Art for connection, mental health and wellbeing
WELCOME!
Hi, I'm Sally. I am a qualified and experienced Art Psychotherapist (AThR), professionally registered with ANZACATA (Australia New Zealand and Asia Creative Arts Therapist Association), and graduated from Western Sydney University Masters program with Distinction.
I facilitate art therapy for mental health and wellness, and my passion and focus lies in bringing people together and creating supportive communities of likeminded individuals. My approach is values-based and strengths-based, with the purpose of assisting people to live their most authentic and meaningful lives.
Since 2023, I have been the Art Therapist at USpace, St Vincent Private Hospital’s young adult mental health facility located in Darlinghurst Sydney. I continue to work with USpace, conducting both on-ward and outpatient art therapy groups for young adults aged 16-30, as part of a multi-disciplinary care team. These groups are grounded in evidence-based art therapy practice and incorporate principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
My practice is welcoming and inclusive of all cultures, backgrounds, genders, sexualities and abilities. The building and studio space are wheelchair accessible. I also hold a current NSW Police Check and Working With Children Check (WWCC).
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP THERAPY
The art-making process is a powerful tool for self-understanding, healing and growth, as both a stand-alone therapy and as an additional therapy alongside ‘talking’ therapy. Some of life's experiences have profound and long lasting effects on both our mind and our body. The sensory experience of art therapy provides an opportunity to tap into those aspects of our experience when we are not able to find words, supported by the therapeutic relationship.
I conduct both individual and small group therapy in my St Leonards studio. I facilitate and support a wide variety of expressive techniques, inviting my clients to creatively explore matters arising in their lives. Media are not limited to traditional art materials, to provide significant opportunities to step outside of everyday experience. In my own art practice, I enjoy experimenting with an array of traditional and non-traditional media, including natural foraged materials, textiles and found objects .
clients
I welcome clients aged 16 years and over who would like to explore creative arts as a way to self-knowledge and wellbeing. Some common goals clients bring include navigating life changes and stages, mindfulness and stress-reduction, self-expression, understanding and managing challenging emotions, communication and relationship skills.
My experience working with young adults, and a mother of two young adults myself, means I am well-attuned to the particular challenges experienced in this life stage, including identity formation, managing peer relationships, and coping with the stressors of senior school and university. As a middle-aged therapist, I have also navigated a range of challenging changes throughout my life, including a wholesale career change at the age of 45!
Location
Conveniently located on Sydney’s lower North Shore, my studio is a private, welcoming and safe space designed to meet the diverse needs of clients.
The studio is a short walk from both Crow’s Nest Metro station and St Leonards train station and is also serviced by Pacific Highway buses. Street parking (metered) is available outside the building for those travelling by car. 2 hours free parking is available in the nearby Hume Street council carpark.
If you are travelling with your loved one, please note there is no waiting area in the studio space. There is, however, a café on the Ground Floor, open until 3pm daily, where you can comfortably spend time and a variety of other spaces and shops are only a short walk away.
What Sally's clients say about Art Therapy
"It was helpful in providing a therapeutic space to discuss feelings and experiences with people and giving me more inspiration to create art that is reflective and intentional" - Anonymous, 2025
"I like exploring emotions and feelings through art as it substitutes for unhelpful coping mechanisms" - Anonymous, 2025
"Time to reflect and create each week was super valuable" - Anonymous, 2025
"I have found the last eight weeks of art therapy really rewarding. I love the social element. I love the guided but spontaneous creativity. I have loved having something routine" - Anonymous, 2025
"Exceeded expectations. The group dynamic was lovely, and the art making was grounding and reflective and a bit challenging in the best way" - Anonymous, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be artistic TO benefit from art therapy?
No. You don’t need to be an artist to attend or benefit from art therapy.
Art therapy is about the process of artmaking – choosing and using materials - as well as the artwork itself. You will be supported to start this process, whether making marks on paper, assembling collage materials, exploring forms with clay, or another media of your choice.
Do I need a referral for art therapy?
No referral is required.
You can complete the ENQUIRIES form on this page to start a conversation about your interest in art therapy. Alternately you can email me at reception@sallyholmesarttherapy.com. Once an enquiry is received, I will contact you within 48 hours.
If you work with other therapists and health practitioners, you can let me know in our initial discussion and we will consider your other regular engagements in forming a plan for our approach to art therapy.
Are my art therapy sessions and artworks kept confidential?
Yes. Your confidentiality is respected and upheld at each stage of our engagement. All documentation and artworks are securely stored onsite and electronically. At the end of our time working together, you can choose if you would like to take your artwork with you.
In group art therapy, participants are required to commit to the confidentiality of all artworks and discussions that occur. For this reason, mobile phones and other devices are not permitted to be used during a group therapy session.
Please note that, as mandatory reporters, we are bound by law to disclose if you or someone else is in danger. A notification will not be made without your prior knowledge.
How long do I attend art therapy? Do I need to attend every week?
Group art therapy runs for a defined number of weeks and you are asked to commit to attend each week.
For individual therapy, everyone’s requirements are as individual as they are, and I respect your uniqueness by formulating an approach that will address your needs. After an initial discussion about your needs, I will work with you over the first couple of art therapy sessions to formulate a plan that works for you.
What ART THERAPY groups do you offer?
Upcoming groups are published on this website and on Instagram @sallyholmesarttherapy. They are regularly updated, so come back to visit to see what's on offer. Alternatively, let me know what types of groups you are interested in attending at reception@sallyholmesarttherapy.com
Art therapy groups are also formed when I identify a number of clients with similar needs, and where I believe group therapy will be beneficial. After initial art therapy sessions take place, I may recommend a group therapy approach to you, either alongside or in place of individual art therapy.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
No. At this time I do not usually offer telehealth appointments.
If you are experiencing circumstances that make it difficult to attend art therapy in person, please let me know at reception@sallyholmesarttherapy.com and I will contact you to discuss your needs.
What is the cost of attending art therapy?
Fees for individual and group art therapy sessions vary. All anticipated fees will be clearly disclosed and discussed with you before you make any commitment to attend.
Fees are payable within 7 days of your session.
Is art therapy covered by Medicare?
No. Medicare rebate is not available for either individual or group art therapy.
Are you a registered NDIS provider?
No. We are not currently registered as a NDIS provider.
Am I able to claim art therapy on my private health insurance?
No. At this time we are not registered with any private health funds.