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About Art Therapy

When individuals find themselves in challenging or stagnant situations, verbal communication can often feel overwhelming or daunting.

Art therapy offers a solution by providing art materials that aid in expression, enabling clients to convey thoughts and emotions that words may struggle to capture effectively.

Art Therapists create a secure and nurturing space for individuals to explore their feelings through creative means. This therapeutic process facilitates the examination and processing of traumatic experiences, fostering self-awareness and personal growth. Through this visual medium, individuals can bring order to internal turmoil and reorganize their thoughts and emotions effectively.

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About Annie

Hello, I am Annie Fox, a certified Art Psychotherapist, and the founder of Kaleido.

Engaging in art therapy can positively impact lives, fostering self-awareness and providing valuable insights for overall well-being, without the need for a specific 'reason.'

I specialise in providing art therapy for teenagers and adults facing various challenges like identity struggles, concerning behaviors, depression, anxiety, abuse, PTSD, and neurodivergent individuals.

Navigating the process of selecting a therapist can be daunting, but I aim to simplify it by addressing any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out with any inquiries you may have.

Kaleido video series, Well-being, art & play

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Collage : Art, Well-being and Play. The Kaleido Art Therapy series

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Art, well-being & play

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Calling out to like-minded Artists who live local to Dja Dja Wurrung / Castlemaine and Naarm / Melbourne area who are art therapists. I am collecting submissions of interest for a new art collective - Kaleid. I will put more information in the comments below. Please send me a message or email annie_kaleidoarttherapy@outlook.com for any questions or interest. Thanks!

Why Establish This New Art Collective...

In my position as a supervisor, I've often noticed art therapists incorporating personal artwork into their sessions. I connected with how these pieces reflect the complexities of their lives, especially the challenge of balancing their roles as both artists and therapists. With art therapists frequently highlighting the advantages of creating art during sessions, reminding us of the importance of nurturing our artistic pursuits.

On a personal level, I understand the difficulties of managing multiple responsibilities. As an art therapist and a mother of a toddler, finding a balance is a constant struggle. Being surrounded by individuals who share similar experiences can ease the load, fostering a supportive network that we all genuinely need.

I also recognise the importance of acknowledging the different roles we play in our lives. By gaining insight into these roles and creating spaces for our authentic selves, I believe we can enhance our well-being and empowerment. My vision for the collective revolves around addressing this need for support, cultivating a sense of belonging, and encouraging each other's creative expressions.

From my own experience, I understand how crucial the artist within us is to our identity as art therapists. Many of us feel lost when we aren't creating, particularly amidst the demands of modern life. This space is dedicated to helping us reconnect with our artistic selves. While not everyone may feel this way, many of us were drawn to this practice because art has served as a source of healing in our lives – it certainly was for me. Through this collective, I hope we can reclaim our inner artists and ensure that our creative spirits continue to flourish.

Creative Therapists are shocked by the NDIA’s decision to cut art therapies from NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plans, with less than a weeks notice.

We are coming together to campaign against this decision, while encouraging all to voice concerns to relevant authorities.

This includes to your:
- local member of Parliament.
- The Chair of the Board of the NDIA: Mr Kurt Fearnley admin@kurtfearnley.com
- NDIS

I have written out a letter that you can use/ adapt to send to the above on my Linkdin. Will put link in bio.

#ndia #ndis

Let's go! Spaces available for
- Kaleido's Spring Supervision Series - Summer
- All welcome

In our online group sessions, diverse themes will naturally arise. However, as summer unfolds, these sessions will serve as a time for abundance, growth, and connection within our creative therapy identities and practices. Art making will be encouraged.

Dates: January 6th - February 3rd - March 3rd
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Cost: $100 for all three sessions
Limited Spots Available
Email: annie_kaleidoarttherapy@outlook.com

We had a wonderful Spring supervision Series with some beautiful feedback. Participants said the group made them go 'back to the process' and see and feel the value in this.

