Well-being through Art Therapy
Hi I’m Kat,
My main focus is to guide you to achieve a balanced mind, body and soul. To attain a sense of well-being through Art Therapy. To make the invisible visible in a safe and nurturing environment. To find the tools to cope with life and to stay connected to yourself. I welcome you, regardless of your race, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation.
Everyone deserves to be their healthiest, happiest self and I wish growth and self-development for all. I am grateful to have this tool to help others.
About Kathelijne Julia
I’ve always had a great interest in psychology, so finding a study that combines both art and psychology was a perfect match for me. I am inspired continuously by what human beings can create and how they can reveal their inner world through art.
Originally from The Netherlands I have called Vietnam home for the last 11 years. Previously based in Ho Chi Minh City, I am now based in Central Vietnam.
Licensed Art Therapist
My Bachelor of Art Therapy degree is from the University of Applied Sciences in Leiden. The four-years full-time studies were anthroposophically inspired, meaning medical knowledge is integrated with anthroposophical insights. To read more about anthroposophy and art therapy in general, take a look at the section ‘About Art Therapy’.
I work in several areas linked to wellbeing, safety and therapy.
- Art therapy workshops for teams focussed on connection and nonverbal communication
- Consultations for non-profit organisations concerning therapeutic attitudes to guide teenagers with depression and anxiety.
- Safeguarding Lead and Liaison for International Schools, for children with learning disabilities
- Part of a network of mental health professionals
- Provide therapy and coaching to children with learning disabilities and other concerns
How can Art Therapy help you achieve well-being and balance
When there is a balance between our head (thinking), our heart (feeling) and our hands (acting), there is a healthy way of functioning; within ourselves, in society and in our family.
The ability to adapt and deal with life changes is important. The feeling that you can control how you cope with these changes and challenges in general, is an instrument that will create health and balance in your life and continuous growth.
In art therapy, we do not look at just a diagnosis or a problem, but we focus on the bigger picture together, client and therapist. Resilience is of great importance, it is how we bounce back from the challenges we face. This will increase inner strength and self-love.
Materials used in Art Therapy
During art therapy, different techniques and materials are used. I offer river clay for clay modelling, watercolour and acrylic paint for painting and pastel crayons, wax crayons, colouring pencils and charcoal for drawing. Within those materials, there are many different techniques and art exercises.
There is guidance from my side for all art techniques that you will be working with. Some exercises are done within a single session, whilst others are created in multiple sessions. More information about the process during art therapy can be found under ‘Process’.
Clay Modelling
River clay is a wonderful, versatile therapeutic medium that requires warmth, energy and strength. The kneeding and modeling can even be an equivalent to physical labour, at the same time it provides relaxation and excitement.
Drawing
Drawing is considered a medium that appeals to the ratio, or the mind. It is very versatile due to the many different techniques and exercises. Mandala drawing, shade techniques, layering, form drawing, perpective drawing, observation drawing. Different materials are more suitable for different techniques and exercises.
Painting
Painting connects to our feeling and emotions. Colours correspond with deeper layers of us. Watercolour, as the name already gives away, is finding a balance between paint and water. Acrylic paint is intense in colour and is great for expressive, (semi) abstract work.