It’s the first time art therapy students have undertaken a placement with BCHS, and Elise said it was wonderful to have the opportunity to introduce the therapy to clients.
“It’s fabulous to spend this much time here and develop these sessions for BCHS,” Elise said. “It’s also fabulous that we’re making it accessible for people to attend art therapy, because it’s an important mode for people who talk therapy is not a good fit for.”
Elise said anyone could benefit from art therapy, and it had nothing to do with artistic talent or experience.
“Even just using the art materials has a proven calming effect and lowers cortisol levels in the body,” she said.
“The element of play and fun is also an appealing aspect for many people and makes it a lot less threatening method of therapy.
“A lot of people we are working with are saying this is now the time they look forward to in their week.”
Outside of sessions, Elise and Genevieve are encouraging their clients to journal and sketch at home. “And many people have said they’ve been doing more art making at home since starting the sessions,” Genevieve said, such as picking up the knitting they once found enjoyment in.
Elise and Genevieve both have a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma of Education, and have experienced and witnessed the power of art making on wellbeing, inspiring them to pursue their Master’s degree.
Although their La Trobe course is based in Bundoora, Elise and Genevieve both live in Bendigo. They said they were thankful to be completing their final placement locally, and making a difference to the lives of local people.
They hoped BCHS would continue to offer art therapy into the future. “It’s just fabulous that we are having the opportunity to try this out here,” Elise said.
