In a nutshell; art therapy is a mental health profession which combines creative processes with psychological theory to support emotional wellbeing. Art Therapists support individuals and communities by facilitating the exploration of feelings and enhancing self-awareness. Art Therapists promote mental health and emotional well-being through the creative arts, using all modalities, from drawing and painting to photography and poetry. Learn more.

Arts therapy is for everyone. It’s a flexible and adaptive therapeutic approach that meets people where they are—regardless of age, background, or ability. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, processing trauma, or simply looking for new ways to understand yourself, arts therapy offers a creative and supportive path toward healing.

For individuals or communities who find verbal communication difficult, arts therapy can be especially powerful. Through visual art, movement, play, and other creative mediums, people can express complex thoughts and emotions in ways that feel safer, more natural, or more engaging than traditional talk therapy.

Arts therapists work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, community centers, and private practice. From children and adolescents to adults and older people, arts therapy supports mental health and emotional wellbeing across the lifespan.

A common misconception is that arts therapists interpret the subconscious meaning of a person’s artwork—like reading a dream or analyzing symbols. In reality, trained arts therapists do not interpret your work for you. Instead, we recognise that you are the only one who can truly create meaning from your art.

While there may be familiar or shared symbols in art, every person brings their own unique experiences and perspectives. Arts therapists are trained to gently guide and support you in exploring your creative expression, helping you uncover your own insights, emotions, and personal symbolism.

In arts therapy, the process is more important than the product—and it’s always centred on your voice, your meaning, and your journey.

As the artist, you have full ownership over your artwork and decide what happens to it. You may choose to take it home, leave it with your art therapist to revisit in future sessions, or even discard or destroy it if that feels right for you.

In some cases, your therapist may photograph your artwork to help document the therapeutic process over time. Any images or session notes are stored securely and kept strictly confidential — they will never be shared without your explicit consent.

Although Art Therapy is an emerging discipline, it has deep roots in the psychological field. Since its formal emergence as a distinct discipline in the mid-20th century, Art Therapy has been supported by numerous case studies and clinical reviews that articulate its beneficial nature. Scientific evidence highlights its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as improving emotional expression and overall well-being. As research continues to grow, so too does recognition of Art Therapy as a valuable, evidence-informed therapeutic approach.

Some great resources to further your understanding:

Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review

Lost for words? Research shows art therapy brings benefits for mental health

Each session is 50 minutes.

Every individual is different, and so is their therapeutic journey. Building a strong and safe therapeutic relationship takes time—especially when working with children. As a general guide, a minimum of six sessions is often helpful in giving participants a sense of whether art therapy feels supportive and beneficial for them.

Nikkita regularly check in with clients to ensure the process aligns with their needs and comfort. Because art therapy is client-led, you are always in control of the pace, direction, and duration of your therapy journey.

The cost per session is $160.

All art materials are supplied by the arts therapist.

Payment can be made on day through card payment and receipt will be emailed at time of payment.

Unfortunately there is no Medicare rebate, to access a professional who can offer this is to search for a psychologist or mental health social worker.

You do not need a referral to see an Alpine Arts Theroay, just enquire here.