art psychotherapy
Sometimes we can’t describe what’s going on inside
Sometimes trauma doesn’t have words
Sometimes it’s really hard to create a new story for ourselves
At Diverse Art Therapy we believe that when
made within a carefully held therapeutic relationship with an attuned psychotherapist, art offers a unique way to explore your inner world that gets around the challenge of not being able to find the words.
You do not have to be an artist
You do not even need to be artistic.
Art therapy is not an art class.
your therapist
Meet Jay Wood
Jay is a relational art psychotherapist who utilises evidence-based, trauma informed therapeutic techniques to work alongside you.
Jay is a white, middle aged trans man living and working on unceded Gadigal land. Jay is an artist, an educator and a graduate with Distinction of the Master of Art Therapy program at Western Sydney University.
Jay is a proud member of Fambo, a collective of passionate providers of joyful artistic events for queer families. These events forge community connections and enhance wellbeing for families that are often erased from public discourse.
With over 20 years experience working with children in early education settings, Jay is dedicated to listening deeply to the stories of children and young people through the many languages they use - be it play, movement, music or art.
Jay wholeheartedly believes in building safe therapeutic relationships within which his clients can be free to explore their inner world. Jay will be right there beside you to witness your discoveries and support you as you take steps towards self knowledge.
Jay works with children, teenagers, adults, elders, neurotypical, neurodiverse, cisgender, transgender and gender expansive, straight, LGBTQIA+ queer and questioning, disabled, able-bodied, well, chronically or terminally ill humans of all ages.
As trust builds, we can explore themes of trauma, loss, difference, grief, depression, anxiety, joy, sadness, exclusion, indecision, love, separation, boredom - the full spectrum of the human experience.
Jay has four magnificent and expansive kids and a lovely middle aged dog.
your therapy space
We humans are diverse, right?
We all have different needs, so we have come up with some options for your therapy space.
Your art therapy session can take place from wherever you are most comfortable via zoom. All you need is a quiet space and somewhere safe to store your artwork. We can give you lots of ideas for art materials that you can work with prior to your session if your access to resources is limited.
Or
You might choose to come and see Jay at Diverse Art Therapy’s studio space in Sydney located at Shop 1/ 283-285 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt NSW 2050. Caregivers can enjoy nearby cafes or visit the many eateries on Norton St while they wait for you.
Diverse Art Therapy is experienced in providing services to people with specific sensory requirements. We aim to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Your requests and feedback for your particular sensory needs are encouraged.
Or
If neither of these options work for you, don’t let that stop you! Get in touch anyway and we can see what we can figure out.
JOIN A WORKSHOP
TGE Parents
LGBTQIA+ New parents
LGBTQIA+ New parents
Text to
register your interest
The cost of adult workshops are $30 per person. Art materials and snacks are provided
LGBTQIA+ New parents
LGBTQIA+ New parents
LGBTQIA+ New parents
Text to
register your interest
The cost of adult workshops are $30 per person. Art materials and snacks are provided
Do I need a referral?
No, you don’t need a referral for art psychotherapy sessions. Just get in touch via email and we will either have a quick 15 min phone chat, or send you a new client form to complete.
is there a rebate available?
No, there is no rebate available for art psychotherapy.
Are the sessions confidential?
Yes, your sessions will be carefully held in a private setting with strict confidentiality between you and your therapist.
It is important that you understand that your therapist is a mandatory reporter. If your therapist feels that you or someone else is in danger, he may need to let someone else know in order to keep everyone safe. This will never be done without your knowledge.
As your artworks may hold your personal stories and processes, we will keep them safe at the studio for the duration of your therapy. At the end of our time together, you can decide if you would like to keep them.
Do you offer crisis support?
No, Diverse Art Therapy is not a crisis support service.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, here are some avenues for support:
Phone: 13 11 14
Phone: 1800 184 527
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Women and Girls Emergency Centre
If someone is in immediate danger, please contact 000
Can I access Art therapy with my NDIS plan?
Diverse Art Therapy can support NDIS clients managed by a plan manager and those who have self-managed plans.
Reports to support NDIS funding are available for regular clients on request. Please give 3 weeks notice as they require 3 hours to write. Report fee is $420
Can i Sit in on my child’s session?
Yes, your child may need you to come into the session with them while we are getting to know one another and you are very welcome. It can be helpful as time goes by to reduce the amount of time that you spend in the session to allow your child or young person space to work through their feelings.
Sometimes your child may want to share what they have been working on with you at the end of the session. It‘s important that you listen to what they offer and try to validate what they have said rather than commenting on the product. This might sound like, “Look at that :) Would you like to tell me about what you’ve been working on?”
Or
“Wow! Sounds like you’ve been working hard on finding a way to be angry safely. Good on you!”
It’s equally important that you don’t ask for anything more than is offered, and their privacy in the therapeutic space is respected. Having a safe and private space to work through difficult emotions can be helpful to children and young people who typically have limited control over their own lives.
While all sessions are confidential, it can be helpful for caregivers to understand what’s going on for their child or young person. In close consultation and with their consent, Jay is able to sensitively create a bridge that may help improve outcomes for the child or young person and their caregiving system.
CONTACT
AT DIVERSE, WE BELIEVE THAT RELATIONAL HEALING IS BEST EXPLORED THROUGH A STRONG THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP. IN OTHER WORDS, IT‘S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FIND A THERAPIST YOU VIBE WITH.
IF YOU‘RE NOT SURE THAT JAY IS THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR YOU FROM WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED HERE, LET’S ORGANISE A FREE 15 MINUTE PHONE CHAT OR ZOOM TO SEE IF WE CAN MAKE IT WORK.
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH AT
DIVERSE ART THERAPY’S STUDIO IS LOCATED AT
1/283 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt New South Wales 2040, Australia
Open today | 08:00 am – 07:00 pm |
SOCK DRAWER HEROES (AND FRIENDS) LANEWAY MARKET
HERE WE ARE
Once again, Diverse was delighted to celebrate Trans Awareness Week with our friends at the
Sock Drawer Heroes Laneway Market.
We invited community to make a self portrait that celebrates the essence of who they are.
As we busily glued and rummaged for sparkles on the picnic mat, one participant mused:
"You know, it's so important for us older gender diverse people to have the chance to make art about our true selves. Most of us never got to when we were kids."
It was a statement that brought quiet nods and some tears around the group. I will carry the truth of it with me into future offerings for community.
SOCK DRAWER HEROES (AND FRIENDS) LANEWAY MARKET
OUR FUTURE SELVES
My legendary eldest child and I gathered up some art supplies
and popped in to see our friends at
Sock Drawer Heroes Laneway Market.
We invited community to make an image that represents themselves now or in the future.
Let’s just say, our future is going to be INCREDIBLE.
It was so great to make some art with you all.
