Creating Together

Hello there! Welcome to Art Classes 2U

I thought I should introduce myself 😊 My name is Shay Downer and this is what I'm passionate about:

Art Therapy • MTAP(CAT)

I am a registered Creative Arts Therapist (ANZACATA) with a Master’s in Therapeutic Arts Practice (MIECAT), dedicated to supporting individuals in exploring self-expression, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing through art. My approach is client-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based, ensuring that every person feels heard, valued, and empowered in their creative journey.

With experience facilitating art therapy in mental health, rehabilitation, and education settings, I have worked with individuals facing a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD), and substance use recovery.

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Creative Arts Therapy – A Therapy-Based Approach to Wellbeing

Creative Arts Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that integrates art-making with therapeutic intention to support emotional expression, personal insight, and healing. Unlike traditional art classes, these sessions are therapy-based, with individualised therapeutic goals tailored to the needs of each person.

Therapeutic Benefits of Creative Arts Therapy:

• Emotional Processing & Regulation – Provides a safe, non-verbal way to explore and express emotions, particularly for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy.

• Trauma Integration & Healing – Facilitates the processing of difficult life experiences by externalising thoughts and emotions through creative expression.

• Increased Self-Awareness & Insight – Encourages individuals to explore their inner world, uncovering patterns and gaining deeper self-understanding.

• Stress & Anxiety Reduction – Engages the brain’s relaxation response, promoting mindfulness and reducing physiological symptoms of stress.

• Enhanced Resilience & Coping Strategies – Builds emotional resilience by fostering problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a sense of mastery.

• Strengthened Interpersonal & Communication Skills – Encourages connection and expression in both verbal and non-verbal ways, improving social engagement.

• Improved Self-Esteem & Confidence – Offers a sense of accomplishment and personal growth through creative exploration and self-expression.

• Support for Neurodivergent & Mental Health Challenges – Provides structure and sensory-based engagement that supports emotional regulation and executive functioning.

 

I provide individual and group art therapy in clinical, educational, and community settings, ensuring a supportive space for people to explore their experiences creatively and therapeutically.

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Art as Therapy – Teaching Art Skills with Therapeutic Benefits

Alongside my work as a Creative Arts Therapist, I also offer "Art as Therapy" sessions—structured art-making experiences designed to teach creative skills while promoting emotional wellbeing and cognitive engagement. While these sessions are not psychotherapy, they create a supportive space for individuals, including NDIS participants, to develop their artistic abilities while experiencing therapeutic benefits.

Key Benefits of Art as Therapy:

• Skill Development & Fine Motor Coordination – Enhances artistic techniques while supporting cognitive and motor skills.

• Social Connection & Communication – Encourages interaction, collaboration, and confidence in social settings.

• Emotional Regulation & Mindfulness – Promotes relaxation, focus, and a sense of calm through immersive creative practice.

• Self-Confidence & Self-Expression – Provides an outlet for personal storytelling, creative exploration, and identity-building.

• Anxiety & Stress Relief – Engages the brain’s creative and sensory pathways to reduce distress and promote relaxation.

 

These personalised sessions cater to each individual’s needs and interests, ensuring a supportive and engaging creative experience.

Teaching

My venture into art education began in 2016 when I embarked on teaching art within the Sunbury community. This endeavor has been a privilege, allowing me to witness the remarkable growth of emerging artists as they evolve into confident creators, eventually exhibiting their own works. Equally astounding is the ability of art to foster community engagement and alleviate mental health challenges. My commitment lies in creating an environment where students feel safe and included, empowering them to delve deep into their creative potential. Testimonials from my exceptional students speak to the positive impact of my teaching approach.

Please see my current classes here

Artistic Journey & Achievements

My artistic journey commenced in the late 1990s as an illustrator, gradually evolving into the creation of commissioned portraits over two decades. However, it was a transformative moment in 2013 when I engaged in comprehensive training under the tutelage of renowned American artist David Kassan. This experience ignited the confidence needed to wholeheartedly pursue my artistic practice.

Since that pivotal juncture, my creative journey has been marked by prolific accomplishments, including two solo exhibitions and participation in over 25 group exhibitions. I've achieved recognition as a finalist in numerous esteemed art competitions and have been honoured with several grants to advance and diversify my artistic repertoire. My skills extend across multiple mediums, encompassing graphite, charcoal, pastels, acrylics, and oil paints.

See more at www.shaydowner.com.

I invite you to connect with me, and together, we can explore the boundless realms of creativity and self-expression. Please subscribe to my email list at the bottom of the page or contact me directly. I look forward to working with you.