Nuraishah Binte Abdullah, MA, AThR
MA (Art Therapy)
BSci (Psychology)
Welcome to Attuned Space Art Therapy.
This site is a business portfolio to share about myself and my practice as an art therapist.
I will share with you my experiences, what I love to do, what art therapy is (and isn’t!) and how you can reach me if you are interested for yourself or the clients you support.
NZBN: 9429051752552
About Me
(She/Her)
After graduating with BSci (Psychology) in 2005, I worked in several community agencies and public service doing community engagement, case management and counselling. My clients were mainly at-risk youths, adults and families, with the latest in Singapore Prison Service. Over the years, I learn how to conduct both individual and group counselling sessions, using psychological-based approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). I find that no matter where I worked, the end goal remain similar and that is to support and empower clients to live the lives they hope for.
I left correctional work in August 2021 to pursue Master of the Arts (Art Therapy) studies, awarded by Goldsmiths, University of London and delivered at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. The programme prepared me to practise as an art therapist of which I am passionate about. I am a registered member of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).
I am based here in Christchurch, New Zealand where this is home. Currently on the side, I am a service provider (contract basis) at 2 places:
- Ignite Aotearoa via their online platform, Ignite Wellbeing. Ignite Aotearoa is a modern, digital EAP provider offering subscription-based access to organisations wanting to offer a broad, effective range of tools to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of their employees.
- Mindful Connections. Mindful Connections is a local group practice which offer a diverse range of therapy models for clients via online platforms.
I have also listed my services on Talkingworks.NZ, Psychology Today, Victim Support Unit, New Zealand (VSU), Bark and Clearhead.
My artwork during
Overview
Art therapy
- In art therapy, we use the power of creativity, imagination & self-expression through various art mediums
- As such, our tools are the visual arts such as painting, drawing, creating sculptures, engaging in fabric art like weaving and more
- Where appropiate, we can also include sensorial or mess-making play
Potential benefits
- Art therapy can increase one’s emotional awareness & achieve a sense of regulation
- It may help one to regain self-control
- Where words are limited or not possible to be used, art materials and processes can be effective communication tool for the person
- We can conduct art therapy in different models- individuals, dyads, family and groups
Addressing common myths
01. ‘Artistic types’ are best suited to creative arts therapies
It isn’t about the artistic knowledge or ability. It is about being able to access imagination & creativity for improvement which, under the sensitive support by a trained creative arts therapist, it is possible to do so.
02. Creative arts therapies are without a scientific basis.
There is a great body of evidence-based research that has been done for years. Art therapy itself have been around since the 1940s. Check out www.anzacata.org for more articles and information about it.
03. Art therapists will interpret the artwork done in the sessions.
It is a collaborative partnership between the art therapist and client, to empower the client to do his/her/their own sense-making.
04. Art therapy sessions are just like arts and crafts workshops.
Art therapy is a mental health profession which requires the therapist to undergo a Master’s degree and accumulate certain number of hours of supervised client contact. The therapist will use their training experience and understanding of materials, art processes and more, to support clients’ needs during the sessions.
My approach
I work on holding safe spaces for adults in dealing with issues such as inter/intrapersonal relationships, stress management, anxiety and recovering from past addictions.
With these issues, I help you find clarity about how your past affect your current struggles. I support you to explore your inner child so that he/she/they can find the space to be heard and witnessed. I explore with you ideas and ways to express and regulate your emotions in healthier ways. I can work alongside with you to navigate crossroads when you need to make certain decisions. Being vulnerable in therapy can feel daunting but I will make room for you to speak, act, think and express without judgement.
Guided by ethics and the 4 values below, I intent to walk alongside with you so that you can make sense of your experiences.
psychodynamic principles
Looking at the unconscious psychological processes and/or unresolved past conflicts as influences on behaviour
evidence-based practices
Keeping up with the latest research findings and recommendations through established publications and journals
Culturally sensitive
Being open to the nuances of different cultural practices and values, even within my own racial/religious community
Gentle attuning to present moment
Ensuring that I listen with my body and not just the ears
Images in the centre are created by Racool_studio and prostooleh respectively
I encourage new clients to email me so we can schedule a 15-20 minutes chat (free of charge) to see if we are the right fit for each other. If you are not, I can offer to help you find someone else I may know of who might be in a better position to support you. If you are, that’s great! We can proceed to schedule our 1st session, including going through a confidentiality and consent form.
I usually begin my session with a mood check-in and welcome you to share on what brings you to the space. To find a focus for the day, I will use questioning and counselling technqiues or offer to use art if that might work better for you. This means that we don’t have to use art for every session.
When it comes to art making/directives, I prefer this to be client-led but I will be with you every step of the way to provide therapeutic support and intervention. My stance is as a client, you have the power to choose and I as your art therapist can offer suggestions, where feasible.
At times, words can be difficult to express yourself and if art making is the only process you wish to do for that day, I am open for that as well and will journey with you, ensuring that you are safe and supported in the sense-making.
therapy fees and slots
Currently for direct bookings with me, I offer my services at these rates (no GST) for clients based in New Zealand and elsewhere around the world except for the US and its protectorate.
I accept bank transfer or cash. Invoice will be sent to you within 24 hours after the session has ended. Do note to make payment within 24 hours thereafter. at the moment, I do not accept payment through any insurance companies.
Cancellation policy
I understand that life can throw us a curveball unexpectedly. If you cancel the appointment more than 24 hours notice, no fees will be charged. We can reschedule to another date and time. However, any cancellation less than 24 hours will still be charged to you, to honour myself and the preparation I make prior to the session. I seek your kind understanding about this.
therapy rates
individual
IN-PERSON
NZD $130/hour
Online
NZD $100/hour
GROUP
in-person
NZD $150/hour
Online
NZD $120/hour
therapy slots (in-person)
9.30am / 11.30am
Tuesdays, Thursdays
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
9.30am / 11.30am / 1.30pm
therapy slots (online)
Day and time of session can be
further discussed with me
6.00pm / 8.00pm
Mondays to thursdays
Therapy space
I am now seeing clients for in-person sessions at my very own therapy space. It is situated in Christchurch City Central, with the Arts Centre and Art Gallery just minutes away. Truly convenient to get some inspiration!
I hope that this space can provide clients a sense of comfort and consistency. This being said, I remain available to see clients virtually if that works better.
let’s connect
Let’s connect and walk together on your journey of finding hope and healing. Drop me an email or LinkedIn message today.
I take great care to respond to all enquires. Do check your email spam folder in case my replies are there :)
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