Services
Therapy in the Studio
Entering the arts therapy space is entering a place of complete acceptance for what is. Without judgement we will mindfully create and witness, exploring what is present for you, noticing and nurturing what hurts whilst watering what brings joy. Your arts therapist is your guide, your travel buddy and your protector as we gently traverse the terrain of your past, present and hopeful future at your pace.
All art materials are supplied either by mother nature or by Heartwood Arts Therapy. However, you are welcome to bring along any mediums you already own and are familiar with.
We’ll begin with oil and chalk pastels, paint, pencils, paper, clay, and natural/found collage media. As we develop your feelings of ease with the materials, we can play with other art mediums such as dance/movement, drama, writing and sand tray.
If you would prefer to work with natural materials, Papatūānuku will offer her abundance art materials. Fallen branches, leaves, moss, rocks, shells, pinecones, seedpods, driftwood, soil: the list is endless. Heartwood Arts Therapy will supply clay, water and natural additions to help support your creativity to blossom.
As many neurodivergent people struggle with sensory processing disorder, each client’s sensory needs are mapped out at the beginning of the therapy journey. Together we will explore both challenges and needs for light, taste, touch, sound, smell, balance and space. This includes both in setting up the room to be neurodivergent-affirming, and also what materials will be offered. There is also a wide range of sensory toys and fidget spinners that you are welcome to use in session for stimming.
All sessions and communication between us is held in strict confidence, just as with any other form of psychotherapy.
Click here to find out more about ethics and standards of practicing creative arts therapists.
Each session is an hour long and costs $115. If this is beyond your means, you may be eligible for funding – see below for more information.
Creative arts therapy sessions are held in Motueka at the therapy studio located at 222 High Street.
Funded Therapy Support
If finances are preventing you from booking a session with Heartwood Arts Therapy, there are funded therapy options we can look at together. These include:
- WINZ counselling subsidy through applying for a Disability Allowance (currently $70.04 towards each session for 10 sessions).
- The Gumboot Friday initiative, offering two fully funded sessions for children and young people (anyone under 25years old.
- If you are in paid employment you may be able to access free sessions through your company’s Employee Assistance Program – talk to your employer to see if they are signed up with OCP or Workplace Support.
- ACC Sensitive Claims for those who have experienced sexual violence in New Zealand, or if you have experience sexual violence overseas and are a NZ citizen.
If you are not eligible for any of these funded therapy programmes, get in touch and we can discuss alternative options.