Hiskins Arts Therapy & Counselling

25/02/2025

Get Some Distance with Distance Self-Talk

Sitting with something uncomfortable? Feeling the ick? Instead of slipping into self-criticism, try creating a little space between you and your thoughts.

Rather than: “I can’t believe I messed this up.”
Try: “Rachel, this is tough, but you’re figuring it out. You’ve handled challenges before, and you’ll get through this too.”

This is called distance self-talk—a simple way to gain perspective, quiet the inner chatter, and be kinder to yourself.

Next time you’re stuck in self-doubt, step back and talk to yourself like a friend.

12/02/2025

Boundaries Are an Artform.

Boundaries are like constellations—each connection shapes the way we move through relationships. They’re also like a garden fence—you decide what comes in, what stays out, and what needs tending. Without them, your space can become overgrown with others’ expectations, leaving little room for your own needs.

Ask yourself: What’s an important boundary I want to set with someone in my life? Why haven’t I set it already?

Healthy boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out; they’re guideposts for how you wish to be treated. Your needs are valid. Your voice matters. What boundary will you create today?

05/02/2025

Navigating Stress in a World That’s Always Changing

The world is constantly shifting—yet so often, we struggle because we try to hold it still. Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer reminds us that flexibility is the key to resilience. The more we embrace change rather than resist it, the less stress takes hold.

✨ Pause & Breathe – Before reacting, take a breath. A moment of stillness helps shift your perspective.

✨ Stay Flexible, Not Fixed – When things don’t go as planned, ask: What else is possible? Remind yourself: This is just an inconvenience, not a catastrophe. Adaptability creates freedom.

✨ Create, Don’t Just Consume – Art, music, journaling—expressing yourself transforms stress into something tangible and meaningful.

✨ Set Boundaries, Not Walls – Protect your peace without shutting out growth. Boundaries should support flexibility, not rigidity.

✨ Find Joy in the Unexpected – A detour might lead to something beautiful. Stay open to new experiences and possibilities.

The world will always change, but you have the power to move with it, not against it. What helps you stay flexible in challenging times?

15/01/2025

I got these amazing cool cards. Today’s reflection question: What Have You Outgrown? What Are You Growing Into?

Growth isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s a quiet shedding of the old.
A habit, a belief, a role you played for too long.
It’s the moment you realise you’re no longer fitting into spaces that once felt like home.

Ask yourself:

• What have I outgrown? (A fear? A story about who I am?)
• What am I growing into? (Courage? A new chapter? A truer version of myself?)

Growth is messy, tender, and beautiful all at once.
Today, honour both what you’ve released and the person you’re becoming.

Pause. Reflect. Grow.
What’s shifting in you?

14/01/2025

Cognitive distortions can act like little trick mirrors, making situations seem more negative or personal than they really are. By pausing to name your feelings instead of making assumptions, you’re giving yourself the chance to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

This shift not only eases your own emotional state but also fosters healthier communication. Asking open-ended questions, like, “I noticed you’ve been quiet—how are you feeling?” creates space for understanding and connection.

Let’s rewrite our internal narratives with compassion and curiosity!

10/12/2024

Symbolic Expression in Creative Couples Therapy.

Sometimes, words aren’t enough to capture the depth of our emotions and experiences. Art provides a non-verbal way for couples to explore and express their relationship.

Try This Exercise:
Each partner creates a “relationship landscape” using colours, shapes, and symbols. What does your relationship look like? 🌊 A stormy sea? 🌳 A blossoming tree? These visuals open the door to deeper understanding and meaningful conversations about your shared journey.
Let your creativity bridge the gaps.

27/11/2024

Please share

Creative and Experiential Therapies Belong in the NDIS

27/11/2024

Feeling so disheartened by the recent NDIS changes to arts therapy. It’s frustrating to see this important work undervalued when we know how much it helps people.

27/11/2024

Feeling so disheartened by the recent NDIS changes to arts therapy. It’s frustrating to see this important work undervalued when we know how much it helps people.



//www.change.org/p/creative-and-experiential-therapies-belong-in-the-ndis?fbclid=IwY2xjawGx0uxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHS9zIcXz3QTo5rZshSWN6dXnPcfs612j_bg8bz7C94FMMgEgsd69zBXD_Q_aem_8V0LJrdvDGJOsZcrKV2r8g

Creative and Experiential Therapies Belong in the NDIS

10/11/2024

Welcome to this guided meditation.

People often tell me my voice has a gentle, calming quality, so let’s make the most of that together.

Find a spot to settle in, relax, and just be.

There’s no need for perfection here—just bring yourself as you are. I might stumble over a few words, but what would it be like to let yourself ease into a place of peace and stillness, knowing that any mistakes are just stepping stones along the way?

Take a deep breath, let go of any tension, and let’s find that inner calm.

10/10/2024

Walking Your Inner Path.

Every step inward uncovers new insights—both the shadows and the light. Trust your journey; each twist leads to deeper healing and growth.

24/09/2024

Creative Couples Therapy: Exploring New Emotional Landscapes. _Creative Couples Therapy, we embrace the power of art and creativity as tools for deeper connection._
Art in therapy is not about creating a perfect masterpiece—it’s about the process, not the product. When words fail, creativity becomes a bridge, opening a neutral space where emotions can be explored and communicated in new, non-verbal ways. _Sometimes, it’s easier to express complex feelings through art rather than conversation, and this method helps partners connect in a safer, more profound way. _Whether you’re working through conflict or simply seeking to deepen your bond, the creative process can reveal insights and emotions that words alone might miss. _Let’s rethink therapy—where creativity becomes a gateway to deeper understanding.
If you’re in Northcote, Melbourne or surrounding areas and seeking an innovative approach to couples therapy, explore how Creative Couples Therapy can help strengthen your relationship.
_Located in Northcote, we offer a warm, supportive space for couples to reconnect.