Q. How do I book a session?

A. Before we dive into arts therapy sessions, we invite you to a  Book a Free Discovery Call to chat about who you are, your hopes, our services, and how we can support you.

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Q. Can I do Arts Therapy if I am not creative or an artist?

A. Absolutely! There is no arts experience necessary to participate in Arts Therapy. You don’t need to be ‘artsy’ to benefit.

 

Q. What is Arts Therapy?

A. Arts Therapy can be similar to counselling, however instead of only using talking to communicate and explore a topic, we engage in art making.

Often people consider visual arts when they think of Arts Therapy. However, Arts therapy is not limited to visual arts. It can include any and all forms of creation, such as movement, sound, song, role play/acting, video or sand-tray. Whilst there is additional training to specialise in some areas, such as Dance Therapy or Drama Therapy, within the MIECAT Framework, using many forms of art is encouraged. Read more about Arts Therapy here.

 

Q. Can Arts Therapy sessions be done online?

A. Yes. There are a few considerations when working online to help us create a safe space to work in. This might be things like meeting in a private room, wearing headphones, having access to arts materials. The therapist will explore these things with you prior to beginning the session.

 

Q. Can I book for 1 session?

A. We believe in choice and agency, so we welcome you to book an Initial Session before we decide if we are the right fit for each other. For Individual Arts Therapy, we encourage you to book more than one session so that we can spend time safely attending to what might come up. This is so that you get the most learning out of our time together.  The number of sessions needed is very individual circumstances and goals. Please speak with the therapist to discuss what options might best support you.

Learn more about Individual Arts Therapy Packages here. 

 

Q. What are the Art Therapists qualifications? What sets an Arts Therapist apart?

A. Janel is a current member of ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association), the peak body for Creative Therapies. As a registered Arts Therapist, Janel has a Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy (MIECAT). This means she has done extensive study and practical training in the process of art as therapy. Janel has also worked as a peer worker and facilitator, holding skills in walking alongside people with empathy and understanding. Janel utilises her own experiences of mental health challenges, and her knowledge of expressive arts therapy, to meet people where they are with compassion, encouragement and understanding. Learn more about Janel here. 

 

Q. Who do Arts Therapists work with?

A. Arts Therapist's can work with anyone, regardless of their age or gender. Janel primarily works with women and non-binary adults and young people. Janel has previously worked with women and non-binary folk who have experienced trauma, exploitation, anxiety, depression, family and domestic violence and life transitions. 

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Q. Does Arts Therapy work? Is Arts Therapy evidence based?

A. There is a plenty of evidence based research indicating that Arts Therapy can be used to release stress, improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Every person is individual. What works for one person may not work for another. Arts Therapy sessions with Janel can be tailored to you and your needs.

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Q. Is Arts Therapy near me?

A. Possibly. We offer arts therapy online, so regardless of your location, you can do arts therapy from your home. We offer in-person sessions at our Frankston Studio. We also offer some in-home options for those living in Frankston, Mornington Mornington Peninsula, Pakenham & surrounding suburbs. Let us know in a Discovery Call whether you'd prefer to meet online, or in-person.

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Q. How much does it cost? 

A. As prices for Individual and Group Program  Packages vary, all of our Pricing & Payment options are explained in detail during your Discovery Call. We accept payment via bank transfer and Stripe. We welcome Split Payments for our Packages for an additional 5% administration fee. For more information, or a quote Contact us to inquire.

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Q. Is Arts Therapy covered by insurance?

A. Janel Gibson is unable to offer Medicare or Private Health Insurance Rebates. We do welcome NDIS participants.