Annette Phillips BFA (Hons), MAThr

-0402 531 332-

-annettephillipscwm@gmail.com-

About Me

I’m Annette Phillips, a Melbourne-based art therapist, and I offer evidence-based, creative support for people of all ages and abilities. I believe deeply in the healing potential of art-making, and my sessions are designed to foster emotional expression, insight, and connection.

My work is grounded in three key pillars: creativity, compassion, and curiosity. These values guide my trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approach, creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences, find new ways of understanding, and move toward healing.

As a practising artist with a diverse creative background, I have a broad understanding of art materials and tools, which allows me to tailor sessions to meet your needs, preferences, and sensory sensitivities. I draw from a wide range of art forms to help you engage in meaningful creative processes.

I also run tailored art therapy programs in schools, supporting student wellbeing and emotional development through creative exploration. Additionally, I provide unique creative consultancy services for organisations, workplaces, and local councils—designing experiences that promote connection, insight, and community engagement through art-based processes.

Art therapy with me isn’t about being “good” at art—it’s about using the creative process as a tool for exploration and growth. Whether you’re working through grief, anxiety, change, or simply looking for a new way to connect with yourself or others, I’m here to meet you where you’re at, with gentle guidance and an open heart.

My sessions are client-led and responsive, allowing space for play, reflection, and emotional processing. I bring years of experience working across diverse settings, and I’m committed to ongoing learning and professional integrity. I value your unique story and strengths, and I’m passionate about making art therapy accessible, respectful, and meaningful.

If you're curious about how Art Therapy can support you, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you

I have experience working with

Addiction(s)

Anxiety

Depression

Disabilities

Eating Disorders

Personality Disorders

Family and Relationship Issues

Grief and Loss

Identity Issues

Mental Health Issues

Self-injury

Well-being

Trauma, PTSD and C- PTSD

I am a current member of the peak professional organisation for art therapy in Australia, ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association)

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for immediate help:

Emergency Services: Call 000

Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis counseling, support groups, and suicide prevention services)

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7 support and online chat)

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24/7 support for those feeling suicidal)

MindSpot: 1800 61 44 34 (Free online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression)

Head to Health: 1800 595 212 (Advice and connection to local mental health services)

MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7 professional counselling for men)

You are not alone, and support is always available.

Creative Arts Therapists are mental health professionals who use art, media and the creative process (drawing, writing, sculpting, drama, clay, sand, dance and movement) to facilitate the exploration of feelings, improve self-awareness and reduce anxiety for clients. Creative processes can be a way for clients to explore and express feelings that may be hard to put into words and to find new pathways to healing. A Creative Arts Therapy session is therefore quite different to an art class or lesson.

ANZACATA

ANZACATA is the peak professional body representing creative arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia/Pacific region.

https://anzacata.org

ART for WELLBEING

Art for Wellbeing is an 8-week creative arts therapy program supporting emotional regulation, confidence, social–emotional development and student wellbeing.
The program integrates creative expression with trauma-informed, polyvagal-informed and SEL-aligned approaches. It is delivered in small groups within the primary and secondary school setting.

BOOK NOW FOR 2026.
Program Snapshot-

Duration: 8 weeks (1 hour per week)

Group size: 6–8 students

Ages: 7–17 (primary & secondary)

Format: Small group sessions, inclusive and strengths-based

Art for Wellbeing is grounded in the understanding that children regulate, express and make meaning through creative processes long before they can articulate their internal world verbally. The program also provides a low-demand, sensory-safe creative environment where students can decompress, experience success building positive school engagment experience. For children who often struggle within school settings, this dedicated space offers a positive, restorative moment in their week, supporting emotional safety, engagement, and a renewed sense of capability.

The program uses:

Art Therapy to support symbolic expression and emotional processing

Mindfulness and sensory regulation to strengthen interoception and nervous system awareness

Psychoeducation to help students understand their brain, stress responses, and emotional states

Strengths-based, trauma-informed practice to ensure safety, choice and empowerment

This multi-layered approach aligns strongly with evidence showing that arts-based interventions improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and enhance student wellbeing and engagement.

The Art for Wellbeing program is specifically designed to complement the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu, ensuring schools can easily access an evidence-based, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming program that supports student wellbeing.

To see how Art for Wellbeing can support your students, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a quick chat or send me an email

annettephillipscwm@gmail.com_

I’d be delighted to tailor the program to your school’s needs and make the process of booking simple and seamless.

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“"It was such a joy to be part of this program. It was amazing to see how much these students embraced the experience of art therapy, I could tell they felt seen and heard and accepted for who they are. Annette is calm, warm, approachable, knowlegeable and created such a beautiful creative space. With her guidance, they created such free and expressive artwork without any fear of judgement. The students felt so special to be part of the program and left feeling postive and with a growing number of coping strategies for the week to come. Annette made time for each child's individual needs and was so kind and accepting of everyone's differences (some very challenging behaviours) Can not recommend this program enough."

Gabby - Specialist Teacher

ART CLUBS

Private group program 8-100yrs

Dive into a world of creativity with all the materials and inspiration you need. Our qualified art therapists guide you in exploring your innate creativity, and boosting agency, confidence, and social skills. Join our semi-structured sessions to experiment with diverse art materials, stir your imagination with art prompts, and unwind from daily pressures.

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SUNDAY STUDIO SESSIONS
art club for grown-ups

Whether you have a project you’d like to finish or simply want to get more creative, the Sunday Studio provides the time and space to do just that. Join us for a fun, relaxed afternoon of making and creating. Don't have a project? Not a problem! Each session offers an optional activity you can do. Basic art and craft materials are included. Bring a friend, unwind, and enjoy the flow of the creative process.

Last Sunday of the month, 2pm -4 pm

Coracle studio & garden, Fairfield- 87 Gillies St, Fairfield *enter via Duncan st

Holiday program 7-14 yrs

Art Lab is a fun-filled art studio that allows children, tweens and teens to unleash their creativity through a free-play. The studio offers diverse art materials, an abundance of inspiration, and gentle guidance to encourage exploration. Art Lab is based on the "loose parts theory," which helps children develop their creativity by allowing them to experiment with various art materials. Qualified art therapists facilitate each session, and the program is designed to promote children's creativity, self-confidence, agency, and social skills. Art Lab's semi-structured sessions provide a platform for each child to explore and create with different art materials. Additionally, a list of art prompts is available to fuel their imagination.

4.5hr session: $125

Resources and Recommendations

Books Podcasts and videos