Meet Jenn Ross
Certified Art Therapy Practitioner
Hi I'm Jenn, founder and inspiration behind Art and Soul Therapy.
​I am a certified Art Therapy Practitioner having trained under guidance of
College for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy 2022, achieving a Diploma in Art Therapy
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioural Sciences from the University of Newcastle and I am a current member of the
Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
I have a background which spans over 20 years in community services.
I became interested in Art Therapy as a therapeutic process several years ago. Having studied psychology at university and having a love for all things being creative it was there as I worked with people from all walks of life, and I started to notice the positive and powerful effect of creating something with clients where often words were too hard to express. I worked with many clients who were confused, frustrated and not responding to traditional methods of therapy through mainstream channels in addressing past trauma, everyday life issues, and stagnant debilitating thinking.
It was from there with the experience of my clients, I knew Art Therapy was the method that could reach the needs of clients to express themselves through positive creative processes and assist with unblocking their own potential for change. Art and Soul Therapy was born.
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I live in the Hunter area. I love my family, the water, sunshine, my three cats, and creating beautiful art works in my studio at home.
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WELCOME
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Our Story
Art and Soul was founded in 2022 with the sole purpose of providing holistic and therapeutic care to all,
via creative programs; using artistic methodology, through sound therapeutic approaches. ​
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We seek to fill the gap of other therapy and counselling services by
implementing alternative methods of reflection and communication through art and creative expression.​
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All of Art and Soul's programs are suitable across the life span from the young, to mature adult individuals.​ ​
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We are uniquely different in that we will travel to you.
We offer individual Art Therapy sessions in your home where you feel more comfortable and at ease.​
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We will bring all materials you will need. ​
There is no worry of mess or cleanup afterwards as we will tidy after the session.​
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You get to keep your piece of art to reflect on and to discuss further with the Art Therapist at your next scheduled visit.
Our Vision
We are ever growing and changing,
like the seasons.....
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The image of the person morphing into a tree -
represents the constant state of evolution in our mind,
in which our character and true self flow through....
The growth of the tree shows the positive changes that already within us,
and the fallen leaves show us that we must shed
what is not serving us in order to grow.
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Curious, Compassionate, Resourceful, Respectful, we at Art & Soul Therapy are always exploring, ever asking questions, and ever discovering new creative methods to aid our clientele through innovative methods
and best practices.
View the latest Essential Reading on this website which provides you
with up-to-date information and resources.
As a health care professional, it is vital for Art and Soul to demonstrate the judgement-free yet strictly professional demeanor it provides to all of their clientele.​​
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Art & Soul therapist are approachable, understanding and kind.
We do not judge or make assumptions. Our approach is holistic and innovative.
Art & Soul provides individual tailored care that provides you with ongoing professional therapy for as long or as little as you need.
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'"mental clarity and health is not a final destination but rather
a constant journey that we all go through"
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a unique way of communication through visual representation,
used when language is often difficult to
express inner feelings and turmoil.
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Art Therapy uses a range of creative processes to support and assist you to express what issue you may be working through, what you're thinking, feeling, and experiencing in your life.
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Art Therapy is for everyone,
of all ages and abilities - you do not have to be 'creative' or have an artistic background.
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The meaning of the art lays in the simplistic paint or drawing on the page that is created by you.
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When you begin to create something, say for instance using paint on the page, your unconscious mind takes over to allow for expressive thoughts to free flow onto the page. The image created is what you and the art therapist work with... it can be like a fingerprint, very distinct and unique to you.
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This is the beginning of unlocking the mind through the creative process, starting the healing journey, and assisting with what underlying blockages which may be hindering your life.
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What are the benefits of Art Therapy?
If you are looking for support with your emotional wellbeing, personal development or mental health then Art Therapy is a powerful way to explore and process your thoughts, feelings and experiences. The combination of artmaking and talking can offer deep insights into your emotional world and help with healing, recovery and empowerment.
