Kaleido Art Therapy

15/07/2026

I am grateful that this series has allowed me to reconnect with individuals who have been meaningful throughout my career journey, holding a dear place in my heart. Our next Voices of Healing guest exemplifies this.

Polly is a neurodivergent creative psychotherapist, facilitator, and clinical supervisor who brings much heart to their work. They are passionate about supporting self-curious and neurodivergent teens, women, and q***r folk as they explore who they are. Polly’s practice and research are grounded in both lived and professional experience, creating spaces where self-awareness can truly transform. They also work with trauma and questions around identity, always meeting people where they are.

Polly really understands the power of therapy. Through their own journey, they’ve found space to be themselves, to feel supported, and to discover what truly matters. I can’t wait for you to hear their story and the wisdom they have to share about finding meaning and support through therapy.

I’m hoping to get this episode with you all tomorrow!

12/07/2026

Here, Abigail Reisner and I reflect on ways to connect with a loved one who has complex trauma and is experiencing the world very differently from you.

We both have experience in forensic mental health, where art therapy is much more than just creating art—it’s a gentle way to build trust when words fall short. Through art, clients can speak in symbols rather than judgments, opening doors to healing that conversation alone may not reach. We have both witnessed how simply sitting beside someone as they express themselves symbolically can create a safe and transformative space for honest self-expression.

As an art psychotherapist, I believe one of the most meaningful ways to connect with someone who carries complex trauma is to truly witness their unique way of expressing themselves. Helping someone find the most comfortable way to share their feelings can be transformative. Often, words alone fall short—especially when trauma is present. In these moments, art becomes a bridge, allowing for a deeper, shared experience that goes beyond language.

It’s less about fully understanding and more about gently witnessing. Sometimes, just being present with someone as they share—through a song, a drawing, or another form of expression—can be deeply healing.

Have you ever discovered a piece of art (visual, song, dance etc) that seemed to hold your emotions when words couldn’t? If you feel comfortable, I invite you to share below. Often, the act of witnessing someone’s authentic expression is what truly connects us.

Here, Abigail and I reflect on ways to connect with a loved one who...

10/07/2026

Through our clinical experience, Abigail Reisner (Art Therapist) and I know that, in places where mistrust and surveillance are pervasive, art therapy is a unique way to connect. And I am sure many creative therapists and those who have gone through impossible times know that healing often happens where words can't reach.

Often, especially for allied health practitioners, it can feel like your voice and discipline get drowned out in the sea of complex systems. That’s one of the reasons Abigail Reisner AThR co-authored the paper—“Creating Space for Meaning: Exploring Emotional Integration Through Psychodynamic Art Therapy in Forensic Mental Health.”

The case study comes from five years of working closely with someone facing really complex challenges. Navigating trust, psychosis, and the reality that the therapy journey is something you build together—client and therapist, side by side.
We will be dropping the rest of her conversation over the next week on our Youtube.

Through our clinical experience, Abigail and I know that, in places...

26/06/2026

Sorry team I'm dropping you. But sometimes you gotta do it hey. Some balls are bouncy so will bounce back quick... some are more fragile... mental health and loved ones. In the lead up to my holiday let's be honest the stress signals and signs were popping off. So we're dropping any stress that we can.

I'm looking forward to returning in a couple of weeks refreshed and hopefully skin kissed with beach hair.

What balls are you dropping this week?

14/06/2026

Recognising Early Signs of Stress in Loved Ones, we cover this in our Voices of Healing episode with Chris.

Are you worried you might be missing the early signs that someone is struggling? Sometimes, a simple question can open the door to real help. In the beginning, subtle shifts can be overlooked. But if a friend or family member notices and gently asks, "Are you feeling stressed?" it might help.

It’s less about diagnosing and more about opening up a space for honest conversation. Asking that one question isn't just kindness — it’s a crucial step in early intervention.

Have you ever had a moment where a simple question changed everything? Let us know in the comments. 🗨️

11/06/2026

Here it is! I am excited to officially announce The Voices of Healing series!

☕️ I believe that the most meaningful conversations unfold over a warm cup of tea, where the magic of free-flowing dialogue takes place. It’s in these authentic moments that the "Voices of Healing" series was born, showcasing clinicians who share their work and lived experiences.

With real stories and expert insights, we're here to offer valuable perspectives and practical advice to allied health professionals, caregivers, and anyone interested in mental health. 💬

05/06/2026

Kaleido musings - Healing... What does it mean to you?? I think by using the word 'spiritual' I'm talking about not only a deeper connection but a journey. My spirituality like most really is embedded in nature and when I look to the trees and their healing there's so much to take in...

What does the words healing mean to you? What do you want healing to mean to you??

Am I making any sense without the aid of AI? Can I get some likes and human reflections without AI? 🙏🙏🙏

05/06/2026

Instead of waiting for perfect timing, I decided to share a quick update with you guys. Voices of healing, here we go… I was supposed to launch a fancy intro but life had other plans. Family priorities came first, and honestly, I started to get stuck. I am finding that this new venture I am taking means embracing and needing to pivot suddenly. Over the next week, I’ll start posting some more about it — conversations with mental health practitioners and people with lived experience.

Why? Because these chats are real, helpful, and non-clinical — just honest tips for anyone interested in mental health. Curious what I learn? Stay tuned.

The word ‘Healing’, what does it mean to you? Drop your thoughts below — I’d love to hear!

10/04/2026

07/04/2026

I’m absolutely in love with our Adult and Child Gratitude Journal! 📖 It’s beautifully crafted and feels extra special. Once filled, it becomes a cherished keepsake. My daughter and I enjoy using it to bond and enhance our gratitude skills together (plus, it keeps her still long enough for me to enjoy a cuppa). 💕 It’s also a fantastic tool for therapists working with children, offering creative activity ideas. Life’s all about balance... Practising gratitude doesn’t mean or make everything perfect, but it can give us the energy to keep going. It’s linked to a longer, healthier life and boosts overall well-being by releasing feel-good chemicals. 🌈 That’s exactly what we want for our little ones, isn’t it? 🙌