What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is the process of making art to foster creative expression, emotional regulation, communication, healing and overall improved wellbeing. Art therapy draws upon a combination of art, psychological, psychotherapeutic, and counselling practices to best meet the needs of participants.
Art therapy sessions are facilitated by a professionally registered art therapist. The therapist may use a combination of art making and talking (psychotherapy) therapies depending on the needs of participants. Art therapy does not require any art skills or experience with art making as it focuses on the creative process rather than the product.
Art therapy can be beneficial for anyone but can be particularly helpful for people who have experienced trauma, have diverse communication abilities and neurodivergent people as it does not rely as heavily on the ability to communicate verbally.
Stacey Cadman AThR
She/ Her/ They/ Them
Hey, I’m Stacey, a registered Art Therapist living and working on gorgeous Wadawurrung land, Geelong, Victoria. I’m a colourful, artistic, crazy cat lady and I love creating safe spaces for expression, connection and playfulness.
I get fired up about human rights issues and am passionate about providing holistic, trauma-informed, and client-centred therapy, which means I believe that you are the expert in your own life.
I’m a proud member of the neurodivergent and queer communities and recognise that everyone’s experiences and needs are different. Whilst these labels have helped me learn more about myself, I understand that this isn’t the case for everyone, and I’m here to get to know you and be with you through the journey of therapy, always aiming to be culturally appropriate as well as LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent affirming.
I first discovered Art Therapy in 2015 whilst I was working in student welfare at a school. Before this, I completed a degree in Education, worked in local government as a youth worker, and volunteered in schools, youth centres, and overseas. While I completed my Masters of Art Therapy, I worked as a respite worker and carer for children with disabilities, and as a teacher. After completing my Masters, I worked in dual disability and mental health with adults, residential and outreach adult mental health, and family violence.
Art and creativity have always played a big role in my life and I’ve found comfort in drawing, journaling, painting, and many other forms of creative expression. Discovering Art Therapy allowed me to combine my passion for working with and supporting others, and art making and creative expression to create a safe space where people can explore and make sense of their worlds. My hope is that each person will feel seen, held and listened to as we navigate the therapy space together.
I am a professionally registered Art Therapist with ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association) and hold a Bachelor of Education and Masters of Art Therapy.