What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health service—a bit like a cousin to counselling or psychotherapy. While counselling usually involves talking to process distress or life challenges, art therapy combines art-making with conversation. Both approaches help people work through experiences, but art therapy offers a unique path. Sometimes, feelings are hard to put into words. Using our hands to create can make it easier to express what’s going on inside.

Art therapy is grounded in psychotherapeutic theories that explore our minds, emotions, nervous systems, creativity, and relationships. Art therapy harnesses our creativity to promote connection to self, curiosity, self-compassion and self-understanding.

It is used as a way to work through human experiences of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, disconnection, messiness.

My Approach

I use a neuro-affirming approach that centers each client’s values, lived experiences, and communication needs. My practice is trauma-informed and holistic, grounded in psychotherapy research, and centers the body and creativity throughout the therapeutic process. While I bring professional skills and training as an art therapist, I honor that you are the expert in your own life.

I’m informed by:

  • Mindfulness

  • Somatic approaches

  • Trauma informed theory

  • Interpersonal neurobiology

  • Systems theory

  • Nature-based approaches

Referral Form

Creative expression is human

 FAQs

  • Sessions are tailored to each individual and their needs. Generally, it may begin with a check in to identify needs, or make art to orient and regulate. Based on understanding of art material properties and the nervous system, art media is selected to help guide deeper exploration, engaging senses, imagination, and story. The session may end with reflection of the art process in a way to uncover meaning and direction.

  • Unfortunately no. While art therapy is a service to improve mental health and wellbeing, it is currently not funded through Medicare.

  • Yes. Art therapy can be accessed through Capacity Building funding with the NDIS as of May 2025. Plans need to be plan-managed or self-managed to access art therapy with Amy Lacey Art Therapy, as I am not registered with the NDIS.

  • ANZACATA registered art therapists in Australia are required to obtain a diploma or masters level training in art therapy. I have masters level training and hold a ANZACTA professional membership. As a professional member, I adhere to yearly professional development training and supervision.

  • The Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Creative Art Therapies Association. ANZACATA is the peak body association for art therapists in Australia. They provide information and resources to the community, advocate for art therapies, and ensure ethical and professional accountability.

Contact Amy Lacey Art Therapy

Do you have any questions or enquiries? I welcome you to send a message.