Lauren Bending Art Therapy

12/03/2026

Some snaps from my recent workshop with Asista 💜❤️💛 As part of YWCA Australia, the Asista Mentoring Program connects young women and gender diverse people in the Child Protection System with positive women mentors in Melbourne.

Through art making and creative expression, we came together to celebrate themes around connection, sisterhood, courage and self belief.

It was such an honour to hold this space, and to witness how openly these young people shared 💛

✨🎨🌼

03/03/2026

Try this short 10 minute activity to help you release stress, and feel a sense of order and calm 🧘🏼‍♀️🎨

11/02/2026

Creating abstract flowers without a plan or expectation of an outcome. Just a palette of bright colours and a quiet space 🧘‍♀️🎨🌼🌷

04/02/2026

01/05/2025

This quote is so powerful. Thank you for sharing and inspiring so many with your story.

14/04/2025

Did you know that connection to nature has been show to increase happiness, subjective wellbeing, positive social interactions and decrease mental distress?

Research shows that it’s not only the amount of time you spend in nature that increases wellbeing, but it’s also dependent on ‘connectedness’. Meaning feeling at one, a sense of belonging, and attachment to the natural world.

Take a moment now to notice the environment around you. Can you hear the bird song, see the turning colour of autumn leaves, notice the light. Perhaps you’re sitting on a park bench, can you smell the trees or feel the grass beneath your feet?

This feeling of connectedness is the magic ingredient, and is something we need more of in our lives! I’m using this exercise today to foster this connection to nature - give it a try and see how you go! 🌿🍁

02/04/2025

Let it hurt, then let it go. By sitting with our feelings and allowing them to take up space, we give them permission to exist. Too often we deny ourselves the opportunity to feel, and continue to suppress and ignore emotions such as pain, fear, anger, loss…

Brene Brown states “we cannot selectively numb emotions - when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions”.

Our feelings want to be felt. They act as sign posts for where we need attention and healing and only once they have been acknowledged, can we begin to let them go.

31/03/2025

26/03/2025

23/03/2025

Our beautiful light filled waiting room is the perfect place to settle in before your session. You’ll find plenty of space, books to read, soft music, and sometimes, our therapy dog Angus! ✨

21/11/2024

Absolutely loving this bright mixed media artwork! Such a beautiful combination of oils and collage 😍👌🏼
Shout out to .stonge for creating this beauty.