Frequently asked questions

What is Creative Arts Therapy?

Creative Arts Therapy is a form of psychotherapy which leans into a wide range of arts processes to explore, communicate and express feelings often inexpressible or inaccessible via words. Registered Creative Arts Therapists undergo Masters-level clinical training in psychological, psychotherapeutic and creative methods to support clients' self-expression and improvement in wellbeing.

Creative Arts Therapists are mental health professionals who invite creative process (such as writing, sculpting, drama, painting, sand play, drawing, dance and movement) to facilitate the exploration and expression of feelings, and reduce anxiety for clients through practical and tangible techniques.

Who is Creative Arts Therapy for?

Anyone! No previous art experience is necessary or advantageous as the focus of this form of psychotherapy is exploring the ‘process’ over ‘product.’ One of the advantages of creative arts therapy is that it does not rely on verbal articulation of ‘problems’ but invites clients to lean into their innate creativity to explore challenges that are hard to express through words. It is proven as an effective form of psychotherapy for both children, teenagers and adults and can be experienced by both individual and/or group contexts.

What training do Creative Arts Therapists have?

In Aotearoa, New Zealand, Registered Creative Arts Therapists have a specific clinical Master's degree in Creative Arts Therapy and over 750 hours of supervised clinical placement as well as an undergraduate degree in a related field. Currently, Whitecliffe College is the only institution that offers this degree which is in high demand, requiring a 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy before applying to the highly competitive 2 year Masters course. Creative Arts Therapists registered with ANZACATA must undergo regular professional supervision and update their practice every year with professional development training.

What is ANZACATA?

ANZACATA stands for the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association. It is the peak professional body that represents creative arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia/Pacific region.

For more information about ANZACATA and their code of ethics, feel free to peruse their website:
https://anzacata.org/

How can I contact you?

You can reach me by filling out the contact form here.

Can I get funding for sessions?

You may be eligible for funding through WINZ as I am registered as a professional provider within their Counselling offerings. I am happy to talk to you about this and even support your application for this. You can also find out more information here.