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Within the context of a safe, confidential, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, the work is done at your own pace. You decide what you want to explore when you are ready. You do not need to be “good” at art or have any previous art experience.
There is no pressure to make anything if you don’t feel comfortable. Art Therapy is suitable for any age and ability; it is unique to each individual and is not prescriptive or diagnostic. Like other psychological therapies, Art Therapy is a process, so please allow yourself time for the journey to unfold.
Art Therapy can...
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· effectively address trauma and emotional and physical dysregulation,
· increase resilience by improving the sense of agency (self-determination) and self-understanding through the ability to express feelings symbolically,
· give new perspectives on oneself and on one's world view, which is essential in the recovery process,
· connect with a sense of meaning and also a means of communicating this to others
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An Art Therapist can help you ...
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· to express feelings that may have been difficult to verbalise
· assist you to explore your imagination and creativity
· to develop healthy coping skills and focus
· to improve self-esteem and confidence
· to increase communication skills
· to identify blocks to emotional expression and personal growth
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Our Services
1
Phone Consult -
15 minutes
Would you like to have a chat to our Art Therapist?
Please book in for a free 15-minute consult.
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After reading the Art and Soul Therapy website you’re still a little unsure? Take the opportunity to have a chat with our art therapist in a 15-minute free call.
It is similar to a meet and greet where you can say hi and ask for more information about the process.
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The chat will be very informal and non-judgmental, just a catch up and a get to know you, to make you feel more comfortable and at ease with the art therapy process.
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This 15-minute free consult is available by Phone.
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2
Initial Art Therapy Session - 90 minutes
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Initial Consultation - When you meet with your art therapist for the first time you may have lots of questions and things you want to discuss. We use the first half hour of this initial session to answer your question and discuss what you want to achieve by engaging in art therapy sessions.
There will be a Client Intake Form which you and your therapist will complete together, and a service agreement if you are an NDIS participant.
The rest of the session we’ll engage in the first of many art processes where you will start your art therapy journey.
This Initial Art Therapy Session is available by face-to-face appointment only.
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Ongoing Art Therapy Sessions - 60 minutes
Continuing with your art therapy journey from the initial consultation with your art therapist is the Individual Sessions.
It is recommended 6 x one hour sessions be booked in succession to get the full benefit of art therapy. The sessions will have a natural flow from week to week. Your art therapist will direct the process however the sessions will also be determined with what comes to the surface for you and what you want to explore. The sessions are not rigid or set in stone as often artistic pursuits combined with unconscious thinking have a habit of taking us in directions in which we need to go, we will be guided by the process.
Your art therapy sessions will be a collection of fluid thought and images you produce and explore.
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Ongoing Art Therapy Session are available by face-to-face appointment only.
Art Therapy for
NDIS participants
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Art therapy encourages us to use the right side of our brain
to express ourselves by tapping into our creative side.
For people living with a disability, art therapy may have many benefits including-
Improved creativity and self-esteem.
Increased sense of self-empowerment.
Increased sense of self-care and self-awareness.
​Art and Soul Therapy supports a variety of NDIS clients to improve their daily living, assist in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health, physical health and psychosocial health concerns.
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The goal of working with NDIS clients is to utilise the creative process to help explore self-expression, and to find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.
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Art and Soul Therapy also work within the social and community space to bring to NDIS participant an innovative social activity delivered in their home, as art therapy is a way of expressing joy in everyday life, it can assist if someone is coping with loneliness, isolation, or being away from their family and loved ones.
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Art and Soul therapy is a NDIS provider, and aligned strictly to their Practices Standards, Legislative requirements, and Principles underlying the foundation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The following is required and has been achieved:
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NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission) (expiry date 2027);
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NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (no expiry)
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Working with Children Check (number WWCO726998E) (expiry date 2025).
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Art & Soul Therapy is currently a nonregistered provider through NDIS.
This means we can work with clients who self-managed or are plan managed.
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Please feel free to contact at