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What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a form of treatment using simple art materials. It combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.

Art therapy is effective for people of any age. An art therapist works with individuals, couples, families or groups. I trained at Vancouver Art Therapy Institute in Canada. I have over 20 years experience and varied training in a range of modalities including Psychodrama, Interactional Drawing Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Transactional Analysis. I am currently in training in Yoga Therapy with the Svastha Yoga Therapy Training in Auckland. I have specialised in working with those struggling with Eating Disorders, Drug & Alcohol Issues, and survivors of Sexual Abuse. I currently work with those dealing trauma and families and people struggling with Depression and Anxiety.

If you have any questions about Art Therapy or my work or would like to book in to see me, please feel free to email.

You can also read more about what I do here:

Janie's Art Therapy blog archive

Soon

Soon

This image is so telling; to wait to be born from the cocoon is so indicative of the therapeutic process. It is so slow but yet so important.

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Henna for a rite of passage.

Henna for a rite of passage.

To honour a rite rite of passage it is a kind gesture to use henna as decoration and adornment. The henna can be bought at Asian outlets or some dairies. It is in a tube that you slowly squeeze out that Henna paste. You leave it on the skin for around 20 mins. Wash it off and it will dye the skin where it was applied. It is a fun and intimate way to celebrate.    

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Paint no matter what our circumstances

Paint no matter what our circumstances

I am so taken by the movie Maudie. It is a true story of a Canadian folk artist who lived in extreme conditions with health limitations yet continued to paint. It is a testament to the beauty and creativity of art in itself. The power of making art. The will of one person changing their circumstances through paint.

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Wire Man

A powerful image including clay and wire. A body carefully put together with a mask. How is it we remain connected to our bodies. I think this self portrait by a young man demonstrates the parts attempting to connect.

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Imagination is your greatest power.

Imagination is your greatest power.

This painting is done by a young artist in a lettering workshop. It has such a strong message. The power of image. The power of words. The power of the imagination.

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