About Art Therapy & FAQ

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. ​

Absolutely! We have been a registered NDIS provider since 2019. Our director and lead Art Therapist, Alana, has extensive experience working with the disability community since 2012 and has close family members who are NDIS users. We offer strong support in achieving your goals, NDIS report writing, and collaborating within NDIS teams. If you need a quote for your upcoming plan review, please reach out to us.

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.

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

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

We offer short meet-and-greets if you’d like to learn more or get a sense of your therapist. Before starting, we require a completed intake form for the client. To request an intake form, please use the contact form. For child clients, the first session is with a parent or caregiver alone to assess needs and goals for therapy. Family violence case managers must also provide a copy of the MARAM with the intake form.

Yes, Evie, our therapy dog, is available for clients working with Alana Stewart at Yellow Gum Art Therapy Studio from Tuesday to Thursday. While availability is limited, all our Art Therapists are skilled in providing the support you need. Evie offers comfort and emotional support during sessions, responding gently to each person's needs. She provides connection through cuddles and pats or simply rests nearby as a calm presence. When the focus is on creative work or conversation, Evie quietly settles on her chair or bed, ready to re-engage when needed.

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.

An Art Therapist (AThR) is a Masters-trained mental health professional registered with ANZACATA, the peak body for Creative Arts Therapists in Australia. They provide therapy to individuals dealing with trauma, mental health conditions, illness, and disability.

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.

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.

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.

For in-person sessions, we provide all necessary art and craft materials, including paints, pencils, pastels, markers, paper, clay, and more. You are welcome to bring any personal items that may support your therapy. For online sessions, we can guide you on basic art materials to choose, but often just paper and pens are enough to engage in art-based self-expression. No need to buy extra supplies; we work with whatever you have on hand.