About
Welcome to Banksia Art Therapy,
I'm Natalie, a qualified art therapist with a practice built on a deep love of the arts, authenticity, exploration, connection, and acceptance. I am here to provide you with a safe environment where together we can explore your story, unpack the parts of your life that you find difficult to manage, identify alternative coping strategies and support you to walk out the other side with restored inner strength.
"If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint."
- Edward Hopper
Art across the ages has been an avenue for people from all walks of life to turn too to explore and express one's innermost thoughts and feelings. It has held and supported people through the most difficult parts of their lives. Art therapy combines these inherent qualities with psychotherapy to support individuals to process and navigate through their mental health struggles. Like art, this form of therapy goes beyond the confines of language and taps into the unconscious. This supports the exploration of varying parts of the self through the creative process.
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Right now you may be picturing something along the lines of creating a painting, drawing, or collage piece. These forms of art fit into visual arts and are covered mostly by creative art therapists.
Art therapy itself though is a broad term that encompasses music therapy, dance and movement therapy, play therapy, drama therapy, and sand tray therapy.
Behind the name
Why banksia?
Originating in Australia, banksias have evolved to endure the presence of fire and exhibit the ability to regenerate following exposure to bushfires. In fact, fire often serves as the key to their seeds sprouting. Much like the banksia, I hold the belief that therapy serves as a tool that empowers you to flourish amid challenges and emerge with renewed vitality.
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Banksias are a symbol of regeneration, rebirth, and discovery. In my view, this mirrors the essence of therapy—a pathway to uncover facets of oneself often left untouched or concealed. It signifies the transformation of this self towards a new version equipped with the tools and resilience to face life's fluctuations.
