Psychodynamic Art Therapy with Leigh-Anne

21/07/2026

13/07/2026

A little late, but I’m still reflecting on what a privilege it was to attend the Institute for Life Course Health Research Bold Ideas 2026 Conference back in May.

I was incredibly honoured to present both a poster and an oral presentation on my research exploring the role of art therapy and creative interventions in supporting children and adolescents.

One of the most meaningful highlights was reconnecting with my two supervisors, who have shaped my journey in such significant ways. Thank you to Professor Rizwana Roomaney, for instilling in me a deep appreciation for rigorous, thoughtful research, and to Dr Nataly Woollet, for modelling what it means to be an exceptional art therapist who truly embodies the ethos of creative interventions.

It was also inspiring to meet researchers, clinicians, and practitioners from around the world who are each contributing, in their own way, to improving the lives of children and adolescents. These conversations reminded me of the power of collaboration and the importance of continuing to build evidence for creative, community-based approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

I'm grateful to everyone who made this experience so memorable, and I’m excited to see where these conversations and collaborations lead.

13/05/2026

I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed as the Art Therapy Consultant for the Butterfly Art Project (https://www.butterflyartproject.org/)

Two years into private practice, I realised that I deeply missed an essential part of what first drew me into the field of mental health: community work. A significant part of why I chose to study art therapy was the hope of working beyond the therapy room — creating spaces where mental health interventions can be scaled, made accessible, and offered to individuals and communities who may not otherwise have access to psychological support.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to partner with the Butterfly Art Project on several initiatives, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to now consult with the organisation on art therapeutic interventions and programme development. Their commitment to creativity, community empowerment, and psychosocial support is both inspiring and deeply aligned with my own values as an Art Therapist in private practice.

Art therapy reminds us that healing does not always begin with words. Often, creativity becomes a bridge — offering safety, expression, connection, and meaning where language may fall short. As Cathy Malchiodi writes:

“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.”

I look forward to contributing to meaningful, culturally responsive, and community-based mental health work alongside this incredible organisation, and to continuing to advocate for the value of creative and accessible mental health interventions within South Africa.