Aora Therapy | Art Therapy & Counselling | Kiama , Wollongong & Nowra region

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy allows people to express feelings on any subject through creative work rather than with speech. It is particularly helpful for those who feel out of touch with their emotions or feelings. The goal of art therapy is to utilise the creative process to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.

You don’t need to be an artist to apply this to your life, you just need to be open and ready for change and transformation to begin.

Counselling

Person-Centred Approach:
In my practice, I focus on a person-centred approach, meaning I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients are empowered to explore their own emotions and experiences. This approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to find their own path to healing.

Specializing in CBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused Therapy:
These evidence-based approaches provide practical strategies for various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic pain. CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns, while ACT encourages acceptance of difficult emotions and commitment to positive actions. Solution-Focused Therapy focuses on finding practical solutions to current challenges, promoting progress in small, manageable steps.

As a mobile service provider, I offer walk and talk therapy as part of my services.

How Art Therapy & Counselling Helps:

Depression

Art therapy allows individuals to express and process difficult emotions creatively, offering relief from feelings of sadness and isolation. Counselling, through approaches like CBT and ACT, helps identify negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies. Together, these therapies support emotional healing, self-awareness, and positive steps toward managing depression.

Trauma & PTSD

Art therapy provides a safe, creative space to process traumatic experiences without needing words, helping reduce emotional overwhelm. Counselling, using approaches like CBT and ACT, assists in reframing distressing thoughts and developing coping skills. Together, these therapies promote healing, emotional regulation, and recovery from trauma and PTSD.

Addictions

Art therapy helps individuals explore underlying emotions and triggers behind addictive behaviours in a non-verbal, creative way. Counselling, using techniques like CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy, supports clients in identifying patterns, setting goals, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Together, these therapies promote self-awareness, recovery, and lasting change.

Domestic violence

Counselling offers a safe space to rebuild self-esteem, develop coping strategies, and heal from the trauma of domestic violence. It helps individuals regain control over their lives and break free from abusive patterns. Art therapy complements this by providing a non-verbal, creative way to process emotions, fostering deeper healing and resilience.

Anxiety & panic attacks

Counselling provides a supportive environment to explore the underlying causes of anxiety and develop effective coping strategies. It helps individuals manage overwhelming feelings and regain a sense of control. Art therapy offers a creative outlet for expressing emotions and processing experiences, promoting relaxation and emotional healing alongside traditional therapeutic approaches.

Neurodivergence

Art therapy and counselling provide unique support for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and Autism. These approaches allow for non-verbal and creative forms of self-expression, which can be especially helpful for clients who struggle with traditional talk therapy. Through both art and conversation, individuals can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and strengthen their communication and social skills in a supportive environment.

About Cheree Henderson

Hi, I’m Cheree! I live on the stunning south coast in Kiama with my husband and two beautiful daughters. Creativity has always been a part of who I am, from designing outfits as a child to painting and exploring new forms of expression. After more than 15 years working in fashion and textiles, I discovered that art had always been my emotional anchor—a way to reflect and grow. This realisation led me to pursue a career where I could use my passion to help others improve their well-being and lead more meaningful lives through art therapy and counselling.

As an Art Therapist and Counsellor, registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), I bring a compassionate, holistic approach to therapy, supporting clients in managing a range of emotional and psychological challenges. I have been working in the mental health sector of the Illawarra region for over four years. With my own lived experience of mental challenges, I have embarked on a journey of personal development, diving into self-help, mental health, behaviors, and understanding how our mental models shape our outcomes. This journey led me to discover the transformative power of Art Therapy.

Frequently asked

Do I need to have some skill in art to attend an art therapy session?

No previous artistic skills or experience is required to attend an art therapy session. Art therapy is more focused on the therapeutic benefits an individual gets from the art-making process, rather than what the finished artwork looks like.

Do we have to provide materials?

No, all materials are provided by me and we will work with paints, clay, pencils to collage. Activities will be planned session to session, but if the client is more comfortable with a particular material we can stay with that.

What is the focus in these sessions?

The focus of an Art Therapy session is on the art making process, rather than the finished product. The act of making art can be profound and healing in itself, however an ‘amplification’ process may be used which allows the client to explore and gain insight from their work.

What is a suitable age to begin art therapy?

Any age really but I prefer to work with 8yrs and up. From teens, young adults, parents and age care. It supports young people with developmental, emotional and behavioural problems by providing a safe and creative space in which they can begin to explore their worries, concerns and feelings – with guidance and support It has been proven effective in reaching even the toughest of teens!

What's the difference between counselling and Art Therapy?

Together these two modalities work extremely well but they are different. A counsellor is more in the business of enabling a client to sort out their conscious, cognitive and emotional situation in their mind through verbal communication. Where as, an art therapist works on the visual component to communicate self expression. Issues are worked through the art making process, where the client will feel the emotional release or the therapist will help interpret the creative work facilitated for the client to understand further more.

Art Therapy & Counselling