Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that doesn’t rely on talking. Images are a great way to communicate, and so is the process of creating them. Art Therapy isn’t about making “good art” or “pretty pictures” – it’s about expression. Clients can use a variety of art media to let out feelings, tell stories or make sense of all kinds of experiences.

Art Therapy can be a journey of self-discovery, an adventure into the unknown, and a pathway to healing. The images become a personal record of this journey, and work together as a progressive series. The Art Therapist is there to support the client as they move through their own process, encouraging them to go at their own pace, in a way that they feel comfortable.

New Zealand ’s Clinical Art Therapists are registered with The Australian and New Zealand Art Therapy Association, and adhere to their code of ethics. This includes recognition of culture, diversity, and, of course, confidentiality.

Art therapist - Sally Legg Sally is a registered Art Therapist with a passion for working in the Disability sector. She completed her Master of Arts in Arts Therapy (Clinical) at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design ( Auckland), and focused her research in this area. These studies were a progression of her work as a Recovery and Rehabilitation Practitioner and also in Intensive Community Support. Since the beginning of 2006, Sally has worked at Spark Studio, an art centre and creative space for people with a wide range of disabilities. Through this work, she’s had the privilege of getting to know many of the clients from Focus 2000, and values the opportunity to help people use the art-making process to communicate their experience and find meaning through creativity. Sally has also recently been involved in developing a Snoezelen Room (a multi-sensory therapeutic environment) at the Mason Clinic.