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.

Book 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 Support and Wellbeing 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.

Lois Jamang

Lois Jamang
Student Placement Counsellor – Art Therapy

I am a provisional Art therapist in the final year of my Masters in Mental Health, Art therapy. I have a background in Psychology and Wellbeing in Education with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Prior to this role, I have worked extensively close with Indigenous Youth and Women from the Adivasi and Naga tribes of India and Child Advocacy in Australia. Thus, I am particularly passionate about concerns such as cultural identity, attachment concerns, sociocultural trauma, perfectionism, self-compassion and resilience. My approach integrates Person - Centred Therapy with Expressive Arts therapy to allow for your stories to emerge. I believe access to a safe, respectful, non-judgmental space is essential for wellbeing and I feel honoured to witness and support this holistic healing journey with you. Outside of work, I escape to the whimsical world of thrifting, walks with my husband and learning to throw a solid uppercut (boxing).