“I drew a cute goldfish. This cute goldfish has sparkling eyes, tiny bubbles, and a little heart on its side” This participant gave me permission to share #goldfishdrawing #cutegoldfish #goldfish #goldfishillustration #goldfishart

Aro Week 2026 runs from February 15 to 21. Aromantic people experience little or no romantic attraction. Aromantic identities exist across a broad spectrum, including aromantic, greyromantic, demiromantic, and questioning experiences. Aro Week is about visibility, education, and celebration. It is a time to recognise that romance is not the default, and that meaningful connection, care, and belonging can take many forms. We celebrate aromantic lives and affirm that all ways o

Ankylosing spondylitis breaks me from inside. Marrow burns, spine clenches, vertebrae grind in the dark. Pelvis locks, shoulders weld, neck rusts. Each twist chisels bone. I curl, black ink on bleeding red, a seed splitting open, not to bloom but to bleed. Yet my pulse stitches the wound, one beat at a time. Splintered Seed by Rae Sabine #ankylosingspondylitis #chronicpainart #arttherapistart #arttherapist #arttherapistlife #arttherapistsart

Regal focus from the softest seat in the studio. Shōga is alert yet intent, he rests along the back of the couch, tail spilling like silk while bright eyes track the world beyond the studio window. Comfort becomes composure here, the room held still as his attention stays fixed outside. @shoga_cat on the studio couch #shoga #shōga #shōgacat #therapycat #therapistcat

“I forgot the principles of colour theory and didn’t expect green. Underneath is the trans flag. I didn’t plan for this outcome and had to improvise due to a lack of white. It looks like a cool parasite. Trust the process.“ This participant gave me permission to share #parasiteart #acrylicpourpainting #trusttheprocess #creativeandexperientialtherapies #acrylicpour

VALENTINE’S DAY REMINDERS... You choose who has access Being single isn’t a failure Love doesn’t have to rush It’s okay to protect yourself You are not left behind You can be your valentines You are already whole Romance doesn’t define worth Your needs are allowed Valentine’s Day Reminders from Rae Sabine Email: creatingwellbeingmelbourne@gmail.com #valentinesday #valentinesdayreminder #valentinesdayreminders #valentinesdayiscoming #valentinesdaythoughts

“Art therapy is helping me to reconnect with the kid that used to have so much creativity, and express that more frequently, leading to a much stronger sense of self. That kid was dinosaur obsessed - heck, adult me still very much loves them! Dinosaurs were my earliest special interest slash hyperfixation, so when Rae said they had polymer clay… Well, what else was a dinokid supposed to do? Ceratopsians are my favourites, but wow do I love a good sauropod too, and building on

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