Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy where you can use art materials to improve mental health and address emotional difficulties. It is important to differentiate between Art Therapy and an Art Class and to help the participant understand the purpose of the sessions.

There are some ways that you can help with this

Before making a referral

Tell the person you are supporting that you have noticed they are having some difficulties lately, for example; you have noticed they look sad, worried or angry a lot of the time.

Explain to them that therapists are professionals that are trained to help people with these sorts of difficulties, they can help to solve problems and find new ways of coping.

Explain that art therapists are not art teachers, they don’t care if you’re not good at art, they want to help you to be the kind of person you want to be.

Art therapists use all kinds of art materials and processes to help people, the participant may need to tell the art therapist a little bit about the problem so that they can help. It’s ok to talk in art therapy.

Art therapy can be fun, but it can also be challenging because it’s not about avoiding your problems. Art therapists understand that it is often hard to think and talk about things that are upsetting to you and are good at helping people find other ways to express and cope with things that are very painful.

When they are going to therapy please remember that

The Art Therapy room is a confidential space for people to express feelings and address problems, there is no expectation that the participant will make ‘good’ art.

Please be aware that well intended questions such as, “what did you make/do?” Do not honour the clients right to a confidential service. A better question to ask is, “did you find it helpful?”

We ask parents and support people to help us with informed consent by referring to the appointment as therapy. It helps to remind the participant that they can talk to the therapist about anything, and that the therapist is there to help with life’s problems.

Suggesting to participants that they make a specific painting or object in art therapy is inappropriate and undermines the purpose of the therapy. Avoid comments that may confuse the clients as to the purpose of therapy.

P rivacy Statement

Pelican Arts is committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of all clients in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW), and professional guidelines from Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), the AASW Code of Ethics, and the ANZACATA Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

This statement explains how we collect, store, use, and manage your personal and health information in compliance with Australian law and professional standards for allied health and therapeutic practices.

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Collection of Information

Pelican Arts collects personal and health information to provide high-quality art therapy and mental health services. This may include:

• Personal details (e.g., name, address, phone number, date of birth)
• Medical, psychological, and social history
• Information shared during therapy sessions (e.g., case notes, treatment goals)
• Referrals and correspondence from other health professionals (with your consent)

Why We Collect This Information:

• To provide safe, individualised therapeutic services
• To develop and review treatment plans
• To comply with legal obligations under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and other relevant legislation

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Use and Disclosure of Information

Your information is collected and used exclusively for therapeutic purposes and professional record-keeping. Pelican Arts will only share your information:

• With your explicit consent
• When required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting, subpoenas, or to prevent serious harm)
• To meet ethical obligations, in line with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

Confidentiality is central to our practice. Pelican Arts ensures that client information is handled in accordance with professional standards and the ethical guidelines of AASW and ANZACATA.

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Storage and Security of Information

Pelican Arts uses secure digital systems to store your personal and health information. These systems comply with Australian health record standards, the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW), and AHPA best practices.

Security Measures Include:

• Encrypted, password-protected digital systems for case notes
• Secure servers located within Australia
• Regular system updates and audits to maintain security and compliance

Only authorised personnel have access to your information, and they are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.

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Retention and Disposal of Records

Pelican Arts adheres to strict guidelines for the retention and secure disposal of health records in compliance with AASW, ANZACATA, and AHPA standards:

• Adult clients: Records are retained for a minimum of 7 years after the last session.
• Clients under 18 years: Records are retained until they reach the age of 25.

At the end of these retention periods, records are securely destroyed to protect your privacy.

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Your Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), you have the right to:

1. Access Your Information: Request access to personal or health information we hold about you.
2. Correct Your Information: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
3. Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent for the collection or use of your information, where lawful and practical.

To exercise these rights, please contact us directly using the details provided below.

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Ethical Standards and Informed Consent

Pelican Arts follows the ethical standards set out in the AASW Code of Ethics, the ANZACATA Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, and the AHPA Private Practice Guidelines.

Informed Consent:

• You will be fully informed about how your information is collected, stored, and used.
• Consent is obtained before therapy begins and reviewed as needed during the therapeutic process.

Confidentiality is upheld at all times, balancing professional duties with legal and ethical responsibilities.

