ABOUT ETC

Expressive Therapy Clinic was founded by Megan Shiell in 2005.  The clinic focuses on delivering DBT Training to health care professionals with emphasis on the standard model of DBT. At ETC we are passionate about the use of Art making alongside the skills of DBT. We believe that adding a non-verbal approach to the verbal learning of DBT Skills enhances the learning for clients. On-line courses for health care professionals & for clients is coming soon.

WHAT IS DBT?

A key component of DBT based skills is teaching a client to stay a little longer than before with feeling emotional pain, validating and accepting their experience whilst moving towards changes in behaviours. Clients are shown how to become present with their emotions and learn how to tolerate the distress that may be experienced. DBT teaches clients how to control urges and impulsive behaviour that can harm relationships and effect their quality of life.

WHAT IS ART THERAPY?

Art Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that uses creative modalities to improve and enhance physical, mental and emotional well-being. The emphasis is on the process of creating, rather than on the end product. The art of making allows the unconscious mind to produce material that can assist clients in gaining insight into their behaviours, emotions and beliefs in the safe contained environment with an Art Therapist.

  • I learnt so much in this weekend workshop not only about different uses of art making with client groups but also about how I can add creativity to the work I do using different therapy styles. I made me think outside my usual boundaries of practice. I also had fun making the art using different materials in the seven exercises we did. Its nice to play again.

    A Participant in Megan’s Art Therapy and Creativity Weekend Workshops

  • Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 Days DBT Intensive. I have learnt so much from it. Fantastic to see such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenter – really knows her stuff! Out of 5 my knowledge around DBT has increased from 0 to 4.

    A Participant in Megan’s 2 Day Intensive DBT Training

  • Working with Megan has dramatically changed my life from a life full of fear and overwhelming emotions, to one of confidence in dealing with whatever life throws at me. Along with her endless patience and encouragement, and a lot of hard work. What I learnt through the use of art therapy and all the DBT skills is now helping me manage my emotions and my life much more effectively, and I am a happier person because of it. Thankyou Megan!"

    A Client

  • It has been my pleasure to work alongside Megan in various projects and I regard Megan as a dedicated and passionate art psychotherapist. She makes a difference to the many people she works with and to the profession of art psychotherapy with her vision and energy to enable and empower others in their lives.

    Dr Jill Westwood - Lecturer in Art Psychotherapy

  • I have worked with Megan Shiell during her time at The Sydney Clinic referring patients to her in my role as an admitting Psychiatrist. Megan co-ordinated the Dialectic Behavioural Therapy program and provided therapy in both DBT and Art psychotherapy. Her therapeutic approach was proficient and supportive and reflected in both an increasingly popular DBT program and a positive response from my patients. Megan’s clinical skills and patient dedication will be a considerable asset to the communities of Tweed Heads where she is establishing Expressive Therapy Clinic.

    Dr Errol Jacobson - Consultant Psychiatrist MBBS BSc FRANZCP

ABOUT ETC

Expressive Therapy Clinic was founded by Megan Shiell in 2005.  The clinic focuses on delivering DBT Training to health care professionals with emphasis on the standard model of DBT. At ETC we are passionate about the use of Art making alongside the skills of DBT. We believe that adding a non-verbal approach to the verbal learning of DBT Skills enhances the learning for clients. On-line courses for health care professionals & for clients is coming soon.

WHAT IS DBT?

A key component of DBT based skills is teaching a client to stay a little longer than before with feeling emotional pain, validating and accepting their experience whilst moving towards changes in behaviours. Clients are shown how to become present with their emotions and learn how to tolerate the distress that may be experienced. DBT teaches clients how to control urges and impulsive behaviour that can harm relationships and effect their quality of life.

WHAT IS ART THERAPY?

Art Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that uses creative modalities to improve and enhance physical, mental and emotional well-being. The emphasis is on the process of creating, rather than on the end product. The art of making allows the unconscious mind to produce material that can assist clients in gaining insight into their behaviours, emotions and beliefs in the safe contained environment with an Art Therapist.

  • I learnt so much in this weekend workshop not only about different uses of art making with client groups but also about how I can add creativity to the work I do using different therapy styles. I made me think outside my usual boundaries of practice. I also had fun making the art using different materials in the seven exercises we did. Its nice to play again.

    A Participant in Megan’s Art Therapy and Creativity Weekend Workshops

  • Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 Days DBT Intensive. I have learnt so much from it. Fantastic to see such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenter – really knows her stuff! Out of 5 my knowledge around DBT has increased from 0 to 4.

    A Participant in Megan’s 2 Day Intensive DBT Training

  • Working with Megan has dramatically changed my life from a life full of fear and overwhelming emotions, to one of confidence in dealing with whatever life throws at me. Along with her endless patience and encouragement, and a lot of hard work. What I learnt through the use of art therapy and all the DBT skills is now helping me manage my emotions and my life much more effectively, and I am a happier person because of it. Thankyou Megan!"

    A Client

  • It has been my pleasure to work alongside Megan in various projects and I regard Megan as a dedicated and passionate art psychotherapist. She makes a difference to the many people she works with and to the profession of art psychotherapy with her vision and energy to enable and empower others in their lives.

    Dr Jill Westwood - Lecturer in Art Psychotherapy

  • I have worked with Megan Shiell during her time at The Sydney Clinic referring patients to her in my role as an admitting Psychiatrist. Megan co-ordinated the Dialectic Behavioural Therapy program and provided therapy in both DBT and Art psychotherapy. Her therapeutic approach was proficient and supportive and reflected in both an increasingly popular DBT program and a positive response from my patients. Megan’s clinical skills and patient dedication will be a considerable asset to the communities of Tweed Heads where she is establishing Expressive Therapy Clinic.

    Dr Errol Jacobson - Consultant Psychiatrist MBBS BSc FRANZCP