Creative arts therapies take centre stage in Brisbane

Play isn’t just for kids. 

While dance, puppets and LEGO are traditionally viewed as childhood staples, the Meanjin Creative Arts Therapies Network is exploring how these tools can support mental health for people across all life stages.  

Arts psychotherapist and sexologist, Tanya Elizabeth, co-coordinates the Meanjin Creative Arts Therapies Network with artist and educator, Chrissy Foreman. Together, they explore how different artforms, like drama improvisations, drawing and playing musical instruments, offer people complementary support for their mental health.  

Network attendees herald from a broad variety of mental health disciplines, including social work, mental health nursing, peer work, counselling, psychology and creative arts therapy.  

“This variety of clinical and non-clinical perspectives provides awareness of different treatment modalities and local referral pathways,” Tanya says. 

The Meanjin Creative Arts Therapies Network has a focus on culturally responsive and person-centred mental health care, a shared focus with MHPN. A “proud AuDHDer”, Chrissy is passionate about supporting neurodiverse people to creatively unpack their unique interests, strengths and goals. 

“We are a safe and inclusive space”, she says.  

“It’s important we’re able to support people who are navigating trauma and other experiences that can be difficult to express through words alone. 

“Creative arts therapies are designed to help people work through complex emotions and enhance wellbeing.”  

Interested mental health professionals are invited to join the Meanjin Creative Arts Therapies Network. Meetings are held online quarterly for mental health professionals, enabling rural and interstate participation.