Laura Kampen

What is Arts Therapy?

Arts therapy uses the creative arts, such as poetry, music, movement or the visual arts, as a way to express emotions and communicate thoughts and feelings with or without the need for words.
With the help of a trained therapist, a person is able to discover more about themselves, their strengths and values, as they journey to a point of wellbeing.

Who can art therapy help?

Arts Therapy can be used with people of all ages and walks of life and doesn't require you to be an 'artist' for it to work, just to be open to trying. It focuses on the creative process more than the finished product.
Arts therapy can help those who have had or are experiencing

• Trauma, PTSD
• Anxiety and Disassociation
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Poor communication or social skills
• Anger or behavioural issues
• Self-harming or suicidal ideation
• Grief and loss
• Poor self-esteem and confidence

Advantages of Arts Therapy?

Arts Therapy is a non-confrontational, culturally sensitive therapeutic approach that when provided by a trained therapist in a safe, non-judgemental way can help a person to explore and overcome life's challenges while increasing their resilience and overall wellbeing.
It can help develop interpersonal skills, manage behaviour, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and improve insight. It can help provide healthier alternatives to a person's current coping mechanisms and help develop a person's sense of identity.

Who am I?

I am a trained and registered Arts Therapist (ANZACATA registered) with a background in psychology and counselling psychology. I have spent the last four years working for a Kaupapa Maori community mental health organization called Te Puna Hauora Ki Uta Ki Tai. In my time there, I worked primarily with Tamariki and Rangatahi (young people) aged 4-18 years old with a broad range of mental health issues including: ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, ODD and anger/behavioural issues, grief and loss, PTSD and self-harming behaviours. This work was done from a Whanau Ora approach, meaning I have also worked with the clients' whanau (families) and any other organizations involved with the client/whanau.

How do I know if this is the right therapy for me?

How effective therapy is, is often based on the relationship that is formed with your therapist. My belief, is that the therapist and client both have active roles. The therapist's role is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that allows for explorations and healing. The clients role is to regularly attend and participate in scheduled appointments, be open to learning new skills and work at transferring these learnt skills into everyday life.
If the client is uncomfortable or feels they are not gaining anything from these meetings, then I am open to referring a client on to other services or avenues that may be of help.