Welcome to Ballarat Art Therapies

Ballarat Art Therapies: offering creative therapy for complex experiences. Art Therapy, Counselling and Clinical Supervision in Ballarat.

My work supports children, young people and adults to navigate grief, loss, trauma, life transitions and the deeper questions of identity and meaning.

I’m Monica Finch, an art therapist, counsellor and clinical supervisor with over twenty years’ experience walking alongside people through grief, trauma, addiction, change and growth.

What I offer

Here’s the heart of my work. I support people through grief, loss, trauma, life transitions and everyday challenges using creative, embodied and relational approaches. Appointments can be for an individual, couple or group work.

Who I support

People come to me for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:

People navigating grief, loss and life transitions
People seeking personal growth, clarity, reconnection or deeper meaning
Children and young people processing trauma or emotional overwhelm
NDIS participants (self‑managed, plan‑managed & agency managed)
Therapists and wellbeing professionals seeking supervision

Ways we can work together

There are a few different pathways we can take, depending on what feels right for you.

Art Therapy - Creative support, expression, exploration and sensory processing

Counselling - A supportive space to explore, talk, reflection and grounding practices.

Clay Field & Sandplay - Non‑verbal, sensory‑based processes for deep inner work.

Clinical Supervision - Reflective, supportive supervision for therapists, counsellors, school wellbeing staff and community workers.

Professional Development & Workshops - Creative, experiential workshops for practitioners, schools and organizations. New workshops coming in 2026 — join the waitlist.

A little about me

A little more about the person you might be working with. I’ve worked across community health, family violence, oncology, palliative care, AOD, schools and private practice spanning over twenty years. My work is shaped by trauma‑informed practice, creative processes, and a deep respect for the human spirit’s ability to survive and grow. I believe healing happens in relationship — with the support of someone safe, connecting to our spirit and creativity.

How I work

My approach is slow, steady and relational.

I work with presence, attunement and creative processes that help the body and nervous system settle. Sessions unfold at your pace. We follow what feels safe, possible and meaningful — whether that’s talking, art making, or quiet reflection. The work is gentle, but it can reach deep places.

People often choose to work with me because they want:

• a calm, grounded therapist

• a creative, non‑judgemental space

• support through grief, loss or transition

• trauma‑informed care that doesn’t rush

• a steady presence who can hold complexity

Testimonials

“The combination of art, sensory work and talking made a big difference. It's helped me understand myself better.”

“I’ve worked with therapists before, but this is the first time I’ve felt seen and understood.”

“I feel calmer after sessions. I don’t have to explain everything — Monica just gets it.”

Creative therapy for complex experiences