It all started IN MACQUARIE HOSPITAl..
I thought to myself this work is incredible; everybody should have access to art therapy when they want to work stuff out….
nikki slack your art therapist……
The relationship that we build together is what gets me up in the morning, that and a small coffee. I encourage experimenting with the different art materials and letting yourself be led by your own reaction to the unique materials. This playful approach comes from ten years of working in a creative department in television (definitely not your traditional therapists career path). Especially when stress is at its highest, experimenting with materials allows issues to emerge unfiltered by language or preconceived ideas about what you should feel.
At Macquarie hospital I worked with people with varying different diagnosis including major depressive disorder, psychotic episodes, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and people struggling with alcohol and other drug dependencies, all using art therapy to unburden their mental overload. Helping both individuals and groups use art-making to pass emotions out of themselves and onto a piece of art was an amazing experience. Previously as an artist and teacher, I had not realised that once judgement and criticism is removed from art-making and is replaced with therapeutic empathy and curiosity a clear sense of self can flourish no matter what your story is.
Art therapy is a regulated profession in Australia. Art Therapy training includes traditional counselling methods, art and the global study of art therapy methods. My Art Therapy Masters's from Western Sydney University and my work at Macquarie hospital are how I became an accredited and insured professional member of ANZACATA. This means that I am supported by a supervisor to ensure that your therapeutic experience is professional and beneficial.
Art therapy at the mental space studios is all about taking out your emotions on the art materials in a safe and therapeutic relationship and helping you emerge feeling unburdened and brighter. I look forward to being your art therapist in this process.
