Art as Therapy & Mindfulness offers a personalised, one-on-one session that blends foundational Art Therapy principles with a simple therapeutic approach. No artistic skill is needed, removing the pressure to “perform” artistically, while allowing those who enjoy art to freely express themselves for personal fulfilment. These ses-sions support reconnection with self, ability to recharge and develop new well-being habits.

Ideal for individuals requiring personal creative therapy time to develop confidence and or practice more spe-cific skills and techniques (including mindful and relaxation). Following an initial consult with Art facilitator (prior to starting, see additional notes below), each session is customised to the individual’s needs, guiding them toward authentic self-expression through structured, straightforward Art Therapy activities with clear goals.

NDIS provider and claimable as part of a plan or scheme for therapy and wellbeing.
Facilitated by a qualified Art Therapy & Mindfulness practitioner.

NOTE 1: As this program is not a COUNSELLING ART THERAPY program as such, though can be an additional supporting therapy in an existing mental health care plan for instance or a stand alone program.

NOTE 2: a specialised tailored program to suit the specific needs is created after consultation with the prospec-tive participant accordingly, this can be done in person or over the phone (separate fees may apply).

Course Outline:

• Each session consists of structured creative-art as therapy activities designed to enable individuals to unplug, unwind and reconnect with their inner creative-selves.
• Using simple fun artwork techniques, and simple relaxation and breathing exercises, and easy self-care tips.
• Focus is on understanding and managing stress levels and being able to relax through the process of creating joyful art, utilising mixed media, different mediums and techniques involving:
• free-flow drawing
• painting,
• collage and crafting
• mandalas
• General topic areas can include: Colour and Emotions (Uplifting through Colour), Mindfulness & Relaxation, The Mind/Body Connection-Anxiety & Stress Management, General Wellbeing & Motivation, Problem Solving and Goal Setting (Vision Boards) & Creative Journaling, Zen-Doodling & Meditative Mandalas.
• Ideal for individuals requiring personal creative therapy time to develop confidence and or practice more spe-cific skills and techniques (including mindful and relaxation).
• 2 hour minimum sessions.

Learning Outcome:

• Each session will have key objectives to achieve at the conclusion, however, it is entirely up to participants how much of it is achieved. It is meant to be self-driven and self-actualising, however participants have the benefit of having each session facilitated and are guided accordingly. There may be some additional work re-quired to be done at home prior to the following session.
• Practice mindfulness and easy relaxation breathing techniques with guided visualisations and short medita-tions. Soft/relaxing music will be utilised in each session.Creating personalised Self-Care Toolkits to use on a day to day basis to help identify ways to relax, de-stress, recharge, emotionally vent and uplift.
• There will be focus on hands on creating as well as group discussion and sharing as well as reflection time in each workshop session.
• Most importantly each session is about the individual’s personal development through the insights gained and having fun in the creative process!
• There are no art critiques!

Benefits of Art Therapy and Mindfulness:

• Creative Art Therapy is increasingly used for mindfulness and relaxation, helping people tap into their inner selves and express emotions through colour and imagery. Research highlights its therapeutic value, especially for those facing personal hardships in health, work, or finances. While art doesn’t cure illnesses, it makes cop-ing easier.
• The act of creating—whether doodling, drawing, painting, journaling, or working with clay—provides mental and physical benefits, promoting relaxation, peace, and enjoyment. No artistic skill is needed, allowing every-one to explore their creative side with various mixed-media materials.

Art media materials included:

In most sessions all materials will be provided by Tutor unless instructed. Participants may be required to bring additional materials as requested by tutor. You will be contacted by the Tutor prior to commencing.

• Coloured pencils
• Watercolour pencils
• Felt pens
• Coloured markers
• Pastels
• Acrylic paints
• Inks
• Art paper and canvas.

Participants may be required to bring additional materials as requested by tutor. You will be contacted by the Tutor prior to commencing.

• Writing pens/pencils, note paper or note book A4 preferable.

Art Supplies Discount:

As a bonus for learning Art with SGSCC, all enrolled students are entitled to a generous 10% discount off the purchase of art supplies when they shop in-store at Eckersley’s Art & Craft, Taren Point!
View Eckersley's Website for product ideas.

About the Tutor:

Melissa (Mel) Martin is a local contemporary Artist, Holistic Creative Art Therapist and a Mindfulness practi-tioner, who is passionate about enabling one’s inner ability to create, through artistic expression, seeking to inspire and promote wellbeing through an artistic journey of healing and personal growth.

Mel facilitates local art classes/workshops in the community and privately, where she explores with small groups their true selves and the potential they have and the fear that is holding them back. By engaging in this therapy, Mel is able to reach into the lives of the people she can help more directly or build a personal-ised service for an individual or group looking for opportunities to learn how to relax, reduce stress, improve confidence, empathy/compassion, problem solving skills and workflow.
Mel works with kids, adolescents, adults and seniors adults.

Mel’s Art of Zen is Mel’s business entity located here in the Shire.

Qualifications:

Holistic Integrative Creative Arts Therapies Diploma, H&H College, QLD
Art Therapy Diploma, H&H College, QLD.
BSc (Psychology), UNSW.
Change Management Post Graduate Diploma, CSU.
HR Management Certificate, Sydney University.
Member -International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Working With Children Check Approved, Services NSW

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be inform