Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Asoka Whitwell

Central Coast

Summary

Experienced Art Therapist and Counsellor skilled in leading individualized and group art therapy sessions to enhance emotional well-being through creative expression. Proficient in trauma-informed care, problem-solving, and integrating art therapy into holistic care plans. Demonstrates self-motivation and adaptability. Passionate about developing customized programs that foster engagement and improve mental health outcomes.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Counsellor| Registered Art therapist

Victim Services NSW
07.2024 - Current
  • Provided crisis intervention services when needed during sessions or appointments
  • Provided a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their feelings through creative expression
  • Created individualized treatment plans for patients based on their needs and goals
  • Adhered to ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations while providing therapeutic services

Group Facilitator/Registered Art Therapist

Berkeley Vale Private Hospital
12.2023 - Current
  • Leads check-in and inpatient art therapy session on mental health ward ensuring patient engagement and therapeutic progress
  • Documents detailed progress notes, contributing to patient care plans and treatment outcomes
  • Facilitates group therapy, fostering a supportive environment for patient recovery
  • Utilizes art therapy techniques to address patient needs, achieving measurable improvements in mental health

Registered Art Therapist

Creative Happenings
12.2017 - Current
  • Facilitated art therapy groups at The Glen for Women, fostering self-expression and self-awareness among participants
  • Actively contributed to Family Fun Day event at The Glen for Women enhancing community engagement and promoting art therapy awareness
  • Implemented personalized treatment plans
  • Facilitated collaborative community artwork for Coastal Fusion, 2024
  • Facilitated collaborative community artwork for Blue Haven Multicultural Festival at Blue Haven Public School, 2024
  • Conducted in-depth1:1 sessions with young and adolescent clients, tailoring therapeutic approaches to individual needs
  • Led individual art therapy sessions for youth, enhancing emotional well-being and coping skills
  • Tracking client progress and adjusting strategies to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes

Registered Art Therapist

Aurrum Aged Care
01.2024 - 10.2024
  • Lead art therapy groups at multiple sites, enhancing emotional well-being of aged care residents
  • Developed customized art therapy programs, boosting creative expression and resident engagement
  • Collaborated with staff to integrate art therapy into holistic care plans for improved outcomes

Registered Art Therapist

Newcastle Music & Art Therapy
01.2022 - 11.2023
  • Conducted individualized art therapy sessions with NDIS participants, fostering emotional growth and self-expression through creative techniques

Registered Art Therapist

Toronto Private Hospital
02.2022 - 10.2023
  • Experience in mental health settings
  • Led inpatient and day program art therapy sessions, integrating creative approaches with clinical assessments to enhance patient care within a multidisciplinary mental health, healthcare setting
  • Created a nurturing environment in group sessions, empowering patients to express emotions and develop coping strategies through artistic mediums
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments using DASS and HoNOS tools, providing critical insights for tailored treatment plans and progress tracking

Registered Art Therapist

The Central Coast Local Health District
03.2021 - 03.2023
  • Conducted art sessions for CoastCanCare
  • Conducted7-8 week art therapy program
  • Co Facilitated with staff and management artwork for Patient Experience Week across Gosford, Wyong, Long Jetty and Woy Woy Hospital

Registered Art Therapist

Brisbane Water Private Hospital
01.2021 - 12.2022
  • Experience in mental health settings
  • Led inpatient and day program art therapy sessions, integrating creative approaches with clinical assessments to enhance patient care within a multidisciplinary mental health, healthcare setting
  • Created a nurturing environment in group sessions, empowering patients to express emotions and develop coping strategies through artistic mediums
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments using DASS and HoNOS tools, providing critical insights for tailored treatment plans and progress tracking

Registered Art Therapist

Benevolent Society
08.2021 - 01.2022
  • Establishing what art therapy can offer for NDIS participants

Registered Art Therapist

Early Links
04.2021 - 05.2021
  • Conducted individualized art therapy sessions with NDIS participants, fostering emotional growth and self-expression through creative techniques

Education

Masters of Art Therapy -

Western Sydney University
01.2020

Bachelor of Fine Arts - undefined

University of Newcastle
01.2006

Skills

  • Art Therapy
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Professional boundaries
  • Individual Counseling
  • Group facilitation
  • Mental health awareness
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Case Documentation
  • Client rapport
  • Time Management
  • Flexibility
  • Teamwork
  • Reliability
  • Problem Solving
  • Organization
  • Self-Motivation
  • Creative Expression
  • Emotional resilience
  • Stress reduction
  • Mindfulness techniques
  • Artistic Techniques

Timeline

Counsellor| Registered Art therapist

Victim Services NSW
07.2024 - Current

Registered Art Therapist

Aurrum Aged Care
01.2024 - 10.2024

Group Facilitator/Registered Art Therapist

Berkeley Vale Private Hospital
12.2023 - Current

Registered Art Therapist

Toronto Private Hospital
02.2022 - 10.2023

Registered Art Therapist

Newcastle Music & Art Therapy
01.2022 - 11.2023

Registered Art Therapist

Benevolent Society
08.2021 - 01.2022

Registered Art Therapist

Early Links
04.2021 - 05.2021

Registered Art Therapist

The Central Coast Local Health District
03.2021 - 03.2023

Registered Art Therapist

Brisbane Water Private Hospital
01.2021 - 12.2022

Registered Art Therapist

Creative Happenings
12.2017 - Current

Bachelor of Fine Arts - undefined

University of Newcastle

Masters of Art Therapy -

Western Sydney University
Asoka Whitwell