Term 2 Group Art Therapy Sessions for children - ages 6-12
Join us every Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM for a structured session designed for parents/carers and children to support personal growth
Date and time
Location
The Top Floor Art Studio of Unit 4
39 Crocker Drive Malaga, WA 6090 AustraliaRefund Policy
About this event
- Event lasts 63 days 1 hour
- Free venue parking
LOCATION:
The Warehouse Upstairs Art Studio at Unit 4,
39 Crocker Dr, Malaga, WA, Australia
Location Details and Accessibility:
The studio is located on the top floor of a multi-use warehouse, purpose-built for art. Please note that access requires climbing a set of steep stairs, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility concerns. Unfortunately, there is no lift access. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance to discuss.
Parking Information:
Parking is available on Crocker Drive, with street parking nearby. Additional parking can be found behind the building. Please check signage to ensure compliance.
Guided Art Therapy Session for Children Aged 6-12 years and their parent/carer
who want to explore self-expression, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive, creative environment.
Description:
This structured art therapy session is designed for young people aged 10-14 and one their parent/carers. In this supportive environment, participants will explore self-expression, build self-confidence, and connect with others through guided creative activities. The session fosters a sense of safety and personal growth, with a focus on
regular attendance to help participants build bonds and trust within the group.
Attending Independently and Maintaining
Confidentiality
While we understand the desire to bring friends or siblings, we encourage participants to attend without close ties to the outside world whenever possible. This helps create a safe and confidential environment where each person can focus fully on their own creative journey and personal exploration.
It may be helpful to explain to your child the value of confidentiality and how to hold space if they encounter someone they know in their art therapy session.
Respecting this shared space allows everyone to feel secure and supported.
If participants feel they need the presence of a carer, parent, or support worker while adjusting to the sessions, we can accommodate this. There are a few seats available for parents or carers nearby, away from the main table but close enough to provide reassurance without disrupting the group dynamic.
Who This Is Designed For
This Guided Art Therapy Session for Children Aged 6-12 and 1 parent/carer who want a supportive space to explore self-expression, build self-confidence, and connect with others through guided creative activities.
It is especially suited for participants navigating:
- Emotional challenges, such as feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, or mild social difficulties.
- Neurodivergent identity, including those without formal diagnosis' who feel they may be exploring traits of autism, ADHD, or other neurodifferences within themselves.
- Life transitions, including changes in school environments, friendships, or family dynamics.
- Exploring identity, such as discovering personal interests, strengths, or understanding emotions.
- Burnout, particularly from academic, social, or familial pressures.
- Accessing regulation techniques, including tools to manage overwhelming feelings.
- Coping with stress, whether related to academics, social situations, or general overwhelm.
This group aims to offer a secure, holistic, and supportive environment where participants can learn to hold emotional boundaries, respect each other's confidentiality, and develop expressive tools for self-regulation. With guidance, they will explore creative mechanisms to express themselves freely and build meaningful connections with peers.
Who May Find This Group Unsuitable
While this group is welcoming and inclusive, it may not be suitable for individuals experiencing severe or acute mental health concerns, such as untreated psychosis, paranoia, being in the care of someone with active addiction, or other conditions requiring intensive, individualised care.
For young people with these needs, we recommend discussing individual interventions with a psychologist or psychiatrist. A referral from a GP can help access specialised mental health services tailored to these challenges.
If you are unsure whether this group is the right fit, please contact us to discuss your child's needs. We are happy to guide you toward the most supportive option.
Creating a Safe and Respectful Space:
Our Art Therapy Studio is designed to be a safe, respectful, and confidential environment. Participants are encouraged to honour the privacy of others and maintain confidentiality about what is shared within the group. Respectful behaviour and appropriate boundaries are essential for fostering a supportive atmosphere for all.
If your child or dependent attends 1:1 sessions with the art therapist, they may still be able to join this group. Please contact Lynsey to discuss appropriate boundaries to ensure a positive and conflict of interest-free experience.
What to Bring:
- An apron or old clothes if you're concerned about getting art materials on your usual clothes or school uniform.
- A personal A3 sketchbook with thick pages to handle different mediums.
- A pencil case with your preferred materials, such as markers, coloured pencils, charcoal, pastels, erasers, or glue.
