Art Therapy at AkindaCo
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative materials, like paint, clay, drawing and collage, to help people express feelings that are hard to put into words. At AkindaCo, our Masters-qualified Art Psychotherapist works with children, young people and adults across our North Adelaide and Salisbury clinics in South Australia, as well as in homes, schools and online. Sessions are open to private clients (no referral needed) and to NDIS participants with active Therapeutic Supports or Capacity Building funding. You do not need any art experience to take part. The making of the art is the therapy, not the finished piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is art therapy and how is it different from an art class?
Art therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy delivered by a qualified mental health practitioner. It uses creative making to help you explore feelings, experiences and patterns that can be hard to access through talking alone. An art class teaches you skills and techniques. Art therapy uses the materials as a way to support your wellbeing. There is no judgement of your work and no pressure to produce something polished.
Who can benefit from art therapy at AkindaCo?
Art therapy can support children, adolescents and adults living with anxiety, trauma, grief, neurodivergence, disability, life transitions, or low confidence. It is often a good fit for people who find talking-based therapy difficult, including non-verbal clients and children who are still building their language. AkindaCo's Art Psychotherapist works with NDIS participants and private clients of all ages. Sessions are available at our North Adelaide and Salisbury clinics, in your home, in your school, and via telehealth.
How does an NDIS participant access art therapy with AkindaCo?
NDIS participants can access art therapy at AkindaCo if they have active funding under Capacity Building Supports, most commonly the Improved Daily Living budget for Therapeutic Supports. We work with plan-managed and self-managed participants. You do not need a referral. To begin, contact us with your NDIS plan details and we will help you check whether your funding can be used for art therapy and book an initial session.
Do I need to be good at art to do art therapy?
No. Art therapy is not about creating a finished piece or showing artistic skill. People who say "I can't draw" often get the most out of sessions because they feel free of expectations. The therapist supports you in choosing materials that feel safe and interesting. Stick figures, scribbles, finger paint, clay shapes and torn paper are all welcome and useful in the process.
Is art therapy at AkindaCo evidence based?
Yes. AkindaCo's Art Psychotherapist holds a Masters-level qualification and is a member of ANZACATA, the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association, which sets professional standards for the field. AkindaCo is also a registered NDIS provider, registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Practice is informed by current research on trauma, attachment and neurodevelopment, and is tailored to each client's goals.
Can children do art therapy at AkindaCo?
Yes. Art therapy is a strong fit for children because play and image-making are natural ways for them to process experience. Our therapist creates a calm, sensory-rich space with toys, art materials and movement options to suit children of different ages and access needs. Parents and carers are involved in setting goals and reviewing progress. Sessions can be in clinic at North Adelaide or Salisbury, in your home, or in your child's school.
Where do art therapy sessions happen?
Sessions can be delivered in our two South Australian clinics, in North Adelaide and Salisbury, in your own home if mobility or sensory needs make travel difficult, in schools through our outreach program, and online via telehealth where suitable. The clinic rooms are set up with a wide range of materials, including paint, pastels, clay, sand tray, fabric and collage supplies. The therapist will help you choose what works best for you on the day.
How do I get started with art therapy at AkindaCo?
To begin, contact AkindaCo through our website or by phone. We will ask a few questions about what you are hoping to work on and, if you are an NDIS participant, about your plan and funding. From there we book an initial session at North Adelaide, Salisbury, in your home, in school or via telehealth. Private clients do not need a referral. NDIS participants need active Therapeutic Supports or relevant Capacity Building funding to use their plan.