Quovus Clinic

Art Therapy is an evidence-based intervention developed in the mid 1940’s for the management of mental health disorders in both adults and children. It is widely used in Europe and the United States, but in Australia the practice of art therapy is still in its early stages.

Art therapy encourages self-discovery and emotional growth. Evolving from Freud and Jung’s theories of the unconscious, art therapy is based on the belief that visual symbols and images, are the most accessible and natural form of communicating to the human experience. During an art therapy session you are encouraged to visualise, and create, a representation of thoughts and emotions that they may not otherwise be able to articulate. With these images the art therapist helps you to explore the images to discover the unconscious messages which relates to your life and what you are focused on, with the aim to encounter insight and greater awareness.

Creative Expression Group

These group sessions are designed to support clients to use a range of artistic mediums and sample different styles of artistic expression. By encouraging artistic experimentation these sessions will help build confidence for the client to continue to express them selves artistically. These group sessions are a great introduction to art therapy.

Time Capsule

Based on the work of clinicians such as Richard Rose, these sessions are designed to enable the client to have a living record of their personal life stories. They will be helped to create a collection of artistic material (paints, photographs, video, drawing) detailing their story. Working in collaboration with therapist, caseworkers, social worker and family members to develop a time line and profile to work with.

Each session is 45 minutes – 1 hour depending on the interest and capacity of the client, with the aim for 4 sessions (the session number can be extended if required). The necessary art materials are provided for the session.

Play is one of the most important and valuable aspects of childhood, as it is critical to healthy development and learning. It is a spontaneous, often child-directed, enjoyable, voluntary activity that is not goal oriented. Through playing, children learn how to interact with the world around them. It is also the natural medium of communication for children. While adults use words to communicate, children use toys and play as the way to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Play Therapy is centred on this concept of play as being the most effective way children express themselves and its critical role in learning for a child. Play Therapy provides an opportunity for children engage is some form of play activity in an environment specifically set up to provide the materials for a child to play at their developmental level, where they can express and explore their whole self. The development and maintenance of a therapeutic relationship between child and therapist is a primary focus of play therapy and is often a major driver of change for the child.

A child participating in Play Therapy at Quovus is invited to engage in child-led play as well as play activities that involve greater direction from the therapist and are often aimed at targeting specific outcomes. The individual needs of each child are assessed and the goals and structure of therapy are designed to meet those specific needs, meaning that the play activities in therapy are adapted to suit each individual child.

Narrative Therapy underpins the therapeutic work with adolescents at Quovus. Narrative Therapy is a respectful, collaborative and empowering approach to counselling that positions young people as the experts of their own lives.

Based on the work of Michael White and David Epston, Narrative Therapy views problems as separate from people and is guided by the person consulting the therapist. It focusses on the stories of people’s lives and mapping the implications they have on the person’s past, present and future.

Adolescents accessing Narrative Therapy at the Quovus Clinic are invited to engage in creative avenues to express the stories that shape their lives and to work with the therapist to develop alternate stories that promote resilience and acceptance. Creative means for expressing stories include; art, music, sand play, drama, as well as interactive conversations to allow adolescents the best opportunity for expression and reflection.

Adolescents Therapy sessions at the Quovus Clinic will be booked for 50mins. Parent/care sessions are also encouraged as part of the therapeutic process and will focus on assisting parents/carers to support their adolescent.

Sandplay therapy is a process which is suitable for all ages. It is a medium that allows the client to explore aspects of themselves that may be difficult to vocalise, which for many is a real concern when looking for therapy. By using a tray of sand and miniture pieces, that represent many different aspects of life, the client is able to put into the tray their inner thoughts and feelings by the pieces they choose. By looking into the tray, both the therapist and the client can very quickly begin to see what is lying inside the issues that have brought them into therapy.
Sandplay therapiy identifies unspoken issues and brings solutions which can have a visual basis. There is always a solution to be found in Sandplay. As the tray is created by the client it is their own being, showing them the issue at hand and in that visual space you can help them search for the solution in that tray or they can go and find something else to add to the tray to help them. As this is all done by the client THEY are finding solutions themselves and learning to help themselves. It is a very powerful process.

What is a Family Group Conference?

A Family Group Conference is held when the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) believes that your child is in need of protection under the Children and Young People (Care and Protection Act) 1998.

A Family Group Conference brings together the most important people in your child’s life. The Conference will help you and FACS to develop a case plan to keep your child safe from harm.

The Family Group Conference is organised by a Convenor who prepares and facilitates the Conference. The Convenor is independent of FACS, who is not a departmental officer and is not Caseworker involved with your child or your family.

Who will be at the conference?

The Convenor will talk to you about who will attend the Family Group Conference. You should make sure you bring people to the conference who can support you and can help you make decisions about caring for your child.

