Marie Menzies is an experienced art therapist, behaviour specialist and yoga chi gung instructor working in the Byron and Tweed Shires, NSW, and Gold Coast, QLD.  Marie runs art therapy groups for adults and children and provides private one-on-one sessions for individuals, couples and families. 

~ Marie is currently on maternity leave, however she is happy to be contacted via email for any queries ~

Marie Menzies - Art Therapist

ART THERAPY

In 2013 Marie completed a Master of Art Therapy with LaTrobe University, Melbourne and is a registered art therapist with ANZCATA, the Australia & New Zealand Creative Arts Therapist Association. To become a member of the organisation, creative art therapists are required to meet specified training and counselling experience and continue professional development whilst upholding the association's ethical standards. More information can be read about ANZCATA at www.anzcata.org.au.
 

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 (predominately ASD).  

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. Information about Yoga Chi Gung can be read at www.yogachigung.com.au.

 

Experience and Skills

Marie 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. Marie has worked with adult cancer patients in an inner city Melbourne hospital; including 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.

Marie has over 5 years experience working creatively with children with special needs (including Autism, intellectual impairment and aggressive behaviours) in the primary education system; facilitating creative arts groups with a focus on identity, friendships and anger management.

 

Marie's Art Therapy Practice

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 about these.  If the necessary time is taken to listen, inquire and honor this communication 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 further developed a respectful and evidence-based practice for exploring personal narratives through the use of art materials, creative experiences, counselling, mindfulness and relaxation.

Theoretical understandings embedded in Marie's art therapy practice include:

  • narrative therapy

  • existenialism

  • psychodynamic psychotherapy