.
What are the benefits of art therapy?
There are so many benefits to Art Therapy!
- Assists with processing trauma, emotions, internal and external conflicts
- Assists with creating strategies for ongoing management of trauma, emotions, addictions, anxiety
- Assists with emotion regulation, especially beneficial for children and youth
- Improves communication skills and problem solving skills
- Increases self esteem, self worth and confidence
- Helps develop social skills
- Alleviates stress and anxiety, and promotes mindfulness
- Explores life events through a creative lens
- Is non confrontational and allows for the safe exploration of aspects of self that may normally be kept hidden (also known as our Shadow Side)
who is the art therapist behind the watershed initiative?
Amber Cumings is passionate about using Art Therapy to help as many people as possible, and has been practicing as a Transpersonal Art Therapist for over 10 years.
She has worked with numerous clientele groups (in 1:1 and group settings) including children with Autism, those experiencing PTSD and mental health challenges, parents/children/youth navigating anxiety, women within a women’s refuge, refugee families transitioning into Australian life, young parents and those who have experienced some form of trauma where other therapy options just didn’t work for them.
Amber also attributes her ambition and drive in Art Therapy to her time spent in Chiang Mai Thailand, with an organisation that offers art as a form of relief. She was incredibly fortunate to be able to co-facilitate group Art Therapy sessions with Burmese refugees, children from Hill tribe communities, single mothers ostracised by their community, women and children rescued from sex trafficking, orphaned children with disabilities as well as children from different socio-economic backgrounds. This experience really solidified her passion and belief in Art Therapy and its ability for powerful and positive change. The Watershed Initiative was founded 6 months later.
Amber's goal is to make Art Therapy accessible for everyone, no matter their socio-economic background or circumstance. She currently runs a fully funded Art Therapy program for survivors of Domestic Violence called "Awaken your Voice" and is working on an Art Therapy program for Human Trafficking survivors.
Amber works with private clients from her home in Morley and facilitates group Art Therapy workshops from other locations through-out Perth as needed.
investment
Art therapy for kids/TEENS
1:1 Art Therapy sessions for Children and Teens (aged 6 years to 17 years) are available at $95AUD per session. Each session runs for 1 hour and is based in Morley.
Depending on the age of the Child/Teen, Sand Play Therapy and Play Therapy may be included, along with the Art Therapy.
Parents are welcome to be in the room, or in an adjacent room while session is conducted.
We recommend investing in at least three sessions to get the most out of the therapeutic process.
Art Therapy for adults
1:1 Art Therapy sessions for Adults are available at $120AUD per session.
Each session runs for 1.5 hours and is based in Morley.
Art Therapy draws upon a number of creative and expressive modalities ranging from painting, drawing, writing, clay, poetry, drama, dance, music etc.
Interested in trying Art therapy?
Simply contact Amber via email to discuss appointment options for 1:1 sessions, or visit our facebook page to view our upcoming Art Therapy Workshops - https://www.facebook.com/thewatershedinitiativeonline/
If you are interested in partnering with The Watershed Initiative to offer an Art Therapy program within your business, please call, email or send through a contact form to discuss your needs and how we might be able to assist.
Amber Cumings
0426206081
