Registration no.: 67721675 (ANZACATA)
Area of Expertise:
Personal Development
Self-awareness & Sense of Self
Adjusting to Life-Transitions
Family Dynamic & Development
Abandonment & Attachment Issues
Mental Health Condition: Anxiety, Depression etc.
Stress Management & Burnout
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Years of Experience:
3 years
Language Spoken:
English and Bahasa Malaysia
Location:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Availability:
Tuesday – Saturday by appointment basis
Reach out to us to find out more about Sarah!
Mobile: +60 195283139
Email: hello@theinnerlynk.com
Sarah Ayu
Art Psychotherapist
I’m Sarah, a certified and registered art psychotherapist. I’ve had the privilege of training in clinical settings such as elder care centres, family services, and student care centres for children with disabilities. My journey in the education and mental health field has allowed me to work with diverse groups of people, from young kids to our wise elderly community.
I embraced a person-centred practice, working closely with individuals, duos, and groups. I’ve supported those with various diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and depression, and helped families navigate the challenges that come with separation.
I put an importance in providing a safe, nonjudgmental, and open space for my clients. I tailor treatment strategies to your unique therapeutic needs. Cultural sensitivity and ethical practice are also vital to
me in every session.
Art therapy is a wonderful blend of art expression and psychodynamic theories. It’s a unique way of using art processes as a language to explore emotions, resolve inner conflicts, and enhance mental well-being. In our sessions, various techniques like painting, visual journaling, sculpture, poetry can be used for exploration and reflection. Prior art skills or experiences aren’t necessary, I’ll guide you in using art as a tool to freely express yourself.
I firmly believe that everyone deserves a space to heal and grow, to find their purpose and joy in this life. I welcome and I am thrilled to walk your brave journey alongside you.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is an evidenced-based psychotherapeutic approach utilizing art creation as a primary means of communication and intervention for psychological, emotional, and social issues. Artworks serve as therapeutic tools for symbolic, non-verbal communication, aiding individuals in making sense of their inner world. The art process is used to guide individuals to explore thoughts and feelings, gain insight into behaviors, and develop coping skills in a non-invasive way.
This evidenced-based art psychotherapy, different from an art class, provides a confidential and safe space to navigate challenges. No prior artistic skills are necessary, as the focus is on self-discovery and understanding through the creative process. Art therapy utilizes materials, the creative process, and the therapeutic relationship to enhance overall well-being and progress toward achieving therapy goals.
What can I expect from an Art Therapy session?
Art therapy sessions are tailored to individual needs and can take various forms, guided by either directive or non-directive approaches. The focus is on achieving therapeutic goals rather than mandatory art creation. The content explored in sessions is driven by what and how much the individual brings forth, with the therapist suggesting theoretically informed art interventions when appropriate.
Sessions can be highly structured or more flexible, involving varying levels of conversation. Initial sessions involve understanding personal, familial, and cultural history to comprehend how these narratives shape challenges and desired changes. The therapist may offer specific directives, mindfulness, or mediums, but have an emphasis on a collaborative approach, aiming to adapt sessions to suit the individual’s preferences and needs throughout their therapeutic journey.
Benefits of Art Therapy:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Enhances self-awareness and self-esteem
- Increases communication skills and ability to express themselves
- It provides a creative outlet
- Supports trauma recovery
- Cultivates emotional resilience and helps enhance social skills
- Promotes emotional well-being such as increased self-confidence, self-image, creative problem-solving skills, etc.
- Promotes mindfulness as an encounter that is both engaging and intense
Some of the techniques used in Art Therapy:
- Painting
- Visual journaling
- Using clay
- Drawing / Colouring
- Weaving
- Poetry and creative writing
- Creating collage
- Narrative approach and storytelling
Difference between Art Therapy and Therapeutic Art:
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a formal, clinical practice that involves using art making as a therapeutic tool and main mode of communication guided by accredited art therapists.
- It is facilitated by a professionally trained Art Psychotherapist.
- The creative art process in art making functions as a tool for reflection, communication, expression and release.
- Involves a therapeutic relationship between the art therapist and the client.
- Art making is used to process past traumas, and conflicts and learn coping skills.
- Conducted in a safe and confidential space.
- There is no importance in the outcome and aesthetic of an artwork.
Therapeutic Art
Therapeutic art refers to using art making to promote well-being and personal growth and can be facilitated by individuals without specialized training in art therapy.
- Art is engaged for personal release and pleasure.
- The creative process is therapeutic in nature but there is no therapy work in the reflection process.
- No therapeutic relationships were formed.
- Art making is used to learn or practice new skills and artistic techniques.
- Is usually self-prescribed and self-directed and can be conducted anywhere.
- Engaging with the aesthetic outcomes of the artwork.
Groups I work with included:
Children, adolescents, adults, and elderly.
*Clients are welcome to bring art materials they are interested in using, any artwork they would like to process together with the art therapist and any artwork they are currently working on into the art therapy session.
Education & Qualification
Masters of Arts, Art Therapy, LASALLE College of The Arts, Singapore
(Goldsmiths, University of London, UK – validating institutional partner)
Bachelor of Human Sciences with Honours in Psychology,
Minoring in Islamic Revealed Knowledge, International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM)
Art Psychotherapist Rate
| Individual Session | 1 hour for RM200 |