Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic

Claire Phillipps

Clifton,NSW

Summary

Compassionate Art Psychotherapist with strong background helping clients in both individual and group settings overcome personal challenges and cope with triggering situations. Focused on facilitating exploration of issues, developing individualised plans and developing important skills. Experienced in case management, Therapeutic Support Plans and reports. Registered with ANZACATA

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Art Therapist

Private Practice
01.2023 - Current
  • Assessed needs of each client and developed art therapy interventions to meet needs.
  • Implemented creative art therapy activities to treat child and adult clients with experiences of neurodiversity, anxiety, OCD, Tourettes and trauma
  • Developed goal-oriented psycho-educational therapeutic activities to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Managed inventory and ordered new art supplies.
  • Talked with clients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge progress and reflect upon reactions to artistic process.
  • Maintained thorough and confidential records of therapeutic sessions and observations.

Support Coordinator

Anglicare
11.2022 - Current
  • Timely and effective liaising with the NDIA and external stakeholders (NDIS supports and community supports) to support clients to utilise and achieve their NDIS goals
  • Management of a caseload of 20 participants (over 3 days) with complex mental health
  • Helped clients manage and reach individual NDIS goals, supporting independent progression
  • Calm and effective management of high caseload with complex clients
  • Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
  • Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
  • Coordinated meetings and events for internal and external groups.
  • Engaged with clients sensitively to complete risk assessments
  • Effectively budgeting to support clients to utilise their NDIS plans
  • Provided supervision to social work students completing their placement through NDIS pathfinders program

Art Therapist

Kids Inspired
04.2022 - 11.2022
  • Assessed needs of each client and developed art therapy interventions to meet needs.
  • Implemented child-centred, trauma informed approach to support children and young people (aged 517)
  • Develop and deliver group art therapy sessions to children and adolescents (ages 5-17)
  • Provided support and guidance to art therapy student on placement
  • Management of a high case load and independent scheduling of clients
  • Competency and strengths-based approach to working with a neuro-diverse population, and those with intellectual disabilities; anxiety and depression
  • Managed inventory and ordered new art supplies.
  • Competency writing clinical case notes through client database and NDIS progress reports and completion of therapy reports
  • Competent liaising with parents/caregivers and external healthcare providers
  • Strong interpersonal skills used to work alongside a team of psychologists and other allied health professionals, including active participation in peer supervision
  • Commitment to on-going learning, supervision and professional development

Art Therapist

Child Development Solutions
02.2022 - 04.2022
  • Strong time management skills and ability to work independently as a contractor
  • Creative application of therapeutic interventions aligned with working with children and adolescents
  • Application of child-centred and neurodiversity-affirming practice delivered with warmth and empathy
  • Competency writing clinical case notes through client database and upholding client confidentiality
  • Strong interpersonal skills used to work alongside a team of psychologists and other art therapists
  • Compassionate interpersonal skills applied to liaise with parents and create therapy reports
  • Commitment to on-going learning, supervision and professional development

Therapeutic Specialist

Saviours, Anglicare
01.2021 - 12.2021
  • Practice informed by trauma-informed care, child-centred approach, attachment theory, groups theory and art psychotherapy theory
  • Developed, delivered and monitored strategies for supporting young people in an out of home care setting experiencing a range of comorbid mental health issues, PTSD and pain-based behaviours
  • Created and reviewed Therapeutic Response Plans (TRPs; previously known as Behavioural Intervention Support Plans)
  • Created risk assessments, safety plans and client mix and match assessments
  • Facilitated fortnightly reflective practice sessions with care teams (youth worker, case managers and house managers) to ensure child-centred, therapeutic care was being utilised
  • Co-facilitated monthly Clinical Development sessions for case managers and house managers respectively
  • Balanced management of a caseload of three Intensive Therapeutic Care Homes with nine young people
  • Coordinated across all levels of the organisation (young people to senior management) to ensure therapeutic care was being delivered within the service
  • Participation in Care Team Meetings and Case Plan reviews with successful collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
  • Applied cultural sensitivity and humility to all interpersonal interaction within a culturally diverse workplace
  • Liaised with external stakeholders, such as DCJ, schools and allied health professionals
  • Applied knowledge of the NSW Out of Home Care system and NSW Child Protection Legislation
  • Competent use of TCM case management system
  • Attended continued education sessions to maintain professional standards and stay up-to-date with new developments.