- Comfortable clothing and an open mind for creative exploration.
- Headphones or fidgets if these help you feel calm and focused.
- A sealed keep cup or water bottle for water or a warm drink.
Funding Support Options:
Our Art Therapy Studio Sessions may be eligible for funding under certain NDIS categories or through local organisations in WA. If you are interested, we recommend checking with your plan manager to explore funding options.
Important Therapy Event Note:
Art Therapy Dogs - Scarlett and Ember
Let us take a final moment to introduce our emotional
support dogs to be, Scarlett and Ember!
While they are not formally therapeutically trained and do not form part of the therapeutic process, they may be available for comfort and companionship to those who would benefit from their presence.
• Ember, a 1-year-old Miniature Shih Tzu Poodle Cross, has been bringing comfort and joy to clients since February 2024. Born to breeders in the suburbs within a busy neurodivergent family with children and other animals, Ember is incredibly intuitive and attuned to people's needs.
Scarlett, a nearly 1-year-old Miniature Jack Russell Fox Terrier Cross, is still learning how to meet clients' needs but remains curious. Bred on
farmland for calmness, Scarlett started life as an exceptionally calm newborn in a family with children. Now in her cheeky, and energetic teenage stage, she is the youngest sibling to Ember and the therapist's young daughter.
Both dogs are bathed regularly, pettable, and love cuddles. One of them may be on-site with the therapist during sessions. If you have any fears, concerns, or allergies, please let Lynsey know in advance, and the therapist will ensure a dog-free environment to suit your needs.
Feel free to contact Lynsey directly for any accommodations or inquiries.
Frequently asked questions
Lynsey! (If your child/dependent would like a letter from Lynsey or to meet Lynsey before their session please reach out and let the therapist know!)
Not at all! This space is about expression and relaxation, not artistic skill. Whether your child/dependent is new to art or has years of experience, the focus is on the process rather than the product. They're invited to explore freely, without judgment or pressure.
A very common misconception! No, this is not like a traditional art lesson. While art lessons focus on teaching techniques and creating finished products, art therapy focuses on using the creative process as a tool for self-expression. It's not about learning art based skills.
Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses the creative process to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote self-awareness. It's facilitated by a trained art therapist. We recommend explaining this distinction to your child/dependent before they start. Let them know that there's no pressure
It is definitely easier for young people to settle into the environment if they enjoy art! Yet this session is about finding ways to express and explore, whether through drawing, writing, or other creative processes. If your child is open to trying new things, they may find it enjoyable
We hope all participants feel comfortable, but if your child/dependent struggles to integrate with the group, you might consider exploring 1:1 sessions with the therapist. If a specific incident occurs between your child/dependent and a peer, you are welcome to book a phone call with Lynsey.
There may be options to access funding that covers or offsets the cost of sessions like these. Unfortunately, Medicare does not recognise art therapy for rebates. However, you can: Check with your health insurance provider or NDIS coordinator
Yes, the studio provides basic materials for your child to use. However, we encourage them to bring their own sketchbook and favourite art supplies. This helps them build a personal practice they can continue at home as a calming tool.
Our facilitator, Lynsey, holds a Master's in Therapeutic Arts Practices from the Miecat Institute in Melbourne. She is also a registered teacher and a certified coach with extensive experience in creating safe, supportive spaces for expression and healing.
Life happens! If you're running late, you're still welcome to join. Lynsey will help your child adjust and catch up.
To respect the needs of all participants, we ask that food not be brought into the studio due to potential allergies. However, you're welcome to give your child a quick snack outside the studio before or after the session. A nut-free smoothie in a fully sealed container is also acceptable.
Absolutely! A sealed keep cup or water bottle is welcome.
Try to go before you arrive! There's a toilet downstairs in the warehouse section of the building yet it may be difficult to supervise trips down there. So try to use it before you start!
These sessions are designed for regular attendance to help your child build rapport and feel safe within the group. While drop-ins are possible, many participants find that coming regularly enhances their experience and helps them develop stronger connections with peers.
If something concerning comes up, parents/carers may be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment with the therapist to address the issue in more depth. This ensures the group remains a safe and focused space for everyone.
Parents and carers stay and join in!