Frequently asked questions from clients and parents or caregivers

  • No, not at all! Unlike art lessons, art therapy focuses on the creative process as much as creating art. It is expressive and exploratory, without trying to enhance artistic skills. In fact, being relaxed and simply creating can be more helpful than striving for perfection. However, wanting to be creative and engaging in art is beneficial!

  • Sessions occur weekly at the same time and day. Occasionally, biweekly sessions may be suggested, especially if a child is nearing the end of therapy and needs time to adjust.

    Session times are 75 minutes, including case note writing.

  • Each session lasts one hour on a set day and time, with a review every six weeks or each term. During the review, the client, parents or caregivers (if applicable), and the therapist will decide whether to continue for another block or end sessions. An set of 3 ending sessions are recommended in order to end the therapy process affectedly and mindfully. Some clients attend Art Therapy for about 8 to 10 weeks, while others may stay longer, based on their goals. Clients can stop therapy whenever they choose.

  • No. Art therapy is a ‘more than verbal’ psychotherapy, allowing clients to explore and express beyond words. Some clients like to talk while they create, others might remain silent as they make art throughout the session, and some want to begin and end verbally, making art silently in between. It’s entirely up to the client.

  • Yes. Client / therapist confidentiality is an essential part of the therapeutic process. This will be further outlined and discussed in the initial introduction session.

    For younger clients, a policy of open communication is upheld with parents or caregivers. Early years clients are often accompanied by their primary caregiver.

  • The artwork created in art therapy is a vital part of the process. It remains at the studio in the client's private area. Younger clients might want to take their artwork home; in those cases, photos will be taken for reference. Some artwork may express uncomfortable feelings, and if so, the pieces will stay at the clinic while the client receives a different one to take home. At the end of therapy, the client and therapist will discuss what to do with the artwork—some can be kept, some stored, and some may be discarded. No artwork will be shared, displayed, or published by the Art Therapist without the client's prior consent.

  • All art materials necessary for the session are provided. Additionally, clients are welcome to bring any personal items that they would like to use during the session to enhance their creative experience.

Frequently asked questions by parents/carers

  • Yes. It is strongly advised that good communication is developed between all agencies and services providing support for an individual child. Communication with the school is encouraged, along with sharing strategies and techniques that may be applied in the classroom.

  • Yes, parents or caregivers are welcome to join the session if the child asks them to stay. Parent-child sessions can be helpful. We can also alternate 1:1 sessions with fortnightly parent or caregiver attendance. We can discuss this during the first meeting and at reviews.

  • Yes. One-on-one parent sessions can be very helpful for discussing parenting and support strategies. You can schedule these with Sam anytime.

Frequently asked questions by Schools and Agencies

  • Yes. Sam delivers in school training and support in Specialist Support and Enhancing Learning and Engagement. Please refer to the Information for Schools section for further information.

  • Yes, this can be set up through the school and with parents or guardians. Please reach out to Sam for more details and to make a booking.

  • Sam offers training and mentoring for her custom school program, ‘Creative Expressions.’ School staff can run this program after completing the training. Please reach out to Sam for more details.

Contact Sam.

samgummerstudios@gmail.com

Rye, Victoria
Australia, 3941