Art Therapy Brisbane
A creative, non-verbal way to explore and process experiences — no artistic skill needed.
Art therapy uses creative processes within a supportive therapeutic relationship to help you express and make sense of feelings and experiences that can be hard to put into words.
What is art therapy
Art therapy (also called art psychotherapy) combines creative processes — such as drawing, painting, collage and working with other materials — with the support of a trained therapist. It offers a way to explore and process thoughts, feelings and experiences that can be difficult to reach through conversation alone.
You do not need any artistic skill or experience to take part. The focus is not on producing a finished artwork, but on what the creative process opens up and how your therapist supports you to understand it. Art therapy can suit both adults and children, and can be especially helpful for people who find talk-based therapy challenging.
Jannie also offers individual counselling and family therapy. Click here to learn more: Individual Counselling
How can art therapy help me?
A different way in, when words are hard to find.
Some experiences and feelings are difficult to name or talk about directly. Art therapy offers another way in — using image-making and materials to give form to what is going on inside, at a pace that feels manageable.
In a session, your therapist provides a calm, supportive space and a range of materials to work with. There is no pressure to create anything in particular. Together you notice and reflect on what emerges, using the creative process to explore feelings, experiences and patterns in a contained way.
Whether you find words difficult, feel stuck in talk-based therapy, or simply want a different way to explore what you are experiencing, art therapy can be tailored to you.
A gentle, creative approach that meets you where you are.
Whether you find words difficult, feel stuck in talk-based therapy, or simply want a different way to explore what you are experiencing, art therapy can be tailored to you.
Who is art therapy for?
Art therapy may suit adults, teens and children (with Parents in the session) including those who find talk-based therapy difficult.
Art therapy may be helpful for:
People who find words hard to find
Where talk-based therapy feels difficult, art therapy offers a non-verbal way to express and process experiences.Autistic adults
Art therapy can offer a sensory-aware, non-verbal way to communicate and process experiences, adapted to each person's needs and pace.Teens for whom creativity is a strength or talking is difficult
Creative play and image-making can be a natural and accessible way for younger people to express themselves.People navigating difficult experiences or emotions
Including stress, life transitions, grief, or the effects of difficult experiences.Anyone wanting a different approach
Art therapy can complement, or offer an alternative to, conversation-based therapy.
Every person is different. A qualified art therapist can talk through your situation with you and discuss whether art therapy is a suitable fit.
What can art therapy help with?
Exploring, expressing and understanding — in your own way.
Depending on your goals, art therapy may support you to:
Improving mental health and wellbeing
Using creative processes to develop strategies to cope and heal from anxiety, depression, grief and challenging experiences.Express what is hard to put into words
Using creative processes to give form to and explore feelings and experiences.Process difficult experiences
Working through experiences and emotions at a manageable pace, with support.Build self-understanding
Noticing patterns, thoughts and feelings through the creative work.Find grounding and calm
Engaging in a creative process that can be settling and regulating.
Outcomes vary from person to person, and art therapy is not suitable or recommended for everyone. What the work looks like is always shaped around you.
Meet your Art Therapist- Jannie Olsen
We are excited to introduce ourselves and put faces to names. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to speak to any of us about therapy or referrals.
Hi, I’m Jannie,
I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Family Therapist and Art Psychotherapist. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families to navigate challenges such as trauma, grief, parenting stress, navigating new diagnoses and emotional or behavioural difficulties.
Meet Jannie Olsen, Art Psychotherapist, Family Therapist and Mental Health Social Worker
Are you ready to feel seen, heard and supported?
We’re here to hold hope when you can’t hold it yourself.
Not sure which therapy is right for you - no worries! Our team is here to support you, from identifying what support you need to getting your appointments organised.
Our clinics are conveniently located in Auchenflower and Upper Mount Gravatt.
Can’t make it into the clinic?
We’ve got you covered with telehealth support. Want to meet somewhere else more comfortable? We’re more than happy to meet you there too!
37 Bangalla St,
Auchenflower 4066
21 Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Rd, Mount Gravatt 4122
0475 041 910
info@therapywell.com.au