Third Space Creative Therapies for Schools

About Third Space Creative Therapies

We partner with primary and secondary schools to provide creative arts therapy that helps children express emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Creative expression can be a powerful way for children to communicate thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Our creative therapy service provides students with a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, strengthen self-awareness, and develop emotional regulation skills.

Art therapy is highly effective for children and adolescents, particularly in reducing anxiety and treating trauma. Studies indicate a 42% reduction in core PTSD symptoms and a 63% decrease in social withdrawal. It is considered highly engaging and effective for emotional expression, with improvements in quality of life and sleep observed.

Working collaboratively with schools, we offer tailored therapeutic support designed to complement existing wellbeing programs and support students who may benefit from additional emotional care.

Our Services

Creative therapy tailored to support students' emotional growth.

Individual Sessions

Individual creative therapy sessions provide students with a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills.

Group Programs

Small group creative therapy sessions help students build social skills, emotional awareness, and peer connection through guided creative activities.

Creative wellbeing sessions for school staff offer a restorative space to reduce stress, support emotional wellbeing, and encourage self-care through creative expression.

Staff Support

How does it work?

Our counsellors and creative therapists work across primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and specialist education settings to support children and young people experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Many students face challenges that can affect their well-being and ability to engage fully in school life. These may include experiences such as grief and loss, family breakdown, neglect, trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, or social difficulties.

In Australia, the need for early mental health support for children is significant. National data shows that around 1 in 7 Australian children/adolescents aged 4–17 experience a mental disorder each year, highlighting the importance of accessible early intervention and wellbeing support within school environments.

Creative and play-based therapies can be particularly effective for younger children who may not yet have the words to describe complex feelings or experiences. Through approaches such as play therapy, drawing, painting, storytelling, and other creative processes, children are able to safely explore emotions and communicate experiences that may otherwise remain unspoken.

Creative arts therapy is an evidence-based approach that supports emotional regulation, self-awareness, and psychological well-being. Research shows that engaging in creative therapeutic processes can help reduce anxiety and distress, while improving emotional expression, resilience and social connection.

By providing supportive early intervention within schools, creative therapy helps children and young people develop the skills they need to better understand their emotions, manage challenges, and build resilience. When students feel safer and more supported emotionally, they are better able to engage in learning, build positive relationships, and participate fully in school life.

Our work aims to strengthen both individual well-being and the wider school community by helping students develop the emotional tools needed to thrive.

Respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

We are committed to working respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities. Our practice recognises the importance of cultural safety, connection to Country, and the unique histories and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

We aim to provide therapy that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and respectful of identity, ensuring that every student feels understood, supported, and valued. We also seek to work in partnership with schools to uphold practices that honour cultural perspectives and promote equity in emotional and educational wellbeing for all students.