workshops / group programs

For more information and to book please contact Alison Clift on 0418 405 099 or email alisonhorselife@gmail.com

This experiential adult group program is jointly facilitated by Alison Clift and Katrin Terton who share a passion for equine assisted, nature-based, and expressive arts experiences. It is designed to support self-exploration and self-discovery while connecting to self, nature and others assisted by equine encounters and artmaking.

Some activities will take place outdoors in the paddocks and involve some walking on uneven but flat terrain (weather permitting) or in the barn area. Appropriate clothing (long pants) and enclosed sturdy footwear is required. Activities will include direct contact with horses (e.g. touching) and use of natural materials such as leaves, seeds, bark, stones, horse hair etc. The workshop price includes all art materials, morning and afternoon tea and a light lunch.

Artistic or equine skills and experience are not required.

Alison is passionate about helping people to live their best lives, she brings over 30 years’ experience of developing individuals and groups into her sessions. She has worked in schools, military, public and private sectors. More recently she has worked with Noosa Confidential, a holistic, integrated, residential program, alongside her private clients. For the last ten years her focus has been working together with her horses, creating experiential interactions designed to support clients discover more about themselves and their relationships, building reconnection in the present and embodied emotional awareness. Horses are naturally non-judgemental, present, and highly aware of their surroundings and the energies around them. Participants interact with them on the ground and in nature, in a safe, playful environment. Alison trained in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) modality and now holds designations with Arenas for Change (ARCH). Alison holds a masters degree in counselling and is currently undertaking further study in trauma informed, somatic sand therapy and symbol work.

Katrin is a trained art therapist and also holds a masters level qualification in counselling. She acquired her bachelor degree in art therapy in Germany where art therapy has long been established. She has worked in private practice overseas and in Australia, currently on Bribie Island (click here fore more information) and is also a tertiary lecturer at Ikon Institute of Australia as part of the bachelor and diploma of art therapy courses. Her particular interests are trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression and peri-natal care. Katrin is also an exhibiting artist with a focus on sculptural work using natural materials and found objects. She has a particular interest in the power of art and creative expression, exploration of individual perception as well as impermanence and transformation. Art has always been a big part of Katrin's life and as practicing artist and counsellor specialising in expressive therapies she has a passion for engaging with others through art in various ways. In recent years she developed and facilitated experiential workshops in collaboration with blind art enthusiast Geoffrey Munck, designed for anyone with an interest in process-oriented, multi-sensory, creative exploration. These experiences generate opportunities for a richer understanding of how we individually perceive and conceptualise our world through all of our senses which can increase communication and mutual understanding. Katrin currently undertakes further training in trauma-informed and developmentally aware approaches such as guided drawing and work at the clay field.

“To practice any art, no matter how well, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” -  Kurt Vonnegut

You are invited to the Open Studio to develop new understandings about creativity and its benefits for health and wellbeing. This setting is intended for anyone looking for creative inspiration, social connection and arts-based mindfulness while engaging in creative expression in a relaxed environment. The focus is on the creative process, playful exploration of materials and techniques, and self-discovery, rather than working towards a specific outcome. Artistic skills or experience are not required. Please bring an apron or wear old clothes if you are concerned about stains. 

When: Monthly sessions, Saturdays, 2pm - 5pm (see time table via booking link below)

Where: Katrin Terton Art & Therapy, Bellara

Investment: $90 per session plus ticket processing fee. Cost includes art materials, tea and biscuits.

Spaces are limited. Book now to secure your spot.

Please click here for enquiries.