Art Therapy in Melbourne & Online: Why I Believe in the Healing Power of Creativity
- Vicki Soar
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Hi, I'm Vicki—an art psychotherapist and the founder of Soar Art Therapy. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful art can be when words aren’t enough. Whether it's a child who doesn’t know how to explain big feelings, or an adult carrying the weight of trauma, art gives us a way in.
I created Soar Art Therapy to offer a safe, creative, and evidence-based space for healing—here in Melbourne and online across Australia.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as a way to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences. You don’t need to be artistic. It’s not about making something “good” but about allowing what’s inside to come out safely, with support.
In the art therapy sessions, I integrate:
Creative expression (drawing, collage, sculpture)
Trauma-informed care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Emotional regulation tools grounded in neuroscience
Who can benefit from art therapy?
Everyone can benefit from the creative process of art therapy, it is such an adaptable therapy.
With my art therapy training and experience I support:
Children and teens learning to manage big feelings
Adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem
NDIS participants (self-managed and plan-managed)
People who are neurodivergent (Autism, ADHD,)
Clients with situanal mutism, PTSD, low self-confidence, or burnout
I especially love working with people who feel “stuck” with symptoms, have situational mutism or find themselves feeling misunderstood. The art making process can be so transformative in shifting these scenarios.
Based in Melbourne — and Across Australia
I offer in-person art therapy in Balaclava and Melbourne (through outreach at schools, homes), and also run online sessions Australia-wide via secure telehealth. Clients join from regional towns, interstate, and even while travelling.
Online therapy can be just as powerful as in-person—especially when you’re in your own familiar environment.
Yes! If you’re self-managed or plan-managed under the NDIS, I can support you. I also offer:
Help supporting NDIS goals
Session reports
Support with referrals, I can speak to support co-ordinators and help arrange sessions.
Support with creating therapy plans that can be collaborated with all professionals to make sure the participant feels in control and cared for from a team perspective.
Whether you're seeking mental health support, emotion regulation skills, or just a safe place to express yourself, I tailor the sessions around you or your child’s needs.
What Happens in a Session?
Every session is different, but here’s what a typical session might include:
Gentle check-in with words or images
Exploring needs through art (you choose the materials)
For young children we can use play therapy (adapted from synergetic play therapy)
ACT-based reflections and grounding techniques
A focus on building safety, control, and self-expression
The aim is not to “fix” emotions, but to give you tools to understand and work with them—creatively and kindly. With everything we use it is discussed before hand and explained so the person knows why we are doing it and can be in control of the process through informed consent.
Common Art Therapy Questions
Do I need to be good at art?
Not at all. I’ll guide you through the process—it’s about the experience, not the outcome.
Is it suitable for children with autism or ADHD?
Yes—my sessions are designed to be neurodivergent-affirming and supportive of different communication and regulation needs.
Can you work with situational mutism or trauma?Absolutely. These are areas I’ve had specific training and experience in. Art can be a gentle way to support healing where words feel hard.
Why I love Art Therapy
I’ve worked in both Australia and the UK across mental health, education, and community sectors. I’ve seen what happens when people are really seen and heard—not just in words, but through their creativity, their stories, their struggles.
Art therapy is a way to offer that. To build connection, confidence, and change.
Ready to Try Art Therapy?
If you're looking for art therapy in Melbourne, or you’re based anywhere in Australia or worldwide and want to work online, please reach out and I would be happy to discuss options.
You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s explore it together creatively.
Vicki Soar
Registered Art Psychotherapist
Founder of Soar Art Therapy Melbourne & Online
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