Friday Art Therapy Open Studio Session for Co-Regulators
Find your calm in these sessions designed for co-regulators—parents, carers, educators, and support workers reconnecting with their own calm
Date and time
Location
The Top Floor Art Studio of Unit 4
39 Crocker Drive Malaga, WA 6090 AustraliaRefund Policy
Agenda
1:00 PM - 1:10 PM
Welcome and Grounding Activity
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
Independent Creative Work
2:10 PM - 2:20 PM
Reflection and Optional Sharing
2:20 PM - 2:30 PM
Closing and Transition
About this event
Friday Co-Regulator Art Therapy Open Studio Session
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Age: 18+ Only
Description:
Are you a parent, carer, educator, therapist, or support worker who relies on your own calm to help others? This Open Studio Session is designed especially for co-regulators—those who use their nervous system to provide support, stability, and care for others with unique needs. Whether you’re a parent supporting a child with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), a special education teacher, a disability support worker, a new mother, nursing staff, or an actively supportive member within the ADHD or autistic community, this session is your time to reconnect with your own sense of calm.
In this relaxed, self-directed space, you’re invited to bring your personal A3 sketchbook or visual journal and fill it with whatever helps you unwind—doodling, collage, mindful adult colouring, sketching, or creating visual diaries. You’ll work on your own projects at your own pace, supported by a professional art therapist who’s there for guidance. The focus here is on using "I statements", connecting with the present moment, grounding in breath, and noticing sensations—all to bring you back to your own nervous system regulation. This is your dedicated time to nurture yourself without needing to be “on” for others.
Let this session be a quiet, creative sanctuary to help restore your own resilience.
What to Bring:
- A personal A3 sketchbook with thick pages to handle different mediums
- A pencil case with any materials you’d like to use (markers, coloured pencils, glue, etc.)
- Comfortable clothing and an open mind for self-exploration
- Headphones, Fidgets and Tea-filled keep-cups are welcome
LOCATION:
The Upstairs Art Studio at Unit 4
39 Crocker Dr, Malaga, WA, Australia
Location Details and Accessibility:
The purpose-built studio is located on the top floor of a multi-use warehouse. Please note that access requires climbing a set of steep stairs, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility concerns. Unfortunately, there is no lift access. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance to discuss possible accommodations.
Parking Information:
Parking is available on Crocker Drive, with street parking in the vicinity. Additional parking can be found behind the building. Please check signage to ensure compliance.
Creating a Safe and Respectful Space:
Our Open Studio is designed to be a safe, respectful, and confidential environment. We ask participants to be mindful of maintaining confidentiality regarding those they care for and, when relevant, any associated schools, clinicians or organisations. Respectful behaviour and appropriate boundaries are essential to creating a supportive space for all.
If you have a dependent who sees the art therapist for 1:1 sessions, you may still be able to attend this group session. Please contact Lynsey to discuss appropriate boundaries that can be put in place to avoid any conflict of interest or adjustments that may prevent any incidental undermining of the unconditional positive regard extended to 1:1 clients.
We look forward to providing you with a space to recharge and reconnect—see you in the studio!
Cost:
$55 per person
Refund Policy:
Please note that we are unable to offer refunds for this session. We understand that life can be unpredictable and appreciate your understanding of this policy. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns—we’re here to help make this a positive experience.
Funding Support Options:
Our Open Studio Sessions may be eligible for funding under certain NDIS categories, Carer Gateway support, or through local carer organisations in WA. If you are a primary carer and interested in attending, we recommend checking with your plan manager or contacting Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) to explore funding options. Please feel free to reach out if you need further guidance.
Frequently asked questions
This session is lovingly created for adults who support others with unique needs—whether you’re a parent, carer, educator, therapist, or support worker. It’s especially suited for those who offer calm, steady presence to individuals with neurodivergent traits like PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
Not at all! This space is about expression and relaxation, not artistic skill. Whether you’re new to art or have years of experience, the focus is on the process rather than the product. You’re invited to explore freely, without judgment or pressure.
That’s perfectly okay! While some people may use this session to draw or collage, others might find comfort in writing, poetry, or journaling. It’s all about discovering what feels right for you as a way to unwind, reflect, and connect with yourself.
This session is designed to be a space just for you, to reconnect with your nervous system and sense of self, away from the role of caregiver. We kindly ask that you attend without children so you can fully immerse yourself in this time of self-care and restoration.
Yes, there are options for individuals to access funding that may cover or offset costs for sessions like these, especially if the purpose aligns with supporting the mental health and well-being of caregivers. In Australia, there are several potential funding avenues: National Disability Insurance
No, the session fee is the same for all participants, ensuring equal access and ease for everyone who attends.
Yes, the studio provides basic materials for you to use. However, we encourage you to bring your own sketchbook and favourite art supplies to create a personal practice that you can take home and continue using as a calming tool.
Our facilitator holds a Master’s in Therapeutic Arts Practices from the Miecat Institute in Melbourne, with extensive experience in creating safe and supportive spaces for expression and healing.
Life happens! Please feel free to join us when you can; we’ll help you settle in quietly so you can ease into the session at your own pace.
To respect the needs of all participants, we ask that you don’t bring food into the studio, as some people in the group may have allergies. Feel free to have a sneaky sandwich out front of the warehouse if you’ve missed lunch or bring a smoothie into session.
Absolutely. Please feel free to bring water, tea, or any other drink that comforts you during the session.
Yes, there is one toilet located downstairs for your convenience.
Both options are open to you. Many people find that regular attendance helps build resilience and enhance their ability to self-regulate, which can support their roles as co-regulators for others. However, you’re welcome to drop in whenever it works best for you.
We encourage everyone to keep the focus on their own self-care during this session. Using "I statements" and centering on personal experiences can help maintain this as a reflective, restorative space, giving you time to fully reconnect with yourself.
If your dependent attends individual sessions with the art therapist, you’re still welcome to join. Please reach out to Lynsey in advance, so we can establish boundaries that respect both your experience and your dependent’s.