About Me
Hi, I'm Josie the founder of The ART of SHE which provides a respectful safe space for children, tweens and teens to be supported through challenges around emotional, behavioural and mental health issues.
I draw from my university training, my vast experience working in the social justice sector with children and families, managing various mental health facilities, and my fundamental belief in the power of a trauma-informed approach using Counselling, Arts Psychotherapy and Play Therapy to manage challenging emotions.
I am a mother of two beautiful adult children, married, have a wealth of life experience, and have dedicated my lifelong passion to working in the mental health and wellbeing sector. I have worked in various places including, postnatal mother and baby services, women's health centres, women's transitional housing, non-government organizations, schools, and community mental health settings.
I am passionate about supporting people experiencing distress and guiding them to a place of happiness.
After working in services for 20 years I decided to resign from my management role to pursue further study to commence private practice. My experience in the Mental Health sector with the recognition of the need for more trauma-informed support has motivated me to pursue private practice.
Life throws many ups and downs and I believe in having the freedom to feel, express, reflect, and develop insights. In my journey, I've experienced the power of Counselling and Arts Therapy in healing which led to an increase in my self-awareness and growth. To compliment my creative passion the practice of regular meditation coupled with spending time with nature has been significant to my general well-being.
As a qualified therapist, my work is not about fixing people's challenges, rather I focus on facilitating your journey or your child's journey through a collaborative Counselling and or Arts Psychotherapy process.
My Services
- Arts Psychotherapy
- Play Therapy
- Sandtray Therapy
- Counselling
- Clayfield (for emotional regulation)
- Expressive Arts Workshops
My Approach
I am professionally trained and registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
I love working with children, youth and families. Throughout my career in the different roles I've held, what I hold in high regard is the forming of therapeutic relationships through playfulness, connection and creativity. This is where the real magic happens. Being able to hold space and be authentic and caring so each person experiences a sense of safety and trust is so important to one's well-being. I feel blessed to be able to bring this to the many children, young people, and families I support now and into the future.
The first session will provide a discussion of the process, including details such as session timings, paperwork, how we can work together to achieve a positive working relationship, confidentiality, etc. I will also explain my psychotherapeutic approach so that you have a good understanding of the process. From there we will work toward gaining a clearer understanding of the issues that are of concern to you and your child.
My Qualifications
- Post Natal Depression Facilitator Training ( KEMH 1998)
- BA Soc Sc. (ECU 2004)
- Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Course (2007)
- Diploma of Counselling (AIPC 2007)
- Narrative Therapy Course (Dulwich Centre 2016)
- Diploma of Arts Psychotherapy (2020 Ikon Institute)
- Certificate in Initiatic Art Therapy (Sensorimotor Institute 2020)
- Certificate of Children's Clayfield Therapy (Sensorimotor Institute 2022)
- Sand tray/Play Certificates (Open Gate 2020)
- Yoga Nidra Facilitator (Prana House 2021)
- Play Therapy - Interplay Facilitator (2023)
- Rise Up Supervision Training (ACA 2023)
- COPE Centre of Perinatal Excellence (2024)