Art and Psyche

Art-based therapy to explore the depths of your psyche

Art-based therapy is applied to the Internal Family Systems protocol to explore your personality system and how it is coping with underlying emotional challenges. The process will support you to disentangle issues where you might feel stuck, frustrated, or unhappy in a way that’s creative, safe, and confidential. Expression through art can help you gain new perspectives and to grow more understanding about yourself.

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What is the Art and Psyche group about?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has "taken the therapy world by storm in the past decade". It is a method that has been used for a variety of conditions including phobias, panic, anxiety, depression and physical health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It understands the personality in a novel way and sees it as a system of ‘subpersonalities’ in our ego or psyche. IFS language uses the phrase "parts" to identify these subpersonalities. For example, a friend may ask you to dinner and a part of you may want to socialise, but another part might prefer to be alone. Or you're in a relationship with someone you love and are committed to, but another part misses being free and single. Parts often have different desires for you which can lead to inner conflict. Situations and relationships trigger parts in us bringing up stronger emotions which can be difficult to process alone. Using art for deeper reflection on your internal world will offer an opportunity to get to know different parts of you that are hidden from clear view. This group is suitable for anyone curious about themselves and looking for weekly on-going support in a safe therapeutic setting.

What to expect

Each session, two counsellors will present the IFS model and how art can help you explore any triggered parts. A ten-minute mindfulness practice will follow to help you settle and self-reflect on the parts you wish to explore. Art supplies will be provided and the parts exploration will be guided for about 30-45 minutes. There will be time after to share any feedback or to ask questions. The intention of this group is to offer a therapeutic process as adjunct to counselling or as a stand-alone support for your self-care.

Facilitators

Nghi Vuong profile picture

Nghi Vuong
Student Counsellor
(she/her) UQ Ally

I am a counsellor and social worker, and facilitator of the Art For Wellbeing program. My focus with clients is to create a safe and compassionate space, to allow for their stories to emerge and for change to occur when they are ready. I use different mediums to bring thoughts, feelings, perceptions and experiences into our awareness. I enjoy being outdoors with my family; at the beach, at the park and out fishing.

Yasuyo Uehara profile picture

Yasuyo Uehara
Student Counsellor
(she/her) UQ Ally

My passion is in evolving whole health through the integration of eastern and western psychology and body-mind approaches. As a polyvagal-informed, Internal Family Systems trained, psychodynamic and mindfulness-based counsellor, I offer processes of both self-discovery and skill development to help you become an active operator of your inner life. When I’m not working, I’m trail riding on my mountain bike, bird watching, or working on my handstand at the beach.

Ali Richards

Ali Richards
Student Counsellor
(she/her) UQ Ally

I have joined the UQ Counselling Team in 2021. Prior to this, I worked in Student Counselling and mental health within a university setting for 10 years. My interest areas are anxiety, depression, relationships (all different types), stress management, adjustment, grief and loss, self-compassion, and self-worth. I would describe my professional style as eclectic but I work predominately from strength-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, and mindfulness. When I’m not at work I enjoy getting out of the house either into nature for a hike or off to catch some live music.