Trauma & grief
A safe, non-verbal way to process difficult experiences, including bullying and the loss of a family member.
Art therapy
Clinical art therapy for children and young people
Sometimes it is easier to draw it than to say it. Our registered art therapists help children and teens express and work through what is hard to put into words.
ANZACATA-registered art therapistsIndividual & group sessionsNDIS-funded
Clinical art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making to help children and young people express feelings, work through inner conflicts and build self-awareness. At Wonderful Mind, ANZACATA-registered art therapists offer individual and group art therapy in Melbourne’s northern suburbs (Doreen and Craigieburn clinics), with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. No artistic skill is needed. NDIS-funded sessions are available.
From our sessions
Inside the art therapy room
Clay, paint, masks and mark-making give children and young people different ways to show what they are feeling.
How it helps
What art therapy can help with
Big feelings
Making sense of chaotic emotions and finding calmer ways to express them.
Identity & self-esteem
Helping young people explore who they are and build self-care skills.
Early childhood intervention
Creative, play-based support for young children’s emotional and social development.
Neurodivergent children
A flexible, sensory-friendly way to communicate that does not rely on words.
Group art therapy
Belonging, peer connection and shared creativity in a non-judgemental group. See groups.
What to expect
Inside an art therapy session
Each session usually starts with a check-in, moves into making art with materials your child chooses, and ends with gentle reflection and closure.
- First appointment: about 90 minutes, focused on assessment and goals
- Regular sessions: 50 minutes plus 10 minutes to close
- Focus groups of up to 4, and open studio groups of up to 6, run for 90 minutes
- Parents are kept informed, while your child’s artwork and sessions stay private
Our art therapists
Meet our art therapists
Maki Levine
Clinical Art Therapist
Master of Art Therapy, Master of Speech Pathology
ANZACATA registered
Nikoo Chamani
Founder & Clinical Director
MA (Art Therapy), La Trobe University
Registered Art Therapist (AThR)Fees
Art therapy fees and funding
Art, play and music therapy sessions are $193.99 per hour, with the first parent consultation billed as 1.5 hours. These therapies can be funded by the NDIS (Capacity Building, Improved Daily Living) when they support your goals. They are not covered by Medicare, but some private health funds offer rebates. See all fees.
Art therapy questions
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy led by a qualified art therapist. It uses art-making as a way to communicate and process feelings, alongside conversation. The focus is on expression and meaning, not artistic skill.
Does my child need to be good at art?
Not at all. Children use paint, clay, collage and drawing to show what is going on inside. There is no right or wrong.
Who is art therapy for?
Children and young people experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, bullying, identity questions or big emotions, and children who find talking hard. We also run group art therapy.
Is art therapy covered by the NDIS or Medicare?
It can be funded by the NDIS under Capacity Building supports. It is not covered by Medicare, but some private health funds offer rebates.
Are your art therapists registered?
Yes. Our art therapists are registered with ANZACATA (the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association).
Art therapy near you
Art therapy across Melbourne’s north
Related services
Play & Filial Therapy
Child-centred play therapy and parent-led filial therapy for big feelings and hard experiences.
Music Therapy
Registered music therapy for communication, regulation and connection.
Child Psychology
Therapy for anxiety, big feelings, trauma and behaviour, for children, teens and families.
Wonderful Mind Adult & Aged Care
Supporting an adult or older person?
Our adult & aged care service offers art therapy for adults and older people, in clinic, at home or by telehealth, with Support at Home, NDIS and Medicare options.
Not sure where to start?
Tell our intake team what you are noticing. We will match your child with the right clinician, or a small team if they need more than one kind of support.