Creative Arts Therapy (CATs)

​CATs is a type of psychotherapy that utilizes the neurological power of creativity, imagination and playfulness to improve self-awareness, emotional expression and to support physical and mental recovery (stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief).

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A CATs session NOT an art lesson/class. It is NOT about being an artist nor does it focus on technical skills. It is NOT about analyzing, nor diagnosing. It's totally fine if you think that you can't draw, can't sing, can't dance - that's not what it's about.  We just use arty stuff for non-art outcomes.

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It IS about using creative pathways as a tool for emotional regulation to attend to cognitive, emotional, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing. It is adaptive and person centered. 

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BRAATS allows a safe space for self-expression and exploration

of difficult or complex problems through

imagery and non-verbal communication.

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Creative activities can be structured, improvised,

free-flowing and adaptive.

They may include, but never limited to 

visual arts - like painting drawing, sculpting

music- playing, singing, listening, sound

drama, theatre, dance

film, photography

textiles, collage, craft

storytelling, writing, journals, poetry

hobbies, Lego, gardening, cooking

Laughter & play

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​As a registered Creative Arts Therapist, Helene is trained

in both creative methods and psychotherapeutic methods to guide participants through a journey of healing and self-discovery. 

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​Anyone can benefit from CATs.

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Music and art were first used in the1940’s to calm and relax war veterans. Since then, there has been an increase in evidence, proven efficacy and practice-based research regarding the benefits of the arts and creativity in the treatment and management of depression, anxiety, pain, trauma, grief, dementia and aging. ​

Check out ANZACATA for more information and links.

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