Children

I create a nurturing space that encourages authentic expression and connection for children, particularly those impacted by trauma or early developmental challenges. I help children develop creative independence and self-compassion using a playful and gentle approach that prioritises their emotional safety.

Children are empowered to explore their inner world through many creative mediums—including drawing, painting, building (and destroying), role-playing, and storytelling. They choose the materials they want to use, decide what to create, and express whatever is on their minds. The focus is on the artistic process rather than the artistic outcome; meaning that they will not need any prior artistic skills or experience to participate. This creative approach is especially beneficial for those who may struggle to express themselves verbally.

Benefits of Art Therapy for children:

  • Visual expression of thoughts, feelings, and experiences

  • Communicate emotions and sensations that are hard to verbalise, particularly for neurodiverse children

  • Promoting relaxation for body and mind

  • Creating meaning through storytelling, helping to process complex emotions

  • Improving communication skills and social interactions

  • Building interpersonal skills and fostering empathy

  • Discovering personal strengths and resilience

  • Developing positive coping strategies for managing anxiety, grief, and other challenging emotions

Private clients and those with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans are eligible to receive this service.

Session Information

The first session is dedicated to the parents or guardians of the referred young adult. We will have a 50-minute meeting, where we will review intake paperwork and discuss your child in detail. This initial session may need to run longer if required. Together, we’ll discuss therapeutic goals and create a plan to meet the referred child’s needs.

Following this, your child’s sessions will be one-on-one and also last 50 minutes each, plus an extra 10 minutes for clean-up included in your quote. Nectar Art Therapy offers a five-week block of weekly or fortnightly sessions. These sessions typically involve a blend of talking and engaging with hands-on creative activities. Through this process, we’ll explore feelings, share experiences, and work towards achieving therapeutic goals.

The initial five sessions typically focus on building a therapeutic relationship and gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and needs. After this period, I’ll provide feedback, observations, and recommendations during parent/guardian consultation sessions. These consultations are scheduled separately from your child’s sessions and occur approximately after every five sessions. They provide an opportunity to discuss progress and any changes in the home environment or situation.

During these consults, we will review your child’s progress to decide if you want to continue for another five-week block or work towards ending therapy. The decision to extend depends on your referred child’s goals and needs.

Online

Join sessions from the comfort of your home.

Face-to-face

Available face-to-face in your home or in one of our therapeutic rooms based in Melbourne's inner south-eastern suburbs.

In nature

Nature-Based outdoor sessions available at a nearby green space.