Nonviolent Communication is often presented as a communication framework, but at its heart it is a practice of relating with greater honesty, responsibility, and compassion. Rosenberg invites readers to slow down and notice how everyday language can move quickly into judgement or blame, even when our intentions are caring. The focus is less on saying the right thing and more on creating conditions for genuine understanding and connection. The core structure of observation, fe

Necessity of Fragility is an immersive exhibition by Dave Thomson (Lost Few). Combining sound, light, projection and scent it creates a space for reflection and healing. The project was born out of the loss of the artist’s sister to suicide and moves through three distinct stages of grief. Beginning with an initial celebration of life, it moves to anger and turmoil and finally finding strength in transformation. At its centre are delicate floral sculptures that speak to memor

February is LGBT+ History Month While this is formally recognised in the UK, it’s a useful moment here in Australia to pause and reflect on queer history, resilience, and the ongoing impact of activism, community care, and resistance. LGBT+ history is not abstract or distant. It shapes how safety, identity, family, healthcare, and education are experienced today. Many of the rights and protections we now rely on exist because people challenged exclusion at great personal cost

“Hi, I did this piece of art over multiple sessions consisting of blues to dark greens.” This participant gave mr permission to share #theraputicart #mindfulnessart #emotionlessart #creativetherapy #artistherapy

Diamond painting promotes mindfulness and reduces stress through its repetitive, focused process, creating a calming flow state. It builds a gentle sense of achievement as the image forms, boosting mood and emotional regulation as a simple, non-verbal creative outlet. These coasters are also super useful! Found here: https://amzn.to/3LN45bX #diamonddots #diamondpainting #diamondpaintings #diamonddotz #diamonddot

I recently drew this portrait of my cat Shōga’s paw, capturing the soft toe beans and fluffy surrounding fur. The process was deeply therapeutic, promoting mindfulness through repetitive strokes and careful observation that quieted my mind and reduced stress. Simple, focused drawing of something beloved can be a powerful tool for relaxation. Shōga’s Fluffy Paw by Rae Sabine #shoga #shōga #shōgacat #arttherapistart #arttherapistsart #creativeandexperientialtherapist

PHYSICAL DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY On February 1 we celebrate the many contributions, experiences, and voices of physically disabled people. We recognise the leadership, creativit, and advocacy within this community, from shaping accessible spaces and policies to enriching arts, workplaces, and communities in countless ways. We honour the stories, achievements, and everyday lives of physically disabled people and the ways they inspire connection, understanding, and inclusion.

“This piece was made slowly, step by step. Each stage needed time to dry before I could move forward. Being patient helped me focus on one process at a time and notice the progress as it happened.” This participant gave me permission to share #creativeandexperientialtherapies #creativeexperientialart #creativeandexperiential #creativetherapy #experientialtherapy

This book offers a clear and welcoming introduction to asexual and aromantic experiences. Personal stories are blended with gentle explanation, creating an easy entry point for readers with varying levels of familiarity. The tone is warm without being over the top, and the authors present their ideas in a way that feels steady, accessible, and grounded. A major strength is the attention to variety within ace and aro identities. The authors avoid rigid definitions and instead

“I drew this Patrick Star from The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie and it was pretty easy.” This participant gave me permission to share #patrickstar #spongebobsquarepantsmovie #patrickfromspongebob #creativetherapy #arttherapy

THE SOAR APPROACH for working with young people SAFETY How can we increase their sense of safety? - Physical: a quiet space, etc - Physiological: access to food, water, toilets, etc - Psychological: supportive people, acceptance of their feelings, etc What causes shame or anxiety? What sensory environments overwhelm them? What helps this child feel safe? OPPORTUNITIES How can we bring more opportunities into their life? Are they engaging in activities they enjoy and find mean

“Hate does not produce love, and by hate one cannot remake the world.” - Errico Malatesta. Errico Malatesta spent time amongst a varied and busy life assisting those with cholera in Naples, some of his friends died for their efforts to provide dignity to the sick. I was thinking of their efforts as I made this gingko (a natural remedy) leaf cyanotype, as we face down a lingering pandemic.” This participant gave me consent to share #cyanotype #erricomalatesta #gingkoleaves #su

“Hello, I’m Jocelyn Bishop (she/her/they/them). I’m a neurodivergent trans woman (autistic and ADHD), and I work as an independent support worker with a real passion for helping gender-diverse and neurodiverse young people and adults reach their full potential on their own terms. I hold a Diploma of Community Welfare, a Certificate II in Auslan, and I’m based in the south-east metro area of Melbourne, specifically within about 30 minutes of Springvale (covering places like Ki

“Step one was a mess of paint mixed in to get a goopy brown base with a lot of texture forming. There was enough paint on the canvas for me to be able to take another small canvas and cover that as well with just like the excess (I’ll work on the smaller one at some point but it’s primed now). Step two was a rough brush to get some deeper tones in a few choice places, again just for texture, this time something approximating grains. Third step involved inventing a few techniq

January 26 is Survival Day, a day to reflect, listen, and honour the continuing culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a time to acknowledge survival, history, and connection to Country, and to recognise the ongoing impacts of colonisation and the strength of communities who have endured. There are many ways to mark the day. You might read First Nations voices, attend Indigenous-led events, support community-led initiatives, or simply hold space for r

When Gender Happens to Me by Rae Sabine Gender is often something that happens to me. It arrives in the weight of words, in expectations I never asked for. It lands on me like a borrowed coat that never fits quite right. #arttherapist #arttherapistart #arttherapistlife #arttherapist #nonbinaryartist #nonbinaryart

This book is a remarkable and deeply respectful collaboration between astrophysicist Duane Hamacher and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders from across Australia. The book weaves together scientific insight with ancient cultural knowledge, showing that astronomy has always been a human practice grounded in observation, meaning, and relationship with the land and sky. It invites readers to look up differently and to recognise the depth of wisdom in the world’s oldest conti

“I got the idea for this piece from a therapy session that reflected on a dark time in my past.” This participant gave me permission to share #expressiveartstherapy #expressiveartstherapy #creativearttherapy #creativeartstherapy #artpsychotherapy

RETHINKING QUITTING Success does not mean never quitting. It often means knowing what to let go of and when. Walking away from something can open doors you did not know existed. Quitting is not a bad habit. It means making thoughtful choices about what serves you. Leaving something behind does not have to be forever. You can always return to it later. Life need not be a competition. Winning is not the only goal. Giving up is not always easy. Sometimes it is the hardest choice

Creating Wellbeing has had a hostile takeover and Shōga is now in charge. The new rules are simple: more naps, more snacks, and staying close to the boss at all times. Productivity happens when you’re comfortable, and wellbeing comes first. Photo of CEO @shoga_cat #shoga #shōga #shōgacat #cattherapy #cattherapist