Talia Van Horssen is a dedicated and certified counselor and art therapist, holding an Advanced Diploma from IKON and currently completing her final year of her Masters at MIECAT. With a profound commitment to her craft, Talia's journey is driven by a deep passion for material exploration, the seamless integration of mindfulness practices, and the unwavering belief that the transformative power of creative self-expression should be accessible to all. She brings a wealth of experience and a warm, compassionate approach to her work, with a particular focus on supporting individuals living with physical and neurological disabilities, and a passion for supporting women's empowerment. Through her therapeutic guidance, Talia invites individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing through art, fostering a nurturing and inclusive space for personal growth and well-being.
With a client-centered, holistic, and adaptable approach, my journey as an art therapist began in 2018, initially working with children facing terminal conditions at Very Special Kids in Malvern. This experience laid the foundation for my path, which then led me to join CATA in 2020. During this time, I had the privilege of supporting individuals of all ages, from children to adults, as they navigated the profound mental challenges brought about by the lockdowns in Melbourne. During this time I was contracted by Anglicare to provide art therapy to several young women living within their residential houses to assist them in healing and processing a variety of traumatic life experiences. My time with these incredibly resilient women anchored a passion for supporting those who have experienced domestic abuse, or require assistance in developing an awareness around their innate value, boundary setting, and help-seeking abilities.
Having honed my skills working with diverse age groups, each with their unique abilities and needs, I embarked on the creation of my independent practice. Whether hosting clients in my home office or visiting them at their preferred location, my approach to art therapy remains flexible and responsive. In my practice, the emphasis is never solely on aesthetics, nor are we confined to the creation of visual art. Art therapy encompasses a wide range of expressive modalities, including painting, drawing, sculpture, movement, creative writing, and play, allowing individuals to shape our sessions according to their preferences and needs.
Central to my practice is the profound significance I place on the client-therapist relationship. I firmly believe that the therapeutic space thrives when rooted in a relational dynamic. The interplay between therapist, clients, artistic materials, and the ethical considerations we uphold all contribute to a transformative journey of self-discovery, self-understanding, and personal growth. Together, we embark on a path toward healing and holistic well-being, uniquely tailored to your individual journey.