SHYLIE SMITH
AThR, MA(ATh), BA(Communications), Dip Ed
ART PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Call: 0477 405 645
Email: shylie@experiencingcolour.com
Address: Retreat of Life
130 Gardiners Road, James Creek NSW
WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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WHO IS ART THERAPY FOR?
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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:
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Stress
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Relationship difficulties
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PTSD or complex trauma
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Understanding and managing emotions
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Finding purpose and meaning
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
IN THE NEWS
Experiencing Colour providing Art Therapy in the Creative therapies pilot supporting mental health on the North Coast
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People across the North Coast experiencing moderate to severe mental health challenges now have access to new free creative therapy services, thanks to the launch of the North Coast Creative Therapies Pilot.
Launched by Healthy North Coast and funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network program at a value of $1.03 million, the pilot will run until 30 June 2027, providing evidence-based creative arts therapy and music therapy to support mental health and wellbeing across the region.
Healthy North Coast is one of three Primary Health Networks (PHNs) nationally selected to deliver the initiative, which aims to expand access to innovative, person-centred mental health supports.
Creative therapies offered through the program are delivered by qualified practitioners accredited through the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) or the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
SHYLIE SMITH FROM EXPERIENCING COLOUR IS ONE OF THESE ACCREDITED PRACTITIONERS.
These therapies support people to express themselves and process experiences in ways that do not rely solely on words. Delivered alongside other mental health supports, creative therapies can help individuals explore emotions, reduce anxiety, improve communication and strengthen overall wellbeing.
Healthy North Coast CEO, Monika Wheeler, said the pilot would provide new pathways to care for people who might benefit from innovative approaches to mental health treatment:
“Creative therapies offer powerful ways for people to explore their thoughts and emotions, particularly when talk-based therapies may not feel accessible or sufficient. Through this pilot, we’re expanding the range of mental health supports available on the North Coast and ensuring people can access approaches that work best for them.
“By working with skilled and accredited local providers, we’re helping people connect with therapies that can improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and support recovery.”
Under the pilot, eligible participants can access up to 10 sessions, delivered in individual or group formats. Referrals are managed through the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service, ensuring people receive the most appropriate care program based on their needs. Participants assessed at Level of Care 3 or 4 may be eligible for the program. The pilot is open to people of all ages.
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MEDICARE MENTAL HEALTH LINE: 1800 595 212
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Contact Shylie now for more information​
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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."
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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"
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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.