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Complaints and Concerns

If you have any concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact us at:

• Phone: 0410 772 058
• Email: Kate@PelicanArts.com.au

If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

• Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 363 992

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Contact Details

For any questions or to access or update your personal information, please contact Pelican Arts:

• Phone: 0410 772 058
• Email: Kate@PelicanArts.com.au
• Website: www.pelicanarts.com.au

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Relevant Legislation and Resources

Here are links to the Acts and guidelines referenced in this Privacy Statement:

1. Australian Privacy Act 1988: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2023C00114
2. Australian Privacy Principles (APPs): https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles
3. Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW): https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2002-071
4. AASW Code of Ethics: https://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/1201
5. ANZACATA Code of Ethics and Professional Practice: https://www.anzacata.org/ethics
6. AHPA Privacy Guidance: https://ahpa.com.au/privacy-policy/
7. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): https://www.oaic.gov.au

At Pelican Arts, our commitment to your privacy is paramount. We adhere strictly to the Information Privacy Act 1988, ensuring that all personal information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.

We keep your name and contact details on your consumer record. Other details such as case notes, care plan, and information about the services you receive, and low-resolution images of artworks are recorded in a secure file each time you visit. We are required to keep this information for 7 years after you finish therapy or until you turn 25. Your information can only be seen by the professionals in this service involved in your care.  Aspects of your therapeutic process may be discussed with your therapists clinical supervisor.  You can request access to this information by contacting us in writing.

We  only release information about you if you agree or if required by law, such as in a medical emergency or if we believe you or another person is at risk of serious harm.

Any artwork you create belongs to you. It will not be photographed (other than for case notes), published or displayed without your consent. You may keep your artwork at Pelican Arts while you are a client of their service. Reasonable care will be taken to ensure the work is kept confidential and safe from damage. We will not be able to store artworks after you cease to be a client of Pelican Arts and request that clients take their artwork with them at their last session.

You have a say in what happens to your information. We rely on the information you give us to help provide the right care for you. If you decide not to share some of your information or restrict access to your consumer record, this is your right, but it may affect our ability to provide you with the best possible services. Talk to us if you wish to change or cancel your consent.

You have a right to request access to your information and to ask for it to be corrected if necessary. Please talk to one of our staff if you have any other questions or complaints about what happens to your information while you are our consumer, or if you wish to access your record.

Child safety

Pelican Arts believes all children  should be safe, happy, and empowered. We are committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early. The safety  of children and young people is everyone’s responsibility.

Equality

Pelican Arts values the  contribution that all people make to society regardless of their background. If you think you are being ignored, made to feel uncomfortable or discriminated against because of your age, gender, sexuality, culture,  religion or abilities please bring it to our attention so we can address the issue.

Complaints and suggestions

It is important to us that we provide the best service possible to our clients and we will always listen to you no matter how big or small the problem is. You can  speak with us directly, through a support person, in writing, or you can ask for a feedback form. We will try to keep you informed about what we are doing about your suggestion or problem and may ask for more feedback from you. You also have the right to  make a formal complaint to the ANZACATA, the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner in your state or the NDIS. 

The NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission can be contacted by phoning: 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines) or TTY 133 677 or by completing an online complaint from their website https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/   Interpreters can be arranged.

 

To become a professionally registered Art Therapist one must complete a post graduate Masters Degree in Art Therapy. This means, in order to study art therapy at an industry recognised level one needs to have first completed a Bachelor Degree in a related profession. All professionally registered art therapists have experience and qualifications in another profession prior to becoming an Art Therapist.

Kate Cotching is also a Social Worker (BSW) and an Artist (MFA). This background is what Pelican Arts is built upon. Kate regularly brings social work knowledge and skill base into her practice by working with the client on interpersonal or social issues.

Social workers have a crucial part to play in improving mental health services and mental health outcomes for participants. They bring a distinctive social and rights-based perspective to their work. Their advanced relationship-based skills, and their focus on personalisation and recovery, can support people to make positive, self-directed change.

As well as her membership with the Australian, New Zealand, Asia Creative Arts Therapist Association (ANZACATA),  she holds a membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Social Workers and Art Therapists have so much in common, both take a psychosocial approach to their practice and both are concerned with social justice and equality.

“Social workers are trained to understand and assess that the mental illnesses experienced by individuals, families, groups and communities are not caused or determined by a single factor.”

“Social workers maintain a dual focus in both assisting with and improving human wellbeing; and addressing any external issues (known as systemic or structural issues) that may impact on wellbeing, such as inequality, injustice and discrimination.” (AASW, Scope of social work practice)

Language is no longer a barrier to accessing art therapy.  Pelican Arts now has access to telephone interpreters.

We welcome non-English speakers to contact us to find out more about art therapy.

If you need an interpreter, please call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call Pelican Arts on 0410772058.

You can also visit the TIS National website for translated information about the service TIS National provides. Visit: www.tisnational.gov.au