Marie Menzies (She/her)
art therapist
Marie's first overseas adventure to Holland sparked a curiousity in human nature, our cultural binds and the emotional experience we hold within our bodies and subconscious. Her teaching experience further reinforced that our behaviour is the body communicating with us. If the necessary time is taken to quieten our experiences to listen, inquire and honor this communicative relationship, we can tap in to our inner wisdom that is intuitive and unique to us all.
Marie's yoga teachings and art therapy studies have further enhanced a respectful and evidence-based practice for exploring personal narratives.
Theoretical understandings embedded in Marie's art therapy practice include:
* narrative therapy
* phenomenological art therapy
* psychodynamic psychotherapy
Marie has a particular interest in supporting the LGBTIQA community, sexual health and survivors of sexual trauma, as well as birthing mothers and partners.
ART THERAPY
Marie completed a Master of Art Therapy with LaTrobe University, Melbourne in 2013 and is a registered art therapist with ANZACATA; the Australia, New Zealand & Asia Creative Arts Therapist Association. More information about ANZACATA code of ethics and professional members can be obtained at www.anzacata.org
Marie has worked with children impacted by homelessness in Melbourne; providing art therapy, enhanced case management and group co-facilitation exploring common themes of trauma, grief and loss, and family violence. She has over 10 years experience working creatively with children with special needs (including Autism, intellectual impairment and aggressive behaviours) in the primary education and hospital sectors; facilitating creative arts groups with a focus on identity, friendships and anger management. Marie has also worked with adult cancer patients in an inner city Melbourne hospital to provide individual and family art therapy to adults with a cancer diagnosis and carers, and facilitating and co-facilitating art therapy groups for cancer patients and carers.
PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATOR
Marie has taught for 15 years in primary schools in Queensland, Victoria and the UK, specialising in behaviour management and special needs. She has worked as a consultant for special needs within primary schools; whereby providing advocacy for children with neurodiversities, liaising with community for support and integrative needs, and mentoring primary educators and parents with resources, information and emotional support, to assist children with diverse needs and behaviour challenges in the mainstream primary schools.
YOGA CHI GUNG INSTRUCTOR
In 2011 Marie graduated as a Yoga Chi Gung teacher with CHI (Creative Health Institute, Brisbane), a yoga practice focused on internal strength, body alignment and energy movement. Yoga provides a grounded connection to self and ones environment, a stillness to connect with others, and a mindful approach to move through the day. These influences are deeply threaded through the art therapy sessions.