How I Work
My approach is slow, steady and attuned. I don’t rush or push, I follow your lead. My approach with NDIS participants is adapted to their goals and support needs. This is described in more detail on the NDIS page.
Sessions May Include:
- art making, Clay Field, Sandplay and symbols
- embodied awareness, sensory processing
- reflective dialogue, meaning‑making and integration
Some experiences live beyond language. Creative and sensory‑based processes offer a way to meet these experiences gently, without needing to explain or justify them.
What This Work Supports
People come to this work for many reasons, including:
- grief, loss and bereavement
- emotional overwhelm
- trauma and its aftershocks
- life transitions, spiritual questioning or longing
- personal growth and reconnection, the desire for deeper self‑understanding
My Practice Space
A warm, peaceful space to settle and explore.
I work from a cute little cottage in Ballarat — a warm, homely space filled with art materials, symbols, Sandplay, Clay Field and room for quiet reflection. It’s a place where people can breathe, settle and explore at their own pace. I also work in school settings when needed.
Professional Background
Training, experience and the foundations of my practice.
- MA Art Therapy
- ANZACATA Registered
- ACA Registered
- 20+ years clinical experience and degrees across community health, family violence, oncology, palliative care, AOD, schools and private practice
- Published chapter: Small Steps, Big Movement: How Expressive Art Therapies and Clay Field Support a Child to Process Trauma
- Facilitator of supervision groups and creative professional development
Beyond the Therapy Room
The work continues in many forms. I regularly deliver:
- clinical supervision
- professional development workshops
- creative wellbeing sessions
- conference presentations
- school‑based programs
I also coordinate an Art Therapy Peer Support Network to help practitioners stay connected and supported.
A Little More About Me
A few things that shape who I am.
I’m drawn to creative processes, clay work, nature, meditation and the quiet moments where people rediscover their strength. I value honesty, gentleness, humour, and the small steps that lead to meaningful change. Testimonial “Monica’s approach is gentle but powerful. She helped me reconnect with parts of myself I thought were lost.”
