SHYLIE SMITH
AThR, MA(ATh), BA(Communications), Dip Ed
ART PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Call: 0477 405 645
Email: shylie@experiencingcolour.com
WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
​
Art Therapy combines art making with talk therapy, to help people understand their relationships with themselves and others, by connecting to their emotions and challenges through creative self-expression.
​
Artistic ability or experience is not needed to engage in Art Therapy as the emphasis is on the creative process rather than the outcome, and clients are fully supported in visually communicating thoughts and feelings about their internal and external circumstances.
​
Art Therapy helps people move through memories and emotions in a positive and constructive way, supporting them in more easily connecting with others, and gaining personal insights. This is especially helpful when experiences and emotions are too difficult or complex to express verbally.
​
After a discussion at the beginning of a session, clients are supported in art creation which is then followed by reflection on the process, the art object and any insights gained during art making.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |
WHO IS ART THERAPY FOR?
​
Art Therapy is suitable for people of all ages and promotes healing and management of a range of emotional and psychological challenges including but not exclusive to:
-
Stress
-
Anxiety
-
Depression
-
Relationship difficulties
-
PTSD or complex trauma
-
Understanding and managing emotions
-
Finding purpose and meaning
​
In Art Therapy you have access to a wide range of art materials to enable whatever creative approach is right for you, allowing you to explore at your own pace, with curiosity, playfulness and safety.
​
The aim of Art Therapy is to develop personal awareness and foster reconnection with others in a healthy way to deal more effectively with problems and difficulties.
MEET SHYLIE
​
Shylie is an Art Psychotherapist with a Masters degree in Art Therapy, a Bachelors degree in Communications, and a graduate Diploma of Education, and is registered with ANZACATA, PACFA and ACA. Shylie has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in both hospitals and the community, and currently works in the first women-only specialist trauma hospital to open in Australia. Shylie specialises in trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, creating a safe, nurturing and enjoyable environment for clients.
​
Shylie has a gentle, friendly style and is informed by a range of modalities, combining Art Therapy with Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Shylie draws on the most appropriate approach for her clients, depending on their individual situation, challenges and needs, to support sustainable personal growth and outcomes.
TESTIMONIALS
"Following Art Therapy sessions with Shylie I noticed that some of my physical symptoms and responses to anxiety have dissipated and I now have an ability to be more resourceful in managing my emotional state."
W.K.
"Shylie supported me in connecting with unpleasant memories and experiences through art making and worked through these with me to achieve a positive and sustainable outcome."
​
L.M.
"The use of making art in therapy allowed me to refer back to dark times and visibly see the progress I had made. Putting art on paper made me feel like my brain had a breath of fresh space"
​
C.H.
"Becoming aware of my needs and desires through Art Therapy was incredibly valuable and I found the process of Art Therapy fun, informative and personally insightful."
A.S.