@anzacata conference snippets... Art processing, slick handouts, drawings in Ash Dargan: Dadirri - Deep Listening workshop. Marcia Underwood (Creative arts therapist) and Amodini Jayawardena (music therapist) holding the room. There were also many notes and thoughts amongst presentations including Professor David E. Gussak: Creativity Heals in an Uncreative Place: Art and Art Therapy with the Imprisoned, Professor Rainbow Tin Hung HO: Practice and Research in Arts Therapies: A Two-way Journey.

But the thing that sang the most was the united room of creative therapists with deep care and connections for the discipline ❤️🌸

Kaleido is providing a monthly art therapy group supervision throughout spring.

During the group sessions, various themes will naturally emerge. However as Spring's gentle caress draws near, the sessions will kindle a focus on blossoming, nurturing, and awakening our creative therapeutic essences.

Dates: 2nd September - 7th October - 4th November
Time: 5.30 - 6.30pm
Virtual Event / Online
Limited Spots Available (first come, first served)
Email link in bio 🌸
Cost for three sessions: $100

Facilitator - Annie (She/They)
Annie who has had a decade of steady growth in the area of art therapy supervision. They have extensive experience in forensic, secure, mental health and addiction settings in both the UK and Naarm (Melbourne). She possesses a thorough understanding of trauma informed care, risk assessment, has applied evidence-based practices, and has promoted sustainable creative therapy programs in hospital environments. With personal experience as a neurodivergent and queer individual, Annie is dedicated to advocating for cultural safety and equity.

Our Journey Together:
Exploring authenticity within your professional space
Cultivating and revealing your unique identity as a therapist or mental health professional

Art Therapy Group Supervision:
This platform provides a non-judgmental space for dialogue, emotional expression, and reflections through group interactions and the art process. The artwork created around these sessions can help contain sensitive topics, allowing clinicians to navigate their work, support each other emotionally, and share insights and experiences.

#arttherapy
#arttherapist #supervision

Some of your questions answered about Mondays workshop with musician @ohhmusic_ at @greenmondaystudios 💞 ticket link in bio

So excited to kick-start the Kaleido SoundSpa series with musician @ohhmusic_ . Ohh is a composer who has a passion for creating emotive music and sound pieces using the piano,
noises, manipulated samples, text and electronic instruments. Ohh is drawn to music’s emotive qualities
and its power to influence the way we feel and experience things.

The first workshop in the series is titled Symphony of Self. The workshop will begin with a cup of tea and guided meditation, followed by mindfulness exercises using natural objects. Participants will then engage in 30 minutes of guided art creation without the need for previous art skills. The session will wrap up with group reflections and a calming closing meditation. Throughout the workshop, musician Ohh will deliver soothing sounds from nature and traditional instruments, known as a soundbath, proven to help reduce stress, fatigue, and depression symptoms.
We aim for you to depart not only with a unique piece of artwork reflecting your inner rhythm but also feeling relaxed, connected, and rejuvenated, aligning your mind, body, and soul.

Link for tickets in bio

Photo Cred @sophie_gabrielle

#soundbath #arttherapy #artpsychotherapy

ID: Musician Ohh sitting at the Piano in pink lighting

KALEIDO SOUNDSPA SERIES PRESENT: SYMPHONY OF SELF
Limited tickets in bio for an intimate workshop

ART THERAPY & SOUND IMMERSION 🍂
RECONNECT WITH YOUR NATURAL RHYTHM AND FLOW WITH MUSICIAN @ohhmusic_

Participants will embark on a therapeutic exploration immersed in a soothing soundbath with musician Ohh. Drawing inspiration from the diverse rhythms found in nature, this experience aims to help individuals realign with their internal cycles. artwork created in the session will symbolize a restored harmony with one's own unique rhythm and flow.

The Kaleido SoundSpa workshops combine art therapy with musical collaboration. These sessions create a therapeutic environment for participants to deepen their connection to the workshop's theme through the art process, set against the backdrop of a soothing sound bath. Led by a licensed art psychotherapist and local musicians, the experience aims to rejuvenate and enhance the participants' well-being.

Please be aware of the following:
The space is not wheelchair accessible.
All bathrooms are gender neutral.
For specific accessibility requirements like lighting, seating or any other needs, please contact Annie via email at annie_kaleidoarttherapy@outlook.com.

