Art therapy is a wonderful investment in wellbeing. It can be also be a successful support for people living with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss and other health conditions. Toi Ako Manager, Lauren Hughes, holds a Masters in Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical) at Whitecliffe. She has experience working with adults and children, individuals and small groups.
If you are interested in booking individual sessions read our Frequently Asked Questions below and get in touch - [email protected] / 021 222 5682.
Enquire or book your individual session now. Phone 021 222 5682 or email [email protected]
We'd love to speak with you.
FAQs
What is Creative Arts Therapy? Creative Arts Therapy is a clinical form of psychotherapy that can be used to help people feel better, get better at feeling, process tough stuff and develop positive skills and behaviours. It is an holistic process attending to emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual well-being. The creative art therapies utilise a range of materials (eg. creative writing, paint, clay, pastel, collage) and artforms (eg. visual, craft, movement, play, nature-connected) as tools for change. The arts enable us to access our unconscious, sensory and embodied wisdom, as well as our cognitive intelligence, to gain insight and work through any difficulties we may be experiencing. Sessions are client-centred and designed to work towards mutally agreed therapeutic aims. Clients don't need any artistic skill or experience to benefit from arts therapy. The focus is not on artistic excellence, but rather the client's experience of the art making process and what their art means to them. Learn more at our professional association - www.anzacata.org
What might I experience in a Creative Arts Therapy Session? In your initial session the goal will be to get to know you and to create comfort and safety in the artspace. I might invite you to complete some games and arts based assessments, but the choice will be yours. Other sessions are your own. There will be time for you to talk, if you wish to, or you can immerse yourself in a creative process.If you like I can make art alongside you, or I simply witness you.The benefits of art therapy come through your own experience of the art making, and also through the relationship between client, therapist and the art.
How many sessions will I need? This will vary for everyone. We encourage a new client to try a minimum of 6 sessions.
Do you offer group sessions? There are many benefits to being in community with others who share a similar experience to you. I am not currently delivering any group programmes but if there is a need I can create one.
How much does it cost? Creative Art Therapists in private practice charge rates comparable to other counsellors and psychotherapists. In New Zealand subsidies are available for some people via ACC, WINZ and other agencies. Our standard rates are $100 per hour. Thanks to Te Kauwhata Community House we have a limited number of funded sessions available each week to support the people of Te Kauwhata and Districts. Please get in touch to discuss further.