Creative Matrescence

Strengthen your support network and feel better prepared for matrescence: your transition into motherhood.

• Connect with other pregnant mothers
• Explore, express and create meaning using a range of art materials
• Develop a deeper connection with your creative self
• Feel more empowered, seen and witnessed
• Build self-acceptance and confidence
• Access new tools for problem solving

Bangalow, Northern New South Wales, Australia

This five-week Art Therapy group will provide space to reflect, create, and find meaning in your pregnancy journey and preparation for birthing. Facilitated by Qualified Creative Arts Therapist Amanda Scott, the group offers the opportunity to explore common perinatal mental health challenges and themes such as identity, body changes, relationships, hopes, fears, strengths and celebration.

Explore new tools for your wellbeing, guided through creativity. Create weekly connections, develop a safe environment and provide a space for honesty, vulnerability and connecting with one another deeply.

This course is suitable for any stage of pregnancy the course is focussed on well-being, providing a safe space for meaning making and companioning.

No previous art making experience is required.

Accessibility

The Bangalow RSL Hall is user friendly to those with a disability and is ground level accessible. Please contact us directly to discuss any additional needs you may have and we will do our best to cater to your individual needs.

Amanda Scott is a Creative Arts Therapist, Facilitator and Youth Worker and Mother. With 14+ years facilitation experience, Amanda is passionate about creativity for wellbeing, self-discovery & connection, focusing on meaning making through creativity as a way to make sense of experiences.

Amanda has supported many women through the transition into motherhood, through pregnancy, postpartum and has companioned women through the grief of fertility challenges and pregnancy loss. Amanda is a mother of an energetic toddler and is passionate about supporting and nurturing mothers’ while they undertake this very important role.

Amanda offers tailored one on one sessions and themed workshops, such as Creative Matrescence, Creative Transitions, Creative Journaling and Vision Boards in Northern New South Wales and Melbourne, Victoria.

Amanda practices from a strengths based empowerment model, that by exploring yourself, your values and symbols, you can connect with your own strengths and live a meaningful life.

1. I can’t draw and I’m no good at art. Can I still come to this workshop?

Yes of course you can! You don’t need any artistic talent or experience for art therapy.

The creative process is just that- a process. Art therapy intends to allow the creative process to be the focus of art making.

By taking away the need to produce “art”, the pressure of making aesthetically pleasing works that will be judged dissipates.

By allowing the process to be the focus, your internal messages, insights and emotions feel safe to emerge. The often spoken about block to art making is the belief and fear that “I am not creative” or “I am not artistic” “I can’t draw” “I am bad at art”.

These collective and common beliefs can hinder the benefit of creativity. If we can accept these judgements and allow them to be there, then the power they have over us in our art making process is reduced.

It is for you to express your truth, and map your journey through this life. There is nothing wrong with you or needing improving. Every piece of art you create has its own voice, impact and expression, which are all valid.

If we can create from this place, we will be able to feel even more power from the healing of the creative process.

3. I want to come but I don’t have the finances to come at the moment.

If this is something you are interested in, then we can set up a payment plan. If finances are the only thing holding you back then we chat about how we can make it work. Please get in touch.

4. What do I bring with me to the workshop?

All materials are provided, so you don’t need to bring anything at all. If you do notice images or words over the next few weeks that you are drawn to, feel free to bring them along, but it is not necessary.

We have plenty of varied materials to choose from.