FAQs.

Creative Connection isn’t just an art class. Creative Connection offers counselling sessions for teens, tweens and children with a Level 3 Master Counsellor. We explore emotional understanding through artistic expression. And we make it fun.

Creative Connection offers in-studio and online term-long artful counselling programs for teens, tweens, children and adults. Run by a qualified counsellor, our programs are research-driven, creative explorations to develop emotional literacy and wellbeing.

Emotional literacy is your ability to identify, understand and appropriately express emotions. It was brought to international attention in 1995 by Psychologist Daniel Gorman, author of Emotional Intelligence. These days, it’s considered a critical foundation for our intelligence and prosperity.

In every session, we talk about emotions. That is, naming and describing how we are feeling. We discuss how the feeling looks, feels, and sounds. We also talk about what to do when we feel a negative emotion. From there, the session is guided by the group’s open conversation as we create artwork. And most importantly, every session helps build emotional literacy.

Our Founder, Jen Ryan, is a Level 3 Master Counsellor and guides every session. Jen holds a Master's in Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, a Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Bachelor of Business. She is also a registered teacher with a Blue Card, NDIS Clearance Card and First Aid Certificate.

Children need to be able to sit, create and listen. Around 5-6 years of age is a great time to start. That said, each student is different and depends on the child. Our general age range guide is:

Child: 5-8 years
Tweens: 9-13 years
Teens: 13-18 years

We offer four different programs:

1. An 8-week group program called Empower.‍
2. Special school holiday sessions – these vary and are announced each term. Join our email list to get this news straight to your inbox.
3. Parent-child sessions – these are special event sessions held at night.
4. One on One personal creative counselling sessions -- available on request.

We cultivate open, safe and non-judgemental open discussion in our sessions. Each week, we focus on a different emotion or wellbeing topic. Some examples include positive self-talk, body image, friendship, communication, worry, and gratitude.

Creative Connection’s art studio with a loft break-out area is in Geebung on the north side of Brisbane. Alternatively, check out our online program to get started whenever and wherever you like!

We want participants to feel comfortable openly sharing their thoughts and experiences. And this can be easier when people outside the group can’t hear (like parents). So, parents can drop and go so they can enjoy an hour to themselves. That said, if you would like to stay, you are welcome to wait in our loft area where tea and coffee are available.

Yes. Sessions are popular, so you need to book in advance to grab a spot. Check out our In-Studio program, or start creating today via our online program.

Yes. We offer team building sessions for organisations too. Simply get in touch to discuss your needs and we can design a session just for you.

Empower Online is a series of eight 20-minute videos that you can follow in the comfort of your own home. Using everyday art materials, participants create artwork as they listen to Jen discuss the session's topic.

No. This program shows you how to be creative with the art materials you have at home. You can make something beautiful with pens, colouring pencils and paper!

Yes, Empower Online is a self-paced, on-demand program delivered as a series of videos. You can pause as you go and watch as often as you like.

Straight away! Simply view our online program and follow the steps to buy.

You will need a computer and internet connection. You will also need everyday art materials such as paper, pencils, paintbrushes, and some paints or watercolours and charcoals or crayons to create the session artwork. You can also purchase an Art Pack with more materials from Creative Connection if you like.