Art Psychotherapist - Student Placement

NSW Health - Macquarie Hospital
02.2020 - 11.2020
  • Applied knowledge of person-centred, recovery focused, trauma-informed therapeutic care
  • Planning, reviewing and collaborating to deliver co-facilitated art psychotherapy groups with adults in a mental health long-stream setting and a short-stream comorbid drug and alcohol setting
  • Treatment planning, execution and review of individual art psychotherapy sessions
  • Application of psychodynamic psychotherapeutic theory and practice, attachment theory and a trauma-informed approach
  • Applied knowledge of working with voice hearers, people experiencing psychosis, those living with chronic, comorbid mental health conditions (namely schizophrenia, schizo affective and borderline personality disorder) and those experiencing comorbid drug and alcohol issues
  • Effective engagement of interpersonal and soft skills while working across a multidisciplinary team
  • Commitment to NSW Health CORE values (collaboration, openness respect and empowerment)
  • Familiar application of the Mental Status Examination and use of NSW Health medical records
  • Commitment to continual applied learning through self-directed research, reflection and supervision

Mental Health Caseworker & Group Art Facilitator

Anglicare
01.2019 - 11.2020
  • Case work supporting people with a range of psychosocial disabilities in skills building, community access and accessing additional welfare and support services
  • Support coordination activities under the National Psychosocial Support (NPS): accessing housing, healthcare, and the NDIS
  • Effective collaboration with participants to complete needs assessments, safety plans and risk assessments
  • Competent administration and communication skills developed through liaising across the team, with other services and health care professionals
  • Facilitated directive and non-directive art as therapy groups in an acute mental health setting
  • Compassionate engagement and attuning to participants with a range of presenting symptoms
  • Collaborative approach with the Allied Health team

Mental Health Support worker

Mable
01.2018 - 01.2021
  • Engaged with children, families and adults to provide recovery-focused, person-centred disability support work
  • Documented client progress in confidential files.
  • Developed and implemented activities to help clients develop social and independent living skills.
  • Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.
  • Self-managed work load and engagement with clients; consistent and timely communication
  • Therapeutically minded support; support with life skills and community engagement

Editor and Proof Reader

Freelance
01.2018 - 01.2020
  • Use of excellent written communication skills
  • Timely and personable communication
  • Editing and proofreading EOIs, art show applications, website content and catalogues
  • Proven ability to work to deadlines
  • Competent liaising and collaboratively working with clients
  • Excellent written communication skills; competent editing and proofreading skills
  • Researched content and grammatical issues to check accuracy of information.
  • Revised work to identify missed mistakes before completing assigned assignments.

Tour Guide

Culture Scouts
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • Cultivated knowledge of history, culture and the arts relating to Inner West suburbs in Sydney.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills, with warm and personable delivery.
  • Guided groups of up to 10 people on scheduled tours.
  • Communicated professionally with customers, answering questions and addressing concerns to boost satisfaction.
  • Managed tour groups by keeping on schedule and quickly handling issues to promote positive experiences.
  • Built personal relationships with clients to promote positive experiences.
  • Provided information on various sites throughout area, relaying little-known stories to provide interest.
  • Shared historical and cultural context to keep tour informative and provide more profound understanding of area.

Art Facilitator

Ozanam Learning Centre
06.2018 - 12.2018
  • Facilitated non-directive art groups providing technical guidance where needed
  • Worked alongside rough sleepers or those at risk of homelessness, applying a person-centred, empathetic approach
  • Supported increased community engagement through assisting with art related outings
  • Collaborated with colleagues to share ideas and resources to enhance participant experience and success.

Campaign Intern

ActionAid Australia
09.2017 - 11.2017
  • Successful applicant for 3 month internship
  • Contributed to educational campaigns relating to feminism, patriarchal structures, systematic oppression and inequality.
  • Attended meetings and presentations to learn project details.
  • Completed research, gathered data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports.
  • Prepared material and effective signage for target community.
  • Organized events designed to connect new volunteers including booking, activities and invites.
  • Actively involved in the Inner West group, planning events and advocacy tactics.

Language (ESL) Teacher

MIT Institute
01.2016 - 01.2018
  • Efective classroom management, lesson planning and delivery of classes to meet outcomes
  • Empowered students in their English language abilities and Australian cultural knowledge, supporting them in achieving their employment and social goals
  • Worked as part of a team, collaborating with other teachers to plan classes and social activities
  • Independently planned, delivered and evaluated lessons for adults
  • Creative facilitation of English classes that kept students motivated and maximised learning outcomes
  • Monitored and engaged with students of varying ages, language skill abilities and cultural backgrounds

English Language Teaching Assistant

Laura Garcia de Noblejas Primary School
01.2016 - 06.2016
  • Assisted local Spanish teachers and corroborated with fellow assistants in lesson planning and lesson implementation
  • Gained invaluable skills and experience in working as part of a cross-cultural team
  • Provided instruction and support under supervision of teacher, at times running classes of up to 13 students independently
  • Mentored and tutored individual students needing additional help.
  • Successful incorporation of technology (Smartboard, Windows, Powerpoint) into daily lessons

