Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledge is power and you are fully capable of healing yourself with the right support. 

Therapy can support you to unwind some of the limiting habits, beliefs or thinking that restricts you from feeling the way you want to feel. Understanding yourself more deeply and connecting with your authenticity can change how you think, feel and behave. The personal growth that you can achieve in the safety of a therapeutic relationship can provide you with the foundation to live the life you desire. 

Art Therapy is an evidence-based practice that supports you to process what is conscious and unconscious in your psyche in a non-invasive way. You can expect benefits such as integrating and processing trauma in the body, increased self-awareness, improved coping strategies, and a deeper connection to self. 

 Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative processes such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and other forms of art-making as a therapeutic modality. This non-verbal approach supports clients to improve and enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being. It allows clients to explore and understand their emotions through art in a safe environment without the pressure of using words. 

Art making works multiple levels not only to aid individuals to process internal experience but also to integrate both the conscious memory and the memory of the body + so much more! Pairing this with a trained and qualified Art Psychotherapist means that our artmaking can be used to deepen, strengthen and shift progress that differs from traditional talk based therapies 

 Art Psychotherapy is more than just creating art—it’s a therapeutic process guided by a trained professional to support emotional healing, self-discovery, and well-being. Unlike making art at home or school, where the focus is often on skill, technique, or expression, Art Therapy provides a safe and structured space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences through creativity.

As a registered Art Psychotherapist, I integrate evidence-based approaches to help clients process trauma, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with themselves. No artistic experience is needed—it's about the process, not the product. 

No! You don't have to be good at art for art to be good for you! This is the most common misunderstanding about Art Therapy. The art we make in our sessions is different to the art you have made at school or at home. We don't focus on outcome or aesthetic quality in relation to how "good" something looks. Our focus is the process of engaging with the materials; how they feel, what they bring up, what qualities they have. 

 A registered Art Psychotherapist is a qualified mental health professional with specialist training in both psychotherapy and the therapeutic use of art. Art Therapy is an evidence-based practice that supports emotional processing, trauma recovery, and personal growth in a safe and structured way.

While some therapists may use art in their sessions, they may not have the specific training to facilitate deep therapeutic work through creative expression and this can result in unsafe practices. Choosing a registered Art Therapist ensures you receive safe, ethical, and tailored support from someone who understands how to use art as a powerful tool for healing.

Depending on what the client is comfortable with, their age and needs, the session may include some talking, play, artmaking, walking, writing, sensory activities, mindfulness or therapeutic techniques. Each session is unique and Alice focuses on meeting the client where they are in the present day. 

No, Alice will provide all the supplies we will need for our session. However, if you have a particular material you would like to work with, Alice encourages you to bring it along!

Typically a session will go for 50-60minutes, but it depends on the needs of the client. Some clients engage best with a shorter 30minute session while Groups can be run over several hours. 

Unfortunately no form of Counselling or Psychotherapy is covered under Medicare’s Mental Health Care Plans in Australia. This is a travesty for mental health in general and we hope this changes in the future. However, if you have NDIS funding, you may be able to access Art Therapy under your plan. Some private health insurers also offer rebates for Art Therapy—it's best to check with your provider. At Alice Halden Art Therapy & Counselling, I’m committed to making therapy accessible and I do offer concessions and payment plans. If you’d like to explore funding options or need support navigating your eligibility, feel free to get in touch. 

Yes! Alice brings accessible therapy services to the schools, homes and organisations of individuals in Albury NSW, Wodonga VIC and surrounding areas. Alice also provides outreach to more regional towns upon request.