Art Therapy

I am undertaking my 2 year Masters of Art Therapy at Western Sydney University. It is a very in-depth degree, involving subjects in counselling, humanities (theories of difference), psychology, art, holding an exhibition, participating in therapy groups, writing literature reviews, thesis papers, you name it.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that art therapists are some of the most empathetic, intuitive, compassionate, & creative problem solvers you could ever hope to meet.

For some reason, having the word Art connected to Therapist, somehow makes it seem not as impressive as say, the word “Psycho”. (Add psycho to therapist and you have psychotherapist = respect).

Our degree involves 750 hours of placement. (That’s almost 6 months worth of unpaid work, so when I say dedication, this mob are dedicated). I am currently completing mine in Aged Care, conducting art classes, and getting to know about the different types of dementia, and just how wonderful art making can be in this process. Art making in this sense is expansive- it involves music therapy, horticultural therapy, reminisce therapy, holding painting circles, crafting circles, and one on one therapy sessions. It has been a great adventure, and my new friends in aged care are teaching me so much about stoicism and finding joy.

I will be continuing this adventure by running my art therapy sessions in Sydney.

If you are interested, please contact me at:

tanyaxlake@gmail.com

 

A short glimpse into one of my sessions: