- Carl Rogers
Ms. Claire Phillipps
Art Therapist, Counsellor
Claire Samara Therapy
Woonona, Wollongong NSW 2517
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I offer gentle and attuned counselling and art therapy for adults seeking to soften into connection with their true self, to feel more authentic and connected in relationships, and to shift out of old patterns and into new ways of being.
If you're seeking support to move through anxious or depressive states, life transitions, grief & loss or to ease trauma symptoms, improve emotion regulation & nervous system health, I'd love to hear from you.
I am a registered Art Therapist & Counsellor, providing a relational approach, grounded in person-centred principles and somatic practices. I also bring with me my lived experience of healing, my relational experiences, my formal learning and work experience across various settings in mental health.
Background
Into private practice I bring my lived experience from in & out of the therapy room. I am an Anglo-Italian woman, a daughter, sister, partner & mother-to-be. I have moved through grief & therapy, having lost a parent in my early 20's, & bring deep compassion for the complexities of loss & the identity shifts we move through as adults coming into ourselves. I also bring with me learning from university: a Bachelor's in Global Studies (which lead to a stint in Spain) & a Master's in Art Therapy (inspired by my own love for creative expression & interest in psychotherapy theory). I have worked in the mental health space for the last 6 years in various roles, supporting children, teens & adults in clinical, community, NDIS & hospital settings.
Services
I work individually with adults, using either counselling or art therapy modalities, depending on your preferences.
I work online and also in person in the Wollongong region (Woonona, NSW).
My practice is informed by person-centred, client lead and trauma-informed principles. I also draw on somatic practices, Attachment theory, parts work and Intersectionality.
If you'd like to connect, find out more and discuss your needs, I'd love to hear from you! Please email me or book in via my website for a free 15 connection call.
Quality Provision
I am registered with ANZACATA (the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association) as a professional member.
I engage in yearly professional development and clinical supervision, meeting ANZACATA's requirements. I adhere to ANZACATA's code of ethics and practice.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Master's of Art Therapy - 2020 - University of Western Sydney
Modalities
Art Therapy - Attachment Theory - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Somatic Psychotherapy - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I use a person-centred approach & I follow you - I listen deeply & explore what you would like to. We cover what is happening now & what past experiences may be informing your present.
I like to also use mind-body techniques, such as body & breath awareness, to understand what is happening from the body’s perspective. This gives us deeper insight into feelings & needs, & supports us to self-soothe. Focusing on what your needs really are, & how you can meet them, or request to have them met, is an important element of our work together.
If we use art therapy, then you choose the materials & what to create, following some initial conversation. I am interested in your experience & what meaning you make, rather than interpreting your art.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
- Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association
Practice Locations
479 Princess Highway
Woonona NSW 2517
Parking outside of the Bulli Woonona School of Arts is available on the street and is unrestricted.
Appointments
Sessions are available online Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 7.30am-2pm, and on Saturdays 9am-12pm. In-person sessions are available Thursdays 8am-11am.
Fees & Insurance
Sessions for counselling or art therapy are $135.
I provide therapy through the NDIS, if your plan is self- or plan - managed.
Please get in contact to arrange a free 15 minute initial connection call.
Payment Options
Payment is made online with a debit or credit card, via the online booking system. Bank transfers are also available.
Contact Claire
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult