Scribble your way to Health
About Me &
About Art Therapy
Cheryl Oliver
Welcome to my world at Scribble Health. My name is Cheryl Oliver and I started Scribble Health to follow my passion for helping children who experience social/emotional and various other difficulties in their early years.
I have had a particular interest in Visual Arts for many years, experimenting as an Artist myself, teaching Visual Art in Schools and also holding private Art lessons for children. I felt I wanted to extend this further and use Art in a therapeutic way for mental health outcomes, rather than just for an aesthetic end result.
The goal of Art Therapy is not to “teach” art skills, but rather to use art in a therapeutic capacity. Scribble, in fact, can be just as useful a healing tool as a Master Artwork. Hence the name Scribble Health!
​
As a Primary school teacher, educating children for many years, I became increasingly aware of the difficulties children can experience both mentally and emotionally. Over time, my desire to find creative solutions continued to grow and I pursued further study so I could support and nurture children in an artistic way. My goal being to combine art and counselling to promote calm, resilient and confident kids.
​
I completed a Diploma in Art Therapy and a Diploma of Counselling to add to my Bachelor of Education and equipped myself with the tools needed to provide a distinctive child -centered service. I have now practiced group Art Therapy with children, both in the school setting and also independently.
I am now enjoying working with children and their families to create positive relationships and to fascilitate change. I look forward to meeting your child and helping them express themselves creatively, build skills for their well-being toolbox and create positive change for their future.
My Approach
​
​
As an Art Therapist, I am trained to look at and assist clients to process feelings and thoughts derived from their artwork. The attached meanings to the artwork are highly individualised and I guide the client to use their own words and meanings. The client’s emotional experience while making the art is also considered.
​
I bring a unique blend of modalities to my sessions which help individuals connect with their spirituality and increase their knowledge and love of self. Meditation and Mindfulness are blended in the Art Therapy session to increase potential for growth and healing.
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy combines art and psycho-therapy. It is grounded in the knowledge of human development, psychological theory and counselling techniques. It is the use of art materials to examine and understand current issues and to enhance emotional resilience and promote recovery.
​
The process of Art Therapy is relational and uses talk and art mindfully. Images can allow the client access to their subconscious in ways that words cannot. Clients are encouraged to find their own meanings through careful guidance of the art therapist. This encourages self- awareness and leads to self -discovery and to personal empowerment. Art therapists do not interpret the client’s artwork nor do they analyze and conclude without client input.
​
Focused Individual Sessions can be defined as Art in Therapy. The image that results from the artwork in therapy becomes the true teacher, leading the client to greater personal understanding and insights about themselves.
​
Art is inherently therapeutic and focusing whilst creating art is a mindful practice. Have you have ever had a positive experience making something creative and becoming really absorbed in the process? That is something which is called “flow.” It is claimed that the longer amounts of time you stay in flow, the happier you are as a person. (Positive Psychology: Science of Happiness) This can also be termed as Art as Therapy.
​
Art therapy has become mainstream and is widely practiced in a multitude of settings from private practice to schools and hospitals. It can benefit people of all ages who experience developmental, medical, educational and social or psychological difficulties.
Art is a constant agent of transformation and is indeed the soul's drive for health Cathy Malchiodi.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Using art is a safe means of interpreting and externalizing internal feelings. By using art your unconscious thoughts become conscious and you bring clarity to things you are uncertain about.
​
It is interesting to note that our memories are stored in images not words. When we suffer any kind of trauma the brain freezes in the talking area. By drawing or painting we can free up the stored emotions and find words to express the pain and then release it.
​
There are many benefits of Art Therapy.
Here are some of them:
*It’s fun and enjoyable.
*Helps the person explore emotional conflicts.
*Reduces anxiety and stress.
*Increases emotional regulation.
*Encourages creative thinking and expression.
*Helps children manage behaviour.
*Improves focus and concentration.
*Increases self- esteem and confidence.
*Encourages interaction and communication.
*Can unlock physical and emotional blocks.
*Increases self awareness and empathy.
Group Art Therapy Programs
I use a mix of education, art counselling and an excellent rapport with children to deliver effective, supportive group programs. I provide a safe calming space for children to relax, feel comfortable and express themselves.
​
Group programs combine a blend of Mindfulness, Meditation and Art Therapy. I aim to develop in children a deeper understanding of themselves and a sense of connectedness to others in the group, who may also be experiencing similar feelings and circumstances.
​
Group Programs usually run each school term and are now located in my home studio in Noraville. By connecting with the same group of children on a weekly basis, your child will be given the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings and build confidence in a group setting.
Most group programs are designed to address one or more of the areas of Core Competency of social/emotional development: Self Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Decision Making.
​
...art changes people and
people change the world.
My Vision
To creatively enhance the well- being of children and provide tools for positive change that will make a difference to the way each child can experience life, to thrive and flourish.
​
