In Creative Arts Therapy sessions, I use creative therapy and counselling to support and encourage self-exploration and personal development. It is appropriate for anyone who is interested in deeper self-awareness and personal growth, and no previous arts experience or art ability is necessary. Creative methods used by Karen may include:
• visual art
• dance or movement
• music
• storytelling
• d
rama
• creative writing
• play therapy
Much of your session may also be verbal as you discuss with Karen some of the thoughts and feelings that have emerged during this creative process. About Karen
Karen Chandler is a Creative Arts Therapist and Counsellor, graduating with a Masters in Creative Arts Therapy from RMIT and a Psychology degree from Monash University where she was also a research assistant. She has a wide range of experience in the welfare sector, particularly with children and adolescents. Karen is also passionate about assisting women with the process to motherhood (pregnancy, preparation for motherhood, birthing, emotional prenatal concerns, postnatal depression and bonding between mother and baby). Karen’s interest in Creative Arts Therapy has stemmed from using her own creative expressions during life experiences and the tremendous benefit and personal empowerment this process provided. She holds membership with the Professional body Australian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ACATA). Creative arts therapy is particularly useful for people who may be struggling to articulate their experiences and feelings. Not everyone is capable of expressing themselves with the use of words or language. Creative Arts Therapy provides a different means to get your message across. Children and young people often respond well to this form of counselling as it is non-threatening and offers options to explore in a way that is more comfortable. Creative Arts Therapy can help you to express the inexpressible, cope with difficulties and stress, facilitate your recovery and explore new ways of thinking about a concern. As the therapist Karen offers a safe supportive space to allow you to explore and process your issues and experiences and to generate empowerment for personal growth and wellbeing. The experience of expressing oneself through creative activity has been found to assist in the promotion of physical, emotional, cognitive and social integration and functioning. The insights and personal understandings can be instrumental in facilitating change for issues such as:
• Mental health • Drug & Alcohol
• Eating disorders • Anxiety and Depression
• Trauma • Bushfire Recovery
• Youth • Stress
• Grief & Loss • Life direction
• Relationships • Eating Disorders
• Self Esteem issues • Pre & Post natal concerns
• Mother – Baby bonding • Preparation for birth
In simple terms:
• We work together to try and make sense of what is happening for you
• We use different types of communication to do this
• You don’t need to be good at art or music
Karen's Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Sociology) - Monash University
Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy (with Distinction) - RMIT University
Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) - Monash University
Master of Creative Arts Therapy - RMIT University
