Who we are
Art Therapy House and Garden is a growing community of art therapists who believe in the healing power of creativity, nature, and relationships. Our practice is grounded in a non-pathologising, strengths-based, and person-centred approach. We hold deep respect for each person as a unique individual and believe you are the expert in your own life.
Our practitioners apply their knowledge of art materials and the therapeutic relationship to support mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. We work relationally, with care and curiosity, supporting people to explore their experiences and reconnect with their strengths through the creative process.
Art Therapy House and Garden is an evolving space. While parts of our practice — including our outdoor and garden areas — are still being thoughtfully developed, our intention remains clear: to create a welcoming, grounded environment that supports reflection, creativity, and connection.
Our Space Our practice is based in Heidelberg West and has a strong connection to the local community. Originally designed as part of the athlete’s village at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, the solid timber house emanates warmth and reflects the sense of practicality, care, and longevity that have made it a nurturing family home for so many years.
Like the people who come here, the house has been shaped over time.
Today, the space includes three therapy rooms and an evolving outdoor area. Over time, this will grow into a therapeutically designed sensory garden, thoughtfully developed to support grounding, reflection, and connection with nature. We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurrundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and through our practice, aim to continue responsible care of the earth and the life it sustains.
We honour the importance of place and community, and we see the house itself as part of the therapeutic experience — a steady, welcoming presence that holds people gently as they explore and grow.
Who we support
We work with individuals and families, including:
Children, adolescents, and adults
Families, carers, and parent–child relationships
Neurodivergent individuals
People with disabilities
LGBTIQASB+
Individuals experiencing mental ill health
People navigating trauma, abuse, grief, and loss
Those facing life transitions, identity exploration, or challenges at work or school
Organisations and communities seeking connection, growth, and collective healing
Our Approach
Our practitioners work from intersectional, trauma-informed, and evidence-based perspectives. Our strengths-based methods draw on developmental and attachment theories, psychodynamic and humanistic frameworks, narrative practice, and neuroscience.
We focus on people in context — their relationships, histories, cultures, and communities.
We do not diagnose, and we do not work from a medical model. Instead, we prioritise safety, dignity, creativity, and choice, supporting people to move toward greater understanding, connection, and wellbeing.
Meet the Team
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Sandy Dunne
Founder, Art Therapist
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Imogen Brewer
Child & Family Art Therapist
Contact us
Interested in working together or have any questions? Fill out some info, and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!