About Samuel
Hi, I’m Samuel (He/They/She/Any), I'm a non-binary/genderfluid arts psychotherapist and artist. Here's a bit about my story and journey to becoming an arts therapist.
Growing up I often found myself on the edges, in between spaces but rarely fitting in. Struggling to find my voice, I dealt with anxiety and fear of whether my difference would have a place in the world. This straddled me with self-doubt and depression in my life. Though as I reflected on myself and explored expression and creativity, I came to get to know myself very well; who I am, who I want to be, and where I want to go. My art communicated to myself and others, the deeper truths I came to know about myself and my experiences. Through creating I have opened up to myself, grown in understanding, and given expression to the things I hold dearest.
Creativity has always been a way for me to respond to my mental health struggles and seek out self understanding and insight. Which drew me to becoming an Arts Therapist, wanting to share the gift that creative expression offers in revealing our inner truths and listening to the unspoken parts of ourselves.
Through many years of both volunteer and professional experience I have provided creative arts and arts therapy programs for people with a disability, LGBTQIA+, indigenous people, people experiencing mental illness, and those in the community. I am passionate about and have spent a life of creating space for others to receive the gift of creativity; to grow, freely express, and be received for who they are.
As an Arts Psychotherapist I wish to give you the opportunity to express and encounter yourself in new ways in a safe, playful and non-judgemental space where you can confront and resolve conflicts, grow, learn and flourish as you grapple with what is present for you and what it means to be authentically you in the world.
Education and Certifications
B.A Arts Psychotherapy
IKON Institute of Australia
Advanced Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy
IKON Institute of Australia
Working With Children Check
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Provide CPR & First Aid certification
My Philosophy & Approach
I believe in the therapeutic space as an environment to explore and test out alternative ways of being. Therapy provides the opportunity to observe yourself outside of the expectations of your life and relationships in order to encounter and relate to yourself in new and renewed ways. The arts therapy approach engages in that process through the act of play and experimentation in communicating and expressing yourself in creative ways that you may not have experienced before. Through this you have the opportunity to expand your awareness and understanding of yourself and your life, offering the chance to transform, rewrite and establish new patterns, stories and voices that you live by. The approach I offer in therapy is in expanding the experience you have of yourself in order to facilitate your self-understanding, compassion, confidence and draw out your own inner wisdom and strength to approach your life.