People (other than you) who may attend the Family Group Conference include:

• your child, if they are old enough to participate
• other family members or people who have a significant relationship with your child, if it is appropriate
• your legal representative (if you have one)
• a family friend or relative to support you
• a legal representative of your child (if they have one)
• a member of your child’s local community, if your child is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• your child’s Caseworker or Casework Manager
• staff from community organisations who may support you and your child
• other professionals who may have been involved with your child, or you.

What happens at the Conference?

The Convenor will introduce everyone who is attending and tell them what will happen in the conference. Your child’s Caseworker will talk about the reasons why FACS has requested the conference.

The Convenor will invite other people at the Conference to talk and may also discuss information from people who are unable to attend the Conference.

Your family will be given some time alone to discuss the information that has been shared.

You will then be able to participate in the development of a case plan for your child, where the following points will be discussed:

• the strengths and needs of your child
• the strengths and needs of your family
• who will help you to meet these needs
• how the needs will be met
• when the needs will be addressed.

What is a Case Plan?

A case plan is a written agreement about your child’s protection and care needs, and how these needs can be met.

It is important that you come to the Family Group Conference, so that you can participate in making decisions about your child.

Typically, a case plan will set out:

• your child’s protection and care needs
• the needs of your family
• what will be done to help your child
• what will be done to help your family
• who will be helping your child and your family
• when your child and your family will receive this help.

How do you prepare for the Family Group Conference?

Before the Conference begins, you will be contacted by your child’s Caseworker or the Family Group Conference Convenor. They will talk to you about any child protection concerns FACS has about your child and you can discuss any difficulties your family may be facing.

This may help your child’s Caseworker or the Convenor to understand what is happening for you and your family, before you start the conference. This information can then be used to help develop your child’s case plan.

The Family Group Conference Convenor will contact you to organise a time and place for the Conference and help you prepare for it.

The Convenor will tell everyone who is invited to the Family Group Conference:

• what will be discussed
• why the Conference is being held
• the time and place for the Conference
• the importance of information discussed at the Family Group Conference being kept confidential.

What happens after the Conference?

A Casework Manager will review your child’s case plan before sending a copy to you and any other people involved in developing it.

Your child’s Caseworker will work with you and your child to assist you in doing the things written down in the case plan. The case plan will be reviewed within six months.

What happens if you disagree with the Case Plan?

The Convenor and your child’s Caseworker will work with you to develop the case plan. If this cannot be done at the family group conference, FACS will be responsible for preparing a case plan that best meets the needs of your child. You will be given a copy of the case plan.

At any time you can contact your child’s Caseworker to discuss the plan or any concerns about the plan.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of this contact, ask to speak with the Caseworker’s Manager.

If you are still not satisfied, you can ask to talk to the manager of your local Community service centre or the client relations officer at the department’s regional office, or lodge a formal complaint with the department.

About C Horses

C Horses provides complementary therapeutic equine interventions focusing on attunement and experiential learning. With a lifetime of experience with horses – including training, rehabilitation, competition and coaching, C Horses’ director, Camilla Mowbray has created a team of therapy horses with unique strengths and attributes. C Horses works closely with Quovus to deliver practical and effective programs that dovetail with the clinical requirements of clients.

Quovus and C Horses work together to deliver cost effective, accessible equine therapy programs to a range of clients. The programs are tailored to the needs of individual clients and groups, and are aligned with specific models of care (such as ARC) with a particular emphasis on attunement. Programs are based on an Equine Facilitated Learning model, with the addition of sensorimotor therapeutic riding and competency modules. Therapeutic interventions involving participation in equine-based programs are being used with increasing success in assisting trauma recovery for children and adults both in Australia and worldwide.

C Horses Programs

Equine Attunement

The C Horses Attunement Programs are based on an Equine Facilitated Learning model. Clients undertake practical sessions at C Horses Farm in Galston, and on alternate weeks, participate in reflective sessions at the Quovus Clinic. Programs can be designed to complement a multidisciplinary approach to learning and trauma recovery.

Applied Attunement Workshops

A program of Applied Attunement Workshops is offered to those working with and caring for children at risk, and those who have experienced trauma and adversity. Up to ten participants take part in a guided practical morning session with the C Horses Team, then workshop their experiences and learnings in a group session at the Quovus Clinic.

Equine Enrichment

Riding and off-horse activities are provided at the C Horses Farm, Galston. A sensory trail and pony playground provide enriching activities and therapeutic riding in a private setting. Further enrichment sessions can be undertaken at the Quovus Clinic – which has a dedicated equine learning and sensory centre.

Equine Competency

Some clients are encouraged to work towards certification in equine studies. This is an adjunct to regular schooling, and is part of the Equiskills program that is recognized by TAFE. Practical sessions occur at C Horses Farm, while participants are assisted in studying for the academic and theoretical components at the Quovus Clinic.

C Horses can be found at 2 Bevans Road, Galston, NSW 2159. If you have any questions regarding finding or booking any appointment please give us a call on (02) 4577 6454