Kaleido recognizes the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we reside, study, and work. Wonderful @greenmondaystudios is the location of this event which is situated on Wurundjeri Country in Carlton.

Kaleido is hosting a FREE question and answer session online Friday, March 22nd 12-1 PM (Naarm/AEDT time).

This event offers an opportunity to interact with Annie, an Art Psychotherapist and artist, to delve into various facets of Art Therapy. Whether you are exploring the potential of art therapy for personal use, contemplating a career as an art therapist, or seeking insights for your clients, this session promises valuable perspectives.

Discussion topics may encompass the nuances between art therapy in group settings versus individual sessions, strategies for supporting an art therapist within your professional environment, or guidelines for confidently navigating the process of hiring an art therapist.

The session will be a casual and open chat, inviting participants to join with a cup of tea for an enriching exchange.

Tickets for event in bio link.

#arttherapy #creativetherapy #artpsychotherapist

(had a tech issue so reposting!)

Kaleido has had a glow up. Will be posting more on this soon! In the meantime if you hold spaces for mental health, are a creative therapist or want to know more about what you can do for your wellness with creative and wellbeing tools I would closely STAY TUNED !

ID: Kaleido written across page 5 times in bold. With the 'o' decorated in colour and textures. Big version of 'o' spinning in background.

#artpsychotherapist #arttherapy #arttherapist #wellbeingtools #creativetherapy #grouptherapy #mentalhealth

Hosted a cute New year cycle vision board workshop the week leading up to the new year. People often think this will be fun, then think ah do I really have time for this and then after are thanking themselves they did. You gotta put it out into the world. Scroll for mine 🌸

ID: 1) table full of art collage materials 2) my vision board 3&4) close ups of vision boards

On this day last year (in the art therapy studio with pots of sequins for the festive season) vs todays (mine and babies feet sinking into the sea and sand).

Sorry if I have missed any of your messages or been late in getting back to some. I needed some time away in my role as a therapist (it's been a while and so important to do this for safe practice). This year becoming a mother, connecting with myself and family has been a focus. I've been grounding with my roots through rituals and dancing on land where my ancestors are from and new grounds full of adventure. That's why I've been a little quiet on here. Looking forward to getting back to the magic of art therapy next year with this year's inspiration, depth and energy.

Last December I received the 'Equity Diversity and Inclusion award' at the Alfred Health Recognising Excellence Awards for 2022.

I could write a lot about this area. However I will just keep it to it being a proud moment that took me back (you never go into health care for the awards but it sure is nice) and very much an area I hope to continuously grow in.

Big thank you to those who supported and allowed me to grow and develop this area within my work. It is a privilege.

ID: image 1: Me, Annie holding glass award
Image 2: Glass award that I received
Video of Me: Annie receiving the award on rooftop at the Pride Centre Victoria

My last educational session for the allied health team on 'how to build a sense of containment in an acute setting' focusing on group work. This was through an art psychotherapy lens, with reflections, exploration through the art process and information/education provided. Always an enjoyment doing these.

ID 1: table with art materials on and paper
ID 2: first image of slide show of presentation being projected on white screen
ID 3: allied health team sitting at 4 round desks in office space. Creating artworks on what containment means to them.

#arttherapy #artpsychotherapy #acutesetting #alliedhealth

In times of growth and transforming there's nothing like some mindful art of pushing little objects around a page with art materials...

Image 1 and 2: my process artwork. Pencil and felt tip lined marks creating organic shapes.

#arttherapy #arttherapist #artpsychotherapy

With some grant money I have been hosting staff wellbeing art therapy workshops at my work. Here's the scenes beforehand.

ID: video 1 & 2 table of art materials image 3 large room with large table with art materials on.

#arttherapy

Little power outage at work, so let's put up a picture from this morning's group, whilst waiting for it to come back on. Exploring colour and emotion. Anyone else find laying out all the art materials very satisfying?

