Creative Therapies in Practice – Art and Conversation

Explore the evidence-based practices and research shaping the field of creative therapies in health and education. Held in conjunction with Deakin Library Exhibition The Garden We Grew: Anam Cara, this special program brings together leading practitioners and academics to discuss the role of art, music, play, and movement in therapeutic contexts alongside an opportunity to experience an art-therapy workshop.

Whether you're a student, health professional, educator, or simply curious about creative therapies, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn, reflect, and create.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration essential. Morning tea and all workshop materials will be provided.

Event format:

This 90-minute session includes:
Panel discussion
Hear from experts from Deakin University and our wider community in art, music, play and dance therapy, alongside creative therapy researchers. The panel will explore current practice, research insights, and the growing role of creative therapies in the health and education sector.

Panellists:

• Lucy Rae – Art Therapist, Anam Cara

Lucy Rae is a qualified Art Therapist (ANZACATA accredited; Master of Art Therapy, 2024, Western Sydney University; BA Fine Art, 2022, Deakin University) with experience in aged care, disability support, and children's services. Lucy offers tailored art therapy sessions in aged care, dementia care, and disability support, fostering connection, self-expression, and emotional well-being. Her person-centred approach ensures each session meets the unique needs of those she works with, creating meaningful moments that extend beyond the artmaking process.

• Dr Shelley Hannigan – Senior Lecturer, Arts Education; Creative Art Therapy Researcher.

Dr Shelley Hannigan is a senior lecturer in arts education and a visual artist with a background in creative arts therapy. Her work bridges art, education, and wellbeing, championing the transformative power of creativity to support learning and mental health. Through research, teaching, and community projects, she explores innovative ways to integrate the arts into schools and health settings, fostering resilience and inclusion.

• Dr Elizabeth McLean – Music therapist, Vital Voices and Royal Children’s Hospital.

Dr Elizabeth McLean is a Registered Music Therapist (RMT, PhD) and Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner. Over the past 15 years, Elizabeth has worked as a music therapist in acute paediatrics, specifically within neonatal intensive care, early intervention and perinatal mental health. Elizabeth completed her PhD in 2018, exploring the role of music therapy for hospitalised infants and their families and is currently the Team Lead of Music Therapy at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Elizabeth is also Founder and Director of Vital Voices, a private practice offering perinatal and early years music therapy and mother care support, and consultation and education for health professionals.

• Dr Natalie Hadiprodjo – Senior Lecturer and Course Director for Deakin University’s Play Therapy program.

With 25 years of experience in mental health, paediatric, and education settings, Natalie Hadiprodjo brings deep clinical insight to her teaching and research. Natalie holds advanced qualifications in play therapy, counselling, and occupational therapy, and completed her MA and PhD in Play Therapy at the University of Roehampton, London. Her research explores innovative approaches to play therapy research, including the use of physiological monitoring to better understand childhood trauma and attachment. Since joining Deakin in 2019, Natalie has been committed to training future play therapists and is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and member of the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations.

• Dr Ella Dumaresq - Lecturer, Creative Arts Therapies (University of Melbourne); Dance Therapist (Movement Meds)

Ella is a dance therapist and lecturer at the University of Melbourne and leads the Dance Movement Therapy stream of the Master of Creative Arts Therapies. Ella enjoys working with diverse groups of people to explore their experiences of using dance therapy for wellbeing purposes, with her most recent work taking place in forensic mental health.

Hands-on Art Therapy workshop
Experience art therapy in action through a guided creative session. No prior experience needed, just bring your curiosity and willingness to explore.

Location: Waterfront Campus Library Exhibition Gallery, Sally Walker Building, corner Cunningham Street and Western Beach Road. Enter via Cunningham Street.

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Host or Publisher Deakin University