Art Therapy
A creative space to explore, express and connect.
Move Play Learn is pleased to offer art therapy services with qualified Art Therapist, Anahita, every Friday.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a type of therapy that uses creative activities to help people explore and process their emotions. A qualified art therapist guides each session — using drawing, painting, clay work and collage as tools for expression, rather than relying on words alone.
It can be especially helpful for children who find it hard to talk about how they’re feeling. Clients work at their own pace, in their own way. No artistic experience or ability is needed.
How art therapy supports children
Children experience the world differently to adults. They often lack the vocabulary to describe what they’re feeling, and asking them to sit and talk through difficult emotions can feel overwhelming or even impossible.
Art gives them something to do with their hands while their minds process. The act of making, choosing colours, pressing clay, moving a brush, can unlock feelings and experiences that conversation alone might never reach.
For children with autism, anxiety, trauma or communication differences, this can be especially significant. Creative expression offers a way to be understood on their own terms, in a space where there’s no right or wrong answer and no pressure to perform.
Meet Anahita
Anahita Shahabi is a qualified art therapist registered with ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association). She has worked with children and adults across a wide range of needs and backgrounds, including autism, intellectual disabilities, trauma, anxiety and depression.
Her approach is warm, person-centred and unhurried. Drawing on expressive arts therapy and mindfulness, she creates a space where clients can express themselves and explore their experiences without pressure or judgment.
Sessions are tailored to each individual with no set structure and no predetermined outcome. Anahita follows the client’s lead, using whatever feels right for that person on that day. For children, the focus is on engaging at their own pace in a space that feels safe. For adults, making is often paired with gentle reflection on what comes up in the process.
FAQ's
Who can benefit?
Art therapy can support children and adults navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, autism, intellectual disability, depression, or feelings that are hard to put into words.
What can I expect?
Sessions take place in a calm, private space at the Move Play Learn clinic. Anahita works with each client to understand what they need and how they want to engage. There’s no agenda and no expectation to produce anything in particular.
For children, parents are welcome to be involved. Anahita will guide you on what works best for your child.
What's Anahita's availability?
Anahita is available at Move Play Learn every Friday from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Do you accept NDIS funding?
Yes! Anahita accepts NDIS clients, and private paying.
Getting started with Art Therapy
Art therapy with Anahita is available at Move Play Learn every Friday. To find out more or express interest, get in touch with Sara and she’ll connect you directly with Anahita.
Building a brighter future for children, one step at a time.
Move Play Learn acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
