We have funded a range of expressive therapy programs to support people living in the region with low-intensity mental health issues.
Expressive therapies use creative processes such as art, drama, dance and movement as a therapeutic way to improve a patient's overall wellbeing including their mental health. These types of therapy focus on the creative process, utilising a wide range of materials and exploring several different techniques as part of the therapeutic intervention.
Expressive therapies not only enhance the emotional and physical wellbeing of patients and improve self-esteem but have been shown to have a range of other benefits including:
- helping people manage difficult behaviours and feelings
- reducing stress
- expressing feelings that may be difficult to verbalise.
Expressive Therapy Programs
Belong Blue Mountains
Heal and Connect Eco Art Therapy is an 8-week program designed to promote wellbeing and positive mental health. Facilitated by professional registered art therapists, the program involves small group activities that combine the healing aspects of nature and art. Sessions are held partially outdoors and require a short walk. This program is delivered in Katoomba for people in the Blue Mountains LGA.
Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC)
BANC offers two art-related programs and a shared reading program for adults. The Art of Letting Go and Creating Resilience art therapy group utilise visual arts and creative processes to facilitate expression and exploration of difficult emotions and experiences. Life, the Universe and Stories Shared reading program promotes contemplation and articulation of personal concerns. This program is delivered in Blackheath for people in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs.
Blue Mountains City Council
Blue Mountains City Council have two art therapy programs for young people. The Making Space art therapy group is for children aged 9-12 years. It provides a safe, welcoming space for children to connect, share and express themselves through artmaking. Timeout is for people aged 13-18. The program allows young people to slow things down, relax, connect with others and express their thoughts and feelings through art. This program is delivered from Katoomba for youth in the Blue Mountains.
Noro Music Therapy
Noro Music Therapy is a 13-week music program that uses music eg. singing, playing instruments, dance, songwriting, recording and performing to actively support people to help improve their health, confidence and wellbeing. GPs can refer patients directly to this program or patients who are enrolled in an existing Wentworth Healthcare commissioned mental health service can be referred. The program is delivered in the Blue Mountains and Penrith.
Resourced Music Therapy
Resourced Music Therapy is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program for people aged 12 and over. It combines music and visual arts processes to facilitate expression and exploration of difficult emotions and experiences to support emotional healing. This program is delivered in three groups with one group in each Penrith, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury LGA. Penrith is now closed, with spots remaining in Hawkesbury (delivered from Merana) and Blue Mountains.
Tame The Galloping Mind
Tame the Galloping Mind provides equine-assisted psychotherapy workshops that utilise experiential equine therapeutic activities complemented by psychoeducation and mindfulness practices for adult women with symptoms of anxiety. This program is delivered from Kanimbla Valley Lithgow Region with transport provided to and from Blackheath train station.
KidsXpress
KidsExpress are running a comprehensive program for 18 children at Kingswood Park Public School. This closed referral program includes elements of individual therapy, group art and music therapy, and playground connection activities tailored to the unique needs of each child. Please note that referrals have now closed for this program.
Referral details
No formal referral required, patients can self-refer to all programs.
