Art for Wellbeing

Discovering the power of art therapy in self-exploration

This group provides a safe and supportive space for students to express themselves through art. Art-based therapy uses a combination of art activities and verbal interaction to improve coping skills and promote well-being through the creative process.

You need not have any natural creative talent or previous experience to join. It is in the process rather than the product that you'll gain the most benefit.

All materials are provided free of charge and include paints, pastels, felt markers, watercolour pencils, material for collage and various papers.

Express your interest here

What is Art-based Therapy?

Art-based therapy draws on active art-making, the creative process, applied psychological theories, and your personal experiences within a psychotherapeutic setting. Using art as therapy can help you understand and respond to emotions, inner conflicts and thoughts with a valuable new perspective. There's growing evidence that art therapy helps to improve symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and low self-esteem. It is also effective for people working to develop effective coping skills around health conditions and pain management. Students with trauma backgrounds should consider adding art-based therapy to individual counselling rather than using only art therapy alone.

What to expect

Art created in these sessions are personal reflections. Each week you will have the opportunity to check in with other students, explore a particular theme with the facilitators from Student Services, work independently for around an hour to explore different art materials including paint, collage, drawing and then have an opportunity to discuss your work (or not if you prefer) in a group setting. You can attend as many of these sessions as you'd like through the semester.

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.

Letitia Norton

Letitia Norton
Principal Student Counsellor
UQ Ally

I have been part of the UQ Counselling team since 2017 and support students to navigate personal and relationship challenges to optimise their mental health and wellbeing. My therapeutic approach is holistic, neuroscience-informed, specialising in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and able to integrate mindfulness and creative practices. I provide a safe, compassionate space for students to tell their story and, when ready, develop skills and processes of self-discovery, to become their own agent of change. Outside work, I escape to nature: camping, kayaking and wilderness walks or creative art and garden projects.

Taneal Barber

Taneal Barber
Student Counsellor

I am a provisional Art Therapist currently studying a Masters of Mental Health & Art Therapy here at UQ. With a background working in mental health as a Registered Nurse, Professional Artist and Charity Founder I offer a blend of clinical expertise and creative insight. My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, using modalities such as art therapy and mindfulness to collaboratively support students. Outside of work, I enjoy painting and spending time by the ocean.