Welcome to Ballarat Art Therapies
Ballarat Art Therapies offers 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 accompany people through life's challenges - including loss, trauma, transitions and emotional overwhelm - using creative, embodied and relational approaches. Sessions are available for an individual, couple or group work. My practice is neurodiversity‑affirming. I support clients with autism, ADHD and sensory processing differences through creative, embodied and strengths‑based approaches that honour each person’s unique way of being.
Who I Support
People seek this work/support many reasons, including :
- navigating loss, transition and major life changes/ challenges
- seeking clarity, reconnection or deeper meaning
- processing trauma, emotional intensity or mental overload
- 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 for converstation, reflection and grounding
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 for more than two decades. My practice is shaped by trauma‑informed care, creative processes and a deep respect for the human spirit’s capacity to heal and grow. I believe healing happens in relationship — with safety, presence and 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-judgmental 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.”
Art Therapy and counselling to process trauma, bereavement, mental health & life transitions.
