My Practice
Kerrie Reyntjes
My Creative Arts Therapy practice comes from two key interests and values; Wellbeing, and the Arts. Trained and experienced as a teacher and Arts therapist,
I aim to build positive and trusting relationships with my clients. The power of creativity enables us to explore emotional wellbeing, as I listen and reflect with my clients and the stories they create through visual arts, movement, music, drama and storytelling.
As a practising artist, teacher and therapist, I am able to bring together my skills and interests to support others - which is my favourite thing to do!
What is
Creative Arts Therapy?
Creative Arts Therapy is a professional therapeutic approach that uses creative processes to support emotional wellbeing, self-expression, communication and personal growth. Rather than relying solely on talking, clients can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences through visual art, music, movement, drama, storytelling, play and other creative modalities. Creative Arts Therapy provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where clients can explore what may be difficult to express in words. The creative process is adapted to the individual, with no artistic skill or experience required. The focus is not on creating a finished artwork, but on using creativity to explore, communicate, understand and work through experiences.
Sessions
Sessions are individually tailored to the needs, age and goals of each client. Sessions integrate counselling and conversation alongside creative therapeutic activities such as drawing, painting, printing, collage, clay, music, movement, drama, storytelling or other forms of creative expression. Sessions are one hour and are generally offered as individual sessions. Sometimes sessions are held with siblings together where appropriate, or through parent/caregiver consultation and review sessions.
For NDIS clients, services are invoiced according to the applicable counselling support arrangements and the client's individual plan and funding requirements. Private clients are provided with an invoice following their session.
Who I work with
Currently I work with children, adolescents and adults, providing individual counselling and Creative Arts Therapy. I support clients who may be experiencing challenges with emotional regulation, anxiety, confidence, communication, relationships, social skills, resilience, identity, behavioural or emotional difficulties, life changes or other experiences that may be difficult to manage or express.Creative Arts Therapy can be particularly valuable for people who find it difficult to communicate their experiences through words alone.
Client Centred
My Arts therapy practice is 'client centred' - which means that the client is the focus, and they guide the direction and choices in the Arts therapy studio.
Arts based activities, exploration and ideas may be offered, and clients can choose based on their interests and the materials available.
The Studio contains many options including; painting, printing, puppetry, building, collage, clay, drawing, games, acting, movement, musical instruments and sensory activities (playdough, slime, water play). Relaxing, calming activities may also include music and guided meditation.
In one to one sessions, activities are carefully considered and tailored towards the interests and needs of the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be artistic to participate in Creative Arts Therapy?
No. You don't need to be artistic or have any previous creative experience. Creative Arts Therapy is about the process rather than artistic ability or producing a finished artwork.
Is Creative Arts Therapy the same as an art class?
No. An art class generally focuses on learning artistic skills or creating an artwork. Creative Arts Therapy uses creative activities within a professional therapeutic relationship to support emotional wellbeing, communication, self-expression and personal development.
What happens during a Creative Arts Therapy session?
Every session is different and is tailored to the individual. A session may involve talking and counselling, creative activities, play, music, movement, storytelling, drawing, painting, collage, games, clay or other forms of creative expression. Most often the client leads the direction of the session, choosing what and how they wish to explore and share.
Do I have to talk about my problems?
No. Talking can be an important part of counselling, but it is not the only way to communicate or explore experiences. Creative activities can provide another way to express thoughts and feelings, particularly when finding the right words is difficult. Observation and reflection is an important skill for the therapist to employ during sessions.
Is Creative Arts Therapy suitable for children?
Yes. Creative Arts Therapy can be particularly suitable for children because creative expression, play, movement and storytelling can feel more natural and accessible than traditional talk-based therapy. Sessions are adapted to the child's age, developmental stage, interests and individual needs.
Can parents be involved in their child's sessions?
Parent and caregiver involvement is discussed according to the needs of the child and the therapeutic goals. Parent/caregiver consultation and review sessions are arranged as required.
Can siblings attend together?
Sometimes. Where it is therapeutically appropriate, siblings may participate in a session together. This is considered on an individual basis.
What is the difference between Counselling and Creative Arts Therapy?
Counselling can involve talking about thoughts, feelings, relationships, experiences and challenges. Creative Arts Therapy incorporates creative processes such as visual art, music, movement, drama, storytelling and play into the therapeutic process. Sessions can include either approach or a combination of both.
What age groups do you work with?
I currently work with children, adolescents and adults. The approach and creative activities are adapted to the individual client's age, needs and goals.
How long is a session?
Sessions are generally one hour. A different session length can be discussed where there is a particular therapeutic or individual need. Currently I incorporate a 15minute break between clients to allow time to clean and reorganise the space and take process notes about the session. This also allows clients to arrive and depart the premises maintaining their confidentiality.
Do I need a diagnosis to attend?
No. You do not necessarily need a formal diagnosis to seek counselling or Creative Arts Therapy. Therapy can be accessed for a range of emotional, behavioural, relational, developmental or life circumstances.
Can Creative Arts Therapy be used with NDIS funding?
Where appropriate, services may be provided under the relevant NDIS counselling support arrangements, subject to the individual's plan, funding and management arrangements. Please contact me to discuss your circumstances before commencing services.
Is what I discuss confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and therapy. Information discussed during sessions is treated respectfully and confidentially, subject to professional, legal and safety obligations.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are held at Studio K Australia, my private home-based studio in Geelong. The large studio provides a quiet, dedicated and creative environment separate from the residential premises.
Qualifications &
Professional registration
Kerrie Reyntjes, qualified Arts Therapist, teacher and Registered Clinical Counsellor.
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Master's degree in Creative Arts Therapy (RMIT)
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Registered member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) as a Clinical Counsellor
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Bachelor of Education (Deakin University) An experienced teacher/educator having taught in both classrooms and specialist roles.
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Registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
Therefore, my professional practice combines my experience as an Arts Therapist, counsellor, artist and educator, allowing me to offer an approach that is both therapeutically informed and creatively responsive to each individual client.
Professional registration and ongoing professional development support my commitment to ethical, professional and client-centred practice.