Volunteer - Refugee Hospitality Program

Parliament on King
01.2014 - 01.2017


  • Supporting refugees, people seeking asylum and recent arrivals in a hospitality environment
  • Worked alongside recent arrivals in preparing and serving dinners for the community
  • Demonstrated cultural humility and worked across cultures to foster a sense of inclusion and acceptance

Mentor

AIME Mentoring
01.2014 - 11.2014
  • Mentoring Indigenous and Torre Strait Islander secondary students
  • Increased knowledge of contemporary Australia First Nation culture and the impacts of Colonialism
  • Promoted positive relationships between mentees and other peers and adults to encourage social resilience and connection.
  • Assisted mentees in developing self-confidence and positive self-image in relation to academic achievement

Child Caregiver

Freelance
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Child-centred care for children aged 2-14 years old
  • Collaboration with families, balancing the needs of both children and primary caregivers
  • Assistance with homework
  • Transport to and from education, appointments and extracurricular activities
  • Engaging, caring and personable involvement with children with an energetic and playful manner
  • Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
  • Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.

Education

Masters of Art Therapy -

Western Sydney University
Rydalmere, NSW
2020

Diploma of Visual Arts -

TAFE
Meadowbank
2018

TESOL Certificate IV - Teaching English As A Second Language

Tesol Australia
Online
2015

Bachelor of International and Global Studies -

University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW
2014

High School Certificate -

Bega Valley High School
Bega, NSW
2010

Skills

  • Individualized Treatment Plans
  • Therapist Collaboration
  • Client Records Management
  • Risk assessments and safety planning
  • Art Psychotherapy
  • Communication and soft skills
  • Report Writing

Affiliations

ANZACATA Full Professional Registration The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association

Professional Development

Sticky Stuff Training - Play Safe Pro - NSW Gov, 2021

Pornography and consent and young people’s development in OOHC workshop - Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF), 2021

Foundational Training in Intensive Therapeutic Care - Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF), 2021 

The Sanctuary Model training -The Sanctuary Institute, 2021 

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training - Bronfenbrenner Centre for Translational Research, Cornell University, 2021 

Responding to Child Sexual Exploitation training - Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF), 2021

Healing From Trauma workshop - NSW Communities and Justice, 2021 

Calming the Emotional Storm: Essential DBT Skills for Emotionally Dysregulated Clients - Tatra Training, 2022

Building Children’s Attachment, Empathy and Resilience webinar  - Sydney Centre for Creative Change, 2022

Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum webinar - The Neurodiversity Centre, 2022 

Archetypes of the Creative Process workshop - Stephani Stephens, the University of Canberra, 2023

Mental Health and Suicide Intervention Training (QPR) - Anglicare, 2023

Advanced Training In Suicide Prevention - Black Dog Institute, 2023

Schema Therapy Course 1: The Basic Schema Model, Methods & Treatment Strategies - Schema Therapy Australia, 2023


Timeline

Art Therapist

Private Practice
01.2023 - Current

Support Coordinator

Anglicare
11.2022 - Current

Art Therapist

Kids Inspired
04.2022 - 11.2022

Art Therapist

Child Development Solutions
02.2022 - 04.2022

Therapeutic Specialist

Saviours, Anglicare
01.2021 - 12.2021

Art Psychotherapist - Student Placement

NSW Health - Macquarie Hospital
02.2020 - 11.2020

Mental Health Caseworker & Group Art Facilitator

Anglicare
01.2019 - 11.2020

Art Facilitator

Ozanam Learning Centre
06.2018 - 12.2018

Mental Health Support worker

Mable
01.2018 - 01.2021

Editor and Proof Reader

Freelance
01.2018 - 01.2020

Tour Guide

Culture Scouts
01.2018 - 12.2018

Campaign Intern

ActionAid Australia
09.2017 - 11.2017

Language (ESL) Teacher

MIT Institute
01.2016 - 01.2018

English Language Teaching Assistant

Laura Garcia de Noblejas Primary School
01.2016 - 06.2016

Volunteer - Refugee Hospitality Program

Parliament on King
01.2014 - 01.2017

Mentor

AIME Mentoring
01.2014 - 11.2014

Child Caregiver

Freelance
01.2012 - 01.2015

Masters of Art Therapy -

Western Sydney University

Diploma of Visual Arts -

TAFE

TESOL Certificate IV - Teaching English As A Second Language

Tesol Australia

Bachelor of International and Global Studies -

University of Sydney

High School Certificate -

Bega Valley High School

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Claire Phillipps