Creative Pathways: Next Steps Art Therapy for Mental Health
About Creative Pathways: Next Steps Art Therapy for Mental Health
Where your creative journey continues.
Creative Pathways is a structured Next Steps therapeutic art program for individuals who have completed the Creative Therapies for Mood Disorders Program and are ready to deepen their personal growth through creative exploration. The program offers a supportive space to strengthen emotional awareness, explore personal experiences, and build a greater sense of meaning and connection.
Building on foundational skills — mindfulness, emotional awareness, strengths identification, values, and self-care — participants are supported to explore personal experiences and patterns of coping through guided art therapy, fostering emotional balance, resilience, and a more unified sense of self.
Facilitated by a trained art therapist, group sessions use creative processes — including painting, drawing, collage, and symbolic expression — as a vehicle for reflection, insight, and growth. No prior artistic experience is required; the focus is on the process, not the product.
This program may be suitable for you if:
- You have completed the Creative Therapies for Mood Disorders Program and are ready to continue your therapeutic journey.
- You find it easier to explore emotions and experiences through creative expression rather than words alone.
- You are looking to deepen self-understanding and build practical, sustainable strategies for emotional wellbeing.
Program content
- Build skills for managing emotions and navigating distress with greater confidence.
- Develop a stronger, more positive sense of self following periods of emotional or psychological difficulty.
- Explore thoughts and feelings safely through creative and symbolic expression.
- Foster insight, self-compassion, and a growing sense of personal empowerment.
- Strengthen resilience and confidence in maintaining wellbeing.
- Develop practical and sustainable coping strategies through creative approaches.
- Support personal growth, emotional balance, and ongoing wellbeing.
What you will experience
Throughout this program you will participate in weekly group sessions led by a qualified art therapist. Each session will support you to deepen your self-awareness, explore personal themes through creative practice, and integrate new insights into your everyday life. Between sessions, you will be encouraged to continue your creative practice and bring your reflections back to the group.
Treatment objectives
Objective 1
Deepen mindful art-making as a reflective and therapeutic practice.
Objective 2
Explore personal experiences, relationships, and patterns of coping through guided creative expression.
Objective 3
Use creative processes to identify, integrate, and build on personal strengths and values.
Objective 4
Develop greater emotional awareness and regulation through symbolic and expressive art-making.
What's included
Education
To deepen skills and strategies for emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Workbooks
To guide reflection, psychoeducation, and creative exercises tailored to your therapeutic journey.
Action Plans
Between-session creative practices to help you apply and integrate new insights.
Extra Resources
Tools and creative prompts to support you outside of group sessions.
Progress Tracking
Questionnaires to help you monitor your growth and wellbeing over time.
Check-ins
Support between sessions to help keep your progress on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Patients are admitted as a day patient and can claim their attendance via their health fund. We ask that patients confirm any applicable out-of-pocket excess or gap costs directly with Deakin Private Hospital by calling 02 5114 8100.
Who will find this program helpful?
This program is best suited to people who have completed the Creative Therapies for Mood Disorders Program and are ready to continue their therapeutic journey. It is particularly suited to those who find creative expression a meaningful and accessible way to explore emotions and build insight.
How long does this program run for?
This group is held every week for twelve weeks.