ID: white table with art materials on including watcolours, chalk pasts, paint brushes and oil pastels

Supporting authentic local art and creative spaces is so good for my heart. Being kind and feeling kindness through creativity is life. Whether it's music, poetry, movement, visual art or any of the wide ways creativity can be expressed. Especially if there's some sparkly amazing shoes involved. Here's art therapist Abigail's @abigailreisner beautiful feet at her opening night of her exhibition, if you're around Brunswick pop into Brunswick west workshop and get a coffee, and have a look, it's on for another 6 weeks. Brilliant @caya.artspace is also in the studios at the back of the space. If you fancy doing some art making in a therapeutic setting with candle light, go to one of their events. I'm looking forward to getting down to a talk less Tuesday. Swipe right for a sneak peak.

Image 1: gold bow shoes being worn by Abigail. Image two of people sitting at tables creating art with orange lighting and candle light at CAYA's studio space.

So it's an obvious one, for the next post on spaces I find useful for the mind, body and spirit, but of course psychology... Just having someone to check in with that I feel I can test my questioning in what I'm holding back, test my abilities in being vulnerable and using practical ways to test out different ski slopes in my brain. I went to art psychotherapy for years, however recently I felt like I needed to see someone separate to my own role. I still use art work in the space to get things down and mark the session. I acknowledge that psychology is very expensive. If you are in Australia and have access to Medicare, use your mental health plan. That's what it's there for, also shop around if you can. It was important that I found a psychologist I was happy with. There are lots of great sites to find the right psychologist for you in Australia. If you have any questions on resources for this or making sure you have the right psychologist for what you need now, feel free to send me a DM :-)

ID Image is artwork by @thiagocmart painted illustration of a brain , bottom half of head and head joint by growing plants. Light pink background with white border.

#arttherapy #arttherapist #arttherapylife #melbournearttherapy

Day two of sharing spaces created by local people that have recently helped me tend to mind, body and spirit.

I've been working with Kirsty in the art therapy world for over a year now. However, I have only started attending Kirsty's yoga sessions. This is a replenishing 90 minute Yin session. Mindful stretching with candle light and blankets just has to be good for the soul, right?. "I only have to be here right now" comes to me when in the sweet smelling sessions, with things coming to the surface that can rest in some stillness. To be honest it's pretty beautiful and your body will be thanking you that you went. All of Kirsty's practice is trauma informed. Head over to Kirsty's Instagram @greene_moon_studios and swipe right to see more info for the class I've been attending.

ID: Image 1 is of Kirsty on the beach with sun setting behind, Kirsty is holding a hot pink Banksia. Image 2 is the poster for Kirsty's Thursday Yin Yoga practice at Dance of life studios at 5.45 - 7.15pm. Props included, $18 concession, $20 full.

I will be sharing some of the spaces I have recently gone too which help me tend to mind, body and spirit. These areas need care in order to keep well and heal. First up @georgiajane.bodywork , I saw this photograph by @camille_vivier on Georgia's feed and it encompassed my experience in her treatment; held, supported, safe and honest. I, as most people can easily ignore how much tension our bodies can hold, Georgia's bodywork helps to release that tension. Through Georgia's care I was able to connect with the tension I was holding, her magical hands and space eased it out. Georgia is also a pregnancy massage practitioner and a 'general lover of all things birth'. Highly recommend if you're in Naarm.

ID Photograph by Camille Vivier l, a person sitting naked in a chair shaped as a white hand, with orange and brown tones behind

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@kaleidoarttherapy

“I came to Art Therapy with no expectations, as just something to fill in time. To say now at the end of my treatment that I am amazed is an understatement. Annie gentle guided me toward's feeling safe and confident to be able to express myself, which in turn built trust in myself as well as her. With that, I began to explore, play music, songwriting and sing, which was my passion in life before coming to the hospital. From being able to creatively express myself, I found a part of my essence that had been suppressed since my admission.

The flow-on effect of Art Therapy under Annie’s direction was that my return to music opened me to have a reconnection with who I am. That in turn lead to an exploration of my personal values and the connecting of my identity- In relation to my values, this has been widely regarded by the treating team as a major personal defect of mine. Art Therapy has been personal an awakening of my identity a safe place to be open, honest and vulnerable while safely being guided by Annie’s expertise.”

'Ben', age 50

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