Carrie Skinner

MA Arts Therapy

Carrie defines art therapy as a process that restores the connection to our inner self, our soul.  It enables others to know themselves better through making art.  Art making gives images from our psyche shape and form, allowing support of the ego, development of a sense of identity and promoting maturity in general. Her own personal point of view is that of a practicing artist and educator who combines professional skills in the field of art with general knowledge of normality and pathology. The emphasis is on “art as therapy” in which a person is able to tap into personal experiences and express inner issues and concerns in clear and concise ways that may not be accessible with words.

Carrie specialises in working with children of all ages. She began working with children over six years ago, providing art groups at various schools and community centres, introducing children to as many different techniques, materials and artists as possible. Her sympathetic understanding of young children and their world places emphasis on the process of creating and using the imagination. Carrie works with an integrated approach to art therapy, applying different approaches in different situations with different clients.

Working with Children
Working as an art therapist with children provides insight into their needs, dreams, personalities, and insecurities. Through art, children are free to move, to think and to fantasize and, to freely struggle to order and control. Art itself offers a contained, safe framework by being a boundary between “real” and “not real”. Creating imagery helps children to maintain a dialogue about themselves without feeling that they will reveal too much.

When working with children, the therapy focuses on transforming feelings of fear, unhappiness, anxiety or other, into honest expressions in order to assist change or resolve issues. The creative process of art making promotes maturation and order, increases sensitivity and understanding of yourself and others, encourages risk-taking and experimentation, teaches new skills, creates a sense of self-assurance and enhances a person’s overall quality of life.

Sessions
Individual sessions can be booked and are held in the therapy room. Sessions last for up to one and a half hours.

Cost
Sliding Scale – Top fee $120+GST per session

Contact
T (649) 623 6595
E carrie

MARCO Trust - The Centre of Creativity for Well-being

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