ART THERAPIST

KATE PALMER

Mental Health Social Worker & Art Therapist

Kate is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Art Therapist and Acceptance and Commitment Therapist with over 12 years of experience working in paediatrics, young adults and families experiencing grief and loss, bereavement, chronic pain/illness, anxiety, depression and trauma.

Kate gained her undergraduate with first class honours from the University of Queensland in her Social Work degree in 2010. She went on to dedicate years and further training in paediatric oncology and the paediatric brain injury unit within the tertiary hospital system. In 2016 while working in the paediatric brain injury unit, it was clear that patients needed a non-verbal option for therapy and so decided to undertake a Masters in Mental Health and Art Therapy to diversify her skill set, opening up opportunity for non-verbal therapy particularly with children and young adults.

Through Kate’s journey, she has had the fortunate opportunity to establish the Art Therapy program in the Mater Young Adult Centre and Clarence St (Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Unit) and led clinical research alongside the University of Queensland looking at the efficacy of Art Therapy and creative approaches in health care. Kate has undertaken training in the effective use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Psychotherapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Somatic Therapy, Grief and Loss Counselling, Trauma informed therapy, Mindfulness approaches and other Focused Psychological Strategies.

Art therapy is a powerful modality that can offer a unique way for patients to explore, express and process difficult emotions and life experiences. Sometimes words aren’t enough, or there simply are no words to describe a situation. This modality allows you to move past the words and explore this using a variety of art mediums.

No two clients are the same. Kate’s approach reflects this, tailoring her practice and approach to meet each client’s individual needs while recognising that accessing therapeutic support can be daunting and often a very new experience for some. Her goal is to provide a peaceful, safe and nurturing space that clients will feel comfortable to explore and process these difficult emotions and life experiences.

Kate is currently offering clinic appointments, telehealth and home visits – if you’d like more information please visit www.creativeunderstanding.com.au or contact Kate on info@creativeunderstanding.com.au

To make an appointment:

Phone 07 3876 2100