My journey to this work began as a consumer/client waaaaaaay back (ok, not that far back) when I was in my early 20’s. My counsellor at the time suggested I try expressing myself through art making. At first, I thought this was a strange suggestion because I didn’t see myself as an art maker in any way. But I gave it a go and out spilled sooooooo much! I went on to create an artwork each week, to bring into our weekly sessions, for three months.

Unexpressed trauma experiences finally had a voice. I had found a language to express/show/make meaning from my embodied, spiritual and emotional journey up until that point, that had culminated in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome…at time in my life when I’m pretty sure I was meant to be out seeing how much I could milk out of life!

From here, it felt important to commit to myself as an artist, which I did not expect to be part of my life until then, and enrolled in a Diploma of Visual art at RMIT. I found my people and spread my creative wings! I continued with my health and healing journey in which art had now become a powerful and trusted ally.

Then came the mighty initiation that is Motherhood. Like my two home births, I was open to being changed by it. I surrendered to the journey of my heart being opened to love in ways I didn’t know was possible and the intensity of being stripped back to a more authentic version of myself. I was curious to see where Motherhood may lead me.

But then another mighty initiation had its way with me. Grief. My friend and sister in law died suddenly after birthing my niece. I had two little kiddies and life as we knew it was tipped on its head.

Grief entered me like a convulsing, twisting, turning, plunging, breathless, confusing dark night of the soul… and I needed to show up as a Mother. Another surrender occurred and I ushered in the possibility of being led by Grief because I could see no other way.

Enter art school #2. My relationship with death and dying had more clarity. I accepted that we all in fact die, and that it could happen tomorrow, so I enrolled as a mature aged student in a Bachelor of Fine Art at RMIT… and loved it. Committing to myself as an artist was the best medicine I could give to myself and my children. It allowed me to immerse myself in creative play and expression in the studio which satisfied a deep part of me. This in turn, allowed more space to be present as a Mother and to my grief.

Straight out of art school I embarked on my Masters of Therapeutic Arts Practice at MIECAT. It was a coming home. Using art therapeutically was where my healing and artist journey began all those years ago. My Masters final year was my entry into the End of Life space with an embedded placement with Natural Grace Holistic Funeral Services and the wonderful end of life doula Annie Whitlock.

Facilitating and journeying with others through art making and meaning making is how I yearn to be of service because I know the power of it personally. It sits in my bones. It is a privilege and an honour to sit along side all my clients who choose to work with me.

I have a Certified Practicing Counsellor membership with PACFCA (Psychotherapy and Counsellors Federation of Australia) and I am a practice member of HELD (Holistic End of Life Directory).