An easier way to start.
Arts therapy in Northcote or online, with Rachel Hiskins.
No artistic skills needed. When feelings are hard to put into words, we can begin with an image, a colour, an object, or simply a relaxed conversation.
The intro chat is free, 20 minutes, private, and carries zero obligation.
Expressive mark-making & creative arts therapy
“There is no expectation to arrive with a neat explanation or a plan. We can simply start where you are.”
You don’t have to explain everything perfectly
There are times when you know something feels difficult, but you can’t quite put it into words. You might feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply unsure where to begin.
In arts therapy, that uncertainty is welcome.
We don’t need to force words that haven't arrived yet. We might start with a conversation, an image, selecting a figurine, choosing a colour, or making a few marks on paper. Creative approaches can help thoughts, feelings, and patterns become easier to notice without pressure.
What arts therapy with Rachel looks like
Rachel combines therapeutic conversation with gentle creative invitations. You can also just chat. It is relaxed, respectful, and entirely at your pace.
Gentle & Collaborative
Rachel’s style is gentle, softly spoken, and fuelled by curiosity. She leaves ego at the door, walking alongside you rather than analyzing or judging.
Invitations, Not Demands
You never have to make art in any session. Clay, pencils, collage, or simply conversation are offered as options. You decide what feels right each time.
Move Beneath the Surface
Sometimes talking goes in circles. Creative modalities give your subconscious room to speak, untangling patterns you didn’t realise you were carrying.
Safe & Trauma-Informed
Working with care so you are not pushed beyond your window of tolerance. Your privacy, dignity, and bodily autonomy are deeply respected.
In Northcote or Online
Visit Rachel's calm Northcote room or connect securely via telehealth video from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in Australia.
NDIS Self & Plan-Managed
Eligible under Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living). We provide clear invoices for straightforward plan-manager reimbursement.
A space for your own experience
Arts therapy may be especially useful when you are experiencing:
Together, we can notice patterns and find language or meaning at your own comfortable pace.
Services & Transparent Fees
Available in person in Northcote and online Australia-wide.
Introductory Phone Chat
20 minutes · Via phone · Meet Rachel & ask any questions
Individual Arts Therapy & Counselling
60 minutes · In Northcote or Online
Creative Couples Therapy
90 minutes · Slowing down patterns together
Clinical Supervision (Practitioners)
60 minutes · PACFA Accredited Supervisor
Rachel Hiskins
Registered Arts Therapist (AThR) & Clinical Counsellor
Northcote & Online Telehealth
Creative & Experiential
Embracing art, environment, and lived experience as gentle entry points to healing.
Your first step can be small
"Hi, my name is Rachel Hiskins. I bring a creative, calm, and compassionate approach to my practice, cutting through the noise and leaving ego at the door."
With more than 10 years of experience as an arts therapist, counsellor, and clinical supervisor, my style is gentle, softly spoken, and fuelled by curiosity. I encourage our creativity and unconscious to speak up alongside traditional conversation.
You do not need to arrive with a prepared plan or know how to solve anything yet. Let’s just make a start together.
Qualifications
- •Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice — MIECAT Institute (2014–2016)
- •Certificate of Attainment in Individual & Group Supervision — RISE UP Supervision Model (2023)
- •Specialist Course in Couples Therapy — Relationships Australia (2018)
- •Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy — The Institute of Applied Psychology (2023)
- •Graduate Certificate in Experiential & Creative Arts Practice — MIECAT Institute (2014)
- •Diploma of Professional Counselling — Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (2009–2010)
- •Diploma of Transpersonal Arts Therapy — IKON Institute (2003–2005)
- •Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) — University of Maryland, USA (1998–2000)
Other Relevant Clinical Training
- •Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Level 1 & 2 Clinical Foundations (2020)
- •Foundations of Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT) — Stanford University School of Medicine (Early Life Stress & Resilience Program)
- •Clinical Supervision Training — The Bouverie Centre
- •IMAGO Relationship Therapy — Imago Institute for Relationships (2019)
- •Collaborative Couple Therapy Workshop by Dan Wile (2017)
Common questions
Everything you might be wondering before taking that first step.
Visiting Rachel in Northcote
The practice is conveniently located on High Street in Northcote, easily reached by the Route 86 tram or Northcote train station.
The Northcote room is up a flight of stairs in an older building and isn't wheelchair accessible — we're sorry about that. Online telehealth sessions are available for everyone, and are a comfortable alternative.
Privacy, Halaxy & Your Records
Your confidentiality matters deeply. Client records, medical histories, and consent forms are securely handled through Halaxy's encrypted Australian healthcare platform.
Cancellation policy: Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to reschedule so the time may be offered to someone else.