Creative Arts Therapy & Art Therapy
Welcome to Early Links Creative Arts Therapy & Art Therapy
Creative arts therapy and art therapy are both evidence-based practices that support children, adolescents and adults to maintain a sense of identity and mastery over self.
Creative arts therapy and art therapy are of benefit to those who have difficulty communicating their needs and wants. It is the creative process that allows the individual to safely explore these as well as difficult emotions, non-verbal communication, feeling, thoughts and experiences.
Creative arts therapy and art therapy provide evidence-based strategies and coping mechanisms to improve our clients’ relationships and build capacity in themselves.
What do creative arts therapists do?
Creative arts therapists provide experiential, strengths-based approaches to engage clients’ sensory, somatic, cognitive and creative expression. Creative arts therapists specialise in drama, dance, drumming, movement, and sandplay therapy.
What do art therapists do?
Art therapists practice strengths-based, client-focused, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches to create individually tailored sessions to meet clients where they are and help them achieve their goals. Art therapists specialise in visual arts mediums, including drawing, painting, collage and sculpture, fibre and nature-based art.
Who can our creative arts therapists and art therapists help?
Creative arts therapy and art therapy do not require any knowledge of art and are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Creative arts therapy and art therapy are funded through CBDA (Capacity Building Daily Activity).
Both creative arts therapy and art therapy are for individuals, groups, families, organisations and services to upskill, build capacity and assist clients, families and practitioners working with:
- autism, ADHD, ODD, emotional regulation, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, global development delay and dementia
Client goal areas can include:
- Psychological: emotional regulation, building confidence, identity and self-esteem
- Verbal and non–verbal communication: increase receptive and expressive communication, integration of body language and movement
- Cognitive: working memory, attention and focus, problem-solving, and thinking flexibly
- Physical: fine and gross motor skills, integrating brain and body movement integration
- Capacity building: using newfound skills developed during therapy in a client’s everyday life
- Social-emotional skills: social engagement, opportunities for autonomy and independence, learning healthy boundaries and increasing resilience
Meet our friendly Creative Arts Therapy and Art Therapy Team
Karla
Creative Arts Team Leader & Music Therapist
Hi! I am Karla, team leader of the Creative Arts Team and one of the registered music therapists at Early Links. The core of why I do what I do is to inspire and help people. Music, art, and psychology are major passions of mine. When it comes to music, I listen to it, sing, move to it, am soothed by it, and love playing and creating it.
My mission is to connect and empower my team, clients, and their families/carers to build skill capacity and work on their overall goals. I use play-based and active music-making methods, including preferred music, instrumental improvisations, song-singing, instrument playing, age-appropriate music props (masks, puppets, parachutes, and ribbons) and song writing.
I have a particular interest in working with infants, young children and adults with a range of disabilities and conditions.
Amy
Art Therapist
Master of Art Therapy, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Hons.
Amy specialises in working with children of all abilities and people living with intellectual disabilities.
Amy specialises in visual art, including drawing, painting, collage, nature-based art and clay and uses person-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
Jasmine
Creative Arts Therapist
Masters Creative Arts Therapies, Senior Accredited Drumbeat Instructor, Honours Humanities and Flinders Drama Centre, Fine Arts and Design.
Jasmine specialises in experiential and explorative expression using multimodal approaches and art forms.
Jasmine uses strengths-based, narrative and trauma-informed approaches.
Which areas do our creative arts therapists and art therapists cover?
Aberdeen, Abermain, Bellbird, Beresfield, Bolwarra, Branxton, Cessnock, Chisholm, Cliftleigh, Dungog, East Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Greta, Heddon Greta, Hinton, Kurri Kurri, Laguna, Lochinvar, Lorn, Maitland, Morpeth, Muswellbrook, Paterson, Raworth, Raymond Terrace, Rothbury, Rutherford, Singleton, Stroud, Tarro, Telarah, Tenambit, Thornton, Vacy, Windella, Wollombi, Woodberry and more.
How do I start creative arts therapy and art therapy with Early Links?
If you’re ready to get started or just want to find out more, you can use the form below to get in touch with us.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, explain what would be involved and tell you all about the support we can offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are creative arts therapy and art therapy?
Creative arts therapy and art therapy use creativity to increase the wellbeing of children, adolescents, and adults. This is an experiential psychotherapeutic approach utilising many creative modalities within a therapeutic relationship with a qualified and trained therapist. It is holistic – attending to emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual wellbeing – and aligns well with indigenous models of health and wellbeing (ANZACATA).
What’s the difference between creative arts therapy and art therapy?
Art therapists specialise in visual arts mediums, including drawing, painting, collage and sculpture, fibre and nature-based art. Creative arts therapists specialise in drama, dance, drumming, movement, and sandplay therapy.
What does a creative arts therapist do?
Creative arts therapists use a range of creative modalities such as dance, drama, play, drumming and sandplay therapy to support children, adolescents and adults to maintain a sense of identity and self–mastery.
What does an art therapist do?
Art therapists use the creative process of visual arts, including drawing, painting, collage and sculpture, fibre and nature-based art to improve the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of children, adolescents and adults.
How can creative arts therapy help?
Creative arts therapy is of benefit to those who have difficulty verbally communicating as it offers an alternative outlet for limited language to visually and symbolically be represented. It is the creative process that allows the individual/or group of people to safely explore difficult emotions, non-verbal expressions, feelings, thoughts and experiences. Creative arts therapy provides capacity building strategies and coping skills to support a persons’ NDIS goals.
How can art therapy help?
Art therapy is of benefit to those who have difficulty verbally communicating as it offers an alternative outlet for limited language to visually and symbolically be represented. It is the creative process that allows the individual/or group of people to safely explore difficult emotions, non-verbal expressions, feelings, thoughts and experiences. Art therapy provides capacity building strategies and coping skills to support a persons’ NDIS goals.