Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of materials are used?

Art Therapy sessions can use a lot of different materials.  The materials used are carefully selected for the aim of the session, but can include the following; markers, pencils, watercolour paints, acrylic paints, collage materials, paper of different sizes and types, oil pastels, chalk pastels, plasticine, found objects in nature (leaves, twigs, shells etc...).  Other forms of creation can also be utilised during a session such as; photography, computer programs for creating short videos or animations, films, music and literature.  The possibilities are endless!

Do I need to supply materials?

All materials will be supplied during the session.  Sometimes a client may want to complete a special art piece during their session that may require materials other than those supplied.  In this instance, the client will be responsible for the purchase of these materials.  This will be done in discussion with the client.

Do I have to be good at art?

No.  There is no "required" art skills needed to participate in an Art Therapy session.  Art Therapy is about engaging with the materials, exploring challenges from another perspective and challenging your preconceived ideas.  I have often heard it said, that "if you can draw a stick-man, you can do Art Therapy".

What sort of things can you work on in Art Therapy?

Art Therapy can work on many different elements of our daily lives and will be different depending on the client.  

Children's sessions may focus on emotional regulation and identification, developing self-soothing skills, creative expression and increasing empathy and social skills.  

Teenagers may work on these elements, but can also start to focus on issues that they are struggling with such as self-identity, self-confidence, problem solving and self-care.  Sessions with teens will start to incorporate more techniques used for adults and the session may be longer as the teens increase their ability to focus for longer periods of time. 

Adults can focus on all of the above mentioned skills, and can also focus on other elements that may be effecting their day-to-day lives such as; self-confidence, emotional regulation, dealing with specific issues, mental health and self-care.

Each client is different and because of this, each plan is different.

Is Art Therapy for everyone?

Yes.  Art Therapy is for everyone and can be beneficial for those with a willingness to try new things and look at their art in different ways.    Children can benefit from Art Therapy as well as adults, although the length and format of the sessions will be a little different.  Art Therapy can often be helpful where other methods may have become ineffective.

Do you teach me how to draw (paint, sculpt etc...)?

No.  Art lessons are very different from Art Therapy sessions although we may sometimes use the same materials.  Art Therapy is about looking at our own personal situations from a different perspective.  This often happens during the process of creating the art.  Art lessons can be relaxing and enjoyable, but the focus is on the techniques being taught.  Art and the art materials are the 

What if I don't like drawing?

There are many different forms of art that can be accessed during Art Therapy sessions; film and video production, animation, photography, sculpture, music, literature etc... There are so many forms of creative expression out there and there is something for every taste.

Will you analyse my art like they do on TV?

No.  I am more interested in what the client sees in the artwork they've produced.  As an Art Therapist, it is not my job to analyse the art work that is produced.  I am not an Art Critic or professional artist myself and am more interested in what can be gained through the process of the session rather than the end result.

What about those "Art Therapy" Colouring books?

Colouring pages can be a great tool for relaxing, but there is little 'therapy' involved with them. 

I have an NDIS plan.  Can I use if for Art Therapy?

Yes.  NDIS clients who are Plan Managed or Self-Managed can access Art Therapy through Messy Hands, Happy Hearts.

How far will you travel?

Travel within a 15km distance is included in the cost of the session.  This covers a majority of the southern suburbs of Adelaide.  Travel outside of this area is charged accordingly.  Travel costs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  There are various ways that travel costs can be minimised - please get in contact to discuss options and we will do our best to meet your needs.

What about Covid?

Covid has had a large impact on everyone and there have been a lot of changes to how businesses operate.  Messy Hands, Happy Hearts has put plans into action to keep clients safe.  Please see out Covid-19 page to see what has been put in place to deal with the challenges of Covid 19.