Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is an evidence-based mental health therapy that combines the studies of the arts, psychology, counselling and psychotherapy. It uses art materials and creativity to help people explore, express, communicate, and understand their emotions, supporting them as they work through personal challenges to gain better mental health and wellbeing.

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What is a Registered Art Therapist?

Registered Art Therapists (AThR), registered with ANZACATA (the peak body for Creative Arts Therapists in Australia), are Masters-trained mental health professionals who provide therapy to individuals with trauma, mental health conditions, illness, and disability.​

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Who is Art Therapy for?

Art Therapy is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and no art skills are required. With a reduced reliance on verbal communication, Art Therapy is especially accessible to the disability and neurodivergent community.

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Who do you work with?

Our therapists bring a wealth of experience and skills in supporting clients across different age groups. Our practice specialises in working with neurodivergent and disabled individuals, especially those with past experiences of trauma.

 

We work with a diverse range of clients who may have needs relating to:

• Depression and anxiety

• Trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD

• Psychosocial disability 

• Chronic Illness - including experience with supporting severe CFS/ME

• Self-harm

• Autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences

• Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) profile

• Past experiences of family violence, sexual assault, and/or childhood trauma

• Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) challenges

• Intellectual disability

• Relationship and attachment challenges 

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions and adjustment difficulties

• Identity needs

• Childhood issues and child-focused parenting support

• Adolescent mental health

• Adult and older-adult mental health

 

How long are your sessions?

Each session lasts 1 hour. Some clients may occasionally request longer sessions, which can be arranged at an additional cost

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Is it just art-making? What does a session look like?

Every session is tailored to your unique needs to support your mental health goals. Art Therapy combines art-making, counselling, and psychotherapy, recognising that each person processes differently. As Masters-trained Art Therapists, we can guide you in safely exploring and expressing yourself. You can create art or simply talk about what’s important to you—ultimately, we are here to support and respond to your needs.

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Do I need to be an artist or know how to use art materials?

Absolutely not! Many clients have little to no prior experience with art but find great value in Art Therapy. This process isn’t about creating art to display; it’s about using creative methods to express, communicate, self-discover, and connect with your body and senses. Your skill level with art materials is never a barrier to experiencing the benefits of Art Therapy.

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Do I need to bring or buy anything?

No, all necessary art and craft materials are provided at our studio, including paints, pencils, pastels, markers, paper, clay, and more. Clients are welcome to bring personal items that may support them in therapy. For online sessions, we offer a starter kit of basic drawing materials that can be posted to your home, or we can provide a suggested materials list. We are also used to working with whatever you have on hand, so there is no need to rush out and buy extra supplies.​

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Do you take Medicare mental health plans?

Currently, Medicare mental health plans don’t cover counsellors, psychotherapists, or creative therapists. However, we offer concession rates for those in need, making our services more affordable and accessible. Some clients find this concession rate comparable to the out-of-pocket costs they would still pay after receiving Medicare rebates with a psychologist.

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Do you see NDIS clients?

Yes, we have been a registered NDIS provider since 2019. Alana, the director and lead Art Therapist, has also been working with the disability community since 2012 and has close family members who are also NDIS users. As a private practice we can offer our strong knowledge in skill in supporting participants with their goals, NDIS report writing and working within NDIS teams.

 

If you are a participant or support coordinator and don't yet have funds available for Art Therapy, please feel free to reach out to us for a free quote for your upcoming plan review.

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Do you see other clients?

Yes, we regularly work with self-funded clients (paying with their own money), as well as those supported by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS), and family services assisting individuals impacted by family violence.

 

We can also provide quotes to individuals or case workers seeking funding through family services and government departments.

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Can I know more about the Therapy Dog?

Evie, our therapy dog, is available in Art Therapy and Counselling sessions only with Alana Stewart at Yellow Gum Art Therapy Studio from Monday to Thursday. As a highly trained therapy dog, Evie provides comfort and supports client engagement, adapting to each person’s needs—whether through cuddles and pats or by quietly resting nearby. When art-making or conversation takes focus, Evie settles on her chair or bed, ready to engage whenever needed.

Evie and Alana can also provide therapy dog visits to group settings, schools and facilities upon request.