A little about me
Hello! I'm Natalie (she/her).
I am a creative arts therapist registered with PACFA and hold a Bachelor of Arts Therapy. My passion for the arts has been a driving force in my life. At times it has been art that has provided a level of safe holding that has been deeply regulating, enabling the emergence of new perspectives and understandings to surface. Through these experiences and others that I have witnessed, I have observed the transformative potential of creative expression and how art can be a means to delve into our inner landscapes.
My practice is guided by a philosophy of providing support across various facets of the community. I work one-on-one with those aged from early childhood through to adulthood. I am also actively involved in a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting mothers and children, fostering connection and resilience. I have run wellbeing groups for primary aged deaf and hard of hearing children in the schooling system. Beyond my therapeutic work, I have experience in the disability sector, where I have supported individuals as a care worker, offering practical assistance and emotional support to individuals with diverse needs. This combination of therapeutic practice and hands-on support allows me to approach each person’s unique circumstances with empathy and a holistic perspective.
I have a strong affinity for visual arts and movement. Painting, drawing, and pottery, hold a special place in my heart, serving as both a cherished hobby and a meaningful pursuit. My relationship with movement began to flourish as I entered my twenties, and it has since become an integral part of my life through pursuits such as dance, yoga, and aerial acrobatics.
My path to becoming an art therapist came from a desire to support the mental health of those in my community through a profession that aligns with my core-values of creativity, acceptance, collaboration, compassion, connection, and authenticity.
A therapy session with me
The journey of therapy is a very individualised experience that looks and feels different for each person. Commencing therapy, whether it be for the first time or with a new therapist, can sometimes feel overwhelming or challenging as you search to find the right fit and form for you or someone under your care. My role is to collaboratively cultivate with you a welcoming, genuine, non-judgmental, secure, and safe environment for you to enter into this new relationship. The space I offer you is designed to empower you to embark on your therapeutic journey.
Do you feel that parts of yourself and your experience are holding you back in life? Are you seeking growth and a shift towards a new way of being in the world?
In my work, I adopt a holistic approach that embraces the whole body and mind. I use a diverse array of evidence-based art therapy techniques and psychotherapeutic skills to aid my clients in delving into their inner selves, exploring emotions, uncovering meaning, and fostering deeper connections with themselves and their experiences. My purpose is to hold space for your entirety and be receptive to whatever you're willing to share. I'm committed to accompanying you as you navigate the terrain of our sessions. My approach is centred on you as an individual, with our work together evolving session by session based on your unique needs and goals.
I will always encourage an exploration of different creative mediums and experiences. Occasionally, I might propose specific materials or processes aligned with your journey and desired direction. It's important to note that engagement in art-making is always an invitation, never an expectation. Talk therapy always has a place in our sessions.
I believe that with the right relationship and sense of safety, anyone can work to create a better relationship with themselves and those around them, increasing their resilience in the face of life’s challenges.