Discover the healing power of creativity
Through art-based counselling, I offer a safe space for self-expression, emotional growth, and connection — no art skills needed, just an open heart
About Me
BA Fine Arts (UP), Honours Art Therapy (UJ), Currently completing Masters Art Therapy (UJ)
I am Micke Coetzee, an art-based counselor registered with the ASCHP (Association for supportive counsellors and holistic practitioners). I am currently completing my Masters in Art Therapy at the University of Johannesburg. I have an interest in familial relationships and communication skills. I am based in Glenvista, located in the South of Johannesburg.
I am passionate about art and the impact it can have on psychology. The potential of art being used as a tool for expression which can be used across cultures and languages is astounding, especially in a culturally diverse country such as South Africa. Even though people might not think of themselves as artists and might be apprehensive to participate in art-based counselling, I believe that it will open many doors within the psychological field and allow for individuals to get to know themselves on a far deeper level.
What is Art Based Counselling?
Art-based counselling is a form of psychotherapy that makes use of the art-making process to explore emotions, thoughts and experiences. It provides a non-verbal outlet for individuals to express themselves by using art materials.
This is particularly useful for individuals who are non-verbal or struggle to communicate verbally. It also enables children and disabled individuals who might not have the mental capacity to verbally express what they are feeling, thinking or experiencing. It is the art counsellors job to guide the clients in exploring their emotions, thoughts and experiences through the art-making process.
Involving various forms of art, art-based counselling makes use of a large variety of art materials, such as acrylic paint, clay, ink, graphite, charcoal, collage, etc…
It is process orientated, meaning that the focus is placed on the process of art-making rather than the final artwork itself. Works of art might even be revisited, reworked or destroyed, if it will be therapeutically beneficial to the client.
Benefits of art-based counselling:
- Helps individuals process difficult emotions and experiences
- Promotes self-discovery, insight and understanding
- Develops coping skills
- Improves communications skills
- Can help reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges
Services
- Bereavement
- Personal Development
- Creative and Critical Thinking Skills
- Emotional communication
- Teaching coping skills
- Self-reflection
- Help to deal with mental challenges such as anxiety, OCD, ADD, depression, etc...
Cost per services
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be good at art to participate in art-based counselling?
No, you do not have to have any experience with art making at all. Art-based counselling is about the process, it is not focused on the aesthetic value of the resulting art work. As such, you do not have to be good at art or have traditional art skills in order to benefit from art-based counselling.
What makes art-based counselling different to therapy?
The first part of this question is the difference between counselling and therapy, while the second part looks at art-based counselling specifically. Counselling incorporates problem solving approaches to specific issues, and is usually short-term. Therapy is an in depth exploration of underlying issues and patterns and is intended for long term use. Art-based counselling is explained in depth under the heading What Is Art-Based Counselling above, but it incorporates art-making in order to encourage non-verbal expression. This allows the individual to explore and express their emotions, thoughts and experiences, even if they do not have the words to describe it.
Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
Not usually, no. Sometimes there might be certain instances where I might ask a student to reflect more on an artwork or subject at home to discuss in the next session, but that will be discussed with each individual if that situation arises.
Will my clothes get dirty?
There is always the possibility when working with art materials that it might get on your clothes. However, I have aprons available so that the clothes can be protected and individuals might feel more comfortable working with different materials. The individuals are also usually in charge of which materials they will be working with during each session. If I know they will be working with a specific material during a session that is messy, I will remind them beforehand so that they can dress accordingly.
What happens in a typical session?
Each session might not be the exact same, as I plan the sessions around the clients needs. However, a typical session is an hour, where we start with a check in, discussing any important information, events and reflections. From there, we move into an art-making activity, during which we continue our discussion. During the final 10 to 15 minutes, we reflect on the art-making process and anything that came up during the session ending with a check out.
Why would art-based counselling work better for me than traditional talk counselling?
This depends from case to case, as each person and their experience is different. In certain instances art-based counselling might not be the best fit for you, in which case I will have an honest discussion with you and advise you on a way forward. However, art is an incredible tool which can help us access parts of our unconscious that we have never accessed before. It allows us to express ourselves freely, describing what words often cannot. This in turn allows us to get to know ourselves on a deeper level, make sense of our emotions and our reactions to experiences and work through them. Simultaneously, it teaches us healthy coping mechanisms which can be incorporated into daily life and can be used throughout your life.
Is art-based counselling only for children?
No, this is a common misconception about art-based counselling. Anybody of any age, race and gender can benefit from art-based counselling.
Lets Get in Touch!
Business Hours
- Monday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 8:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 8:00 – 17:00
- 079 886 2839
- mickecoetzee@gmail.com
- Engels Avenue, Glenvista, Johannesburg South, 2091