Creative expression has the power to heal, helping us communicate and reconnect with our authentic selves.

Examples of art created during art therapy workshop

what is art therapy?

Art therapy uses creative expression to help you explore and communicate thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to express with words. Guided by a qualified art therapist, using various art forms such as drawing, painting, sculpture, journaling, mixed and multimedia to process experiences, build self-awareness, and support emotional healing.

No art skills are required, the focus is on the process, not the outcome, and the therapeutic relationship provides a safe, supportive space to foster resilience, improve self-esteem, and navigate life’s challenges.

Person painting a colorful heart design on a canvas at an art therapy workshop

Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love, it will not lead you astray.

Rumi

Discovery call

Book a discovery call—no strings attached, just a chance to connect. I’d love to hear about your journey, answer any questions, and explore if our paths are meant to align.

FREE

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Group Workshop

The inspiration for the Mandala art workshops based on my book, “The Naked Artist Journey” originated from a very magical book on Mandalas I discovered in a bookshop tucked away in a winding laneway off Durbar Square in the medieval kingdom of 1970s Kathmandu.

$200

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Zoom 1-on-1

Each session blends creative expression with therapeutic reflection from the comfort of your home. Together we’ll explore your journey with empathy, insight, and encouragement. No art experience needed.

Also available to mentor qualified art therapists seeking reflective practice support that’s grounded, collaborative, and growth-focused.

1 session: $160
3 sessions: $450

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Hi, I’m Maralyn, a passionate artist and pioneering Australian art therapist

I was successful in creating the first Art Therapy positions in mental health at the Sydney Clinic, Cumberland Hospital and Sydney Children’s hospital from 1996-2006.

I was also one of the first employed art therapists to supervise Master of Art Therapy Students from Western Sydney University.

My area of specialty has been mental health, aged care and disabilities as well as stress release courses in the corporate sector and facilitating a diverse range of cross-cultural creativity workshops.

I had the strangest premonition after meeting Mother Theresa in 1981 and volunteering at Nirmal Hriday: Home for the Destitute and Dying in Calcutta (now Kolkata) India, that I was going to end up doing some kind of caregiving work and be of service to help people in need.

At the time this felt very at odds with my future plans as a professional artist.

A remarkable memory from all those years and even more remarkable that I became one of the pioneering Australian art therapy graduates from Western Sydney University in 1995-96.

is it for you?

Since relocating to Central West NSW from Sydney’s eastern suburbs, I have evolved my journey as an art therapist to focus on women’s personal development journeys and mandala workshops inspired by my book ,”The Naked Artist Journey.”

I am available for travel to designated locations to facilitate my workshops as well as individual art therapy sessions face to face and online.

Also available for online Art Therapy supervision.

Intricate hand-drawn mandala design with symmetrical patterns and floral motifs, created in pencil.

What to expect?

Root Chakra Creative Healing Journey

The Root chakra is based around themes of survival, stability, self-sufficiency, a sense of belonging, feeling grounded and connected to self and others, the focus of this exercise is all about establishing a new foundation for creative expression.

step 1

Meditation

Create a sacred space, then drop into stillness with a grounding Root chakra meditation. Connect to your breath, the earth, and your inner foundation.

step 2

Journaling

Respond to the guided meditation through words or art in your journal. Explore strength, beliefs, memories, and what nourishes your spirit using prompts, symbols, or creative expression.

step 3

Roadmap

Create a visual life map in 5-year stages using any art materials you’re drawn to. Reflect both your inner and outer journey through colours, symbols, and meaningful imagery.

step 4

Chakra

Create a mandala guided by your intuition to reflect the Root chakra—a sacred symbol of wholeness, grounding, and your journey toward inner balance and self-discovery.

Abstract mandala with red and pink floral patterns on a circular canvas.

"Maralyn’s art therapy vision workshops are inspiring and transcending. Being one of Australia’s first Master of Art Therapy graduates from Western Sydney University, Maralyn is a deeply effective and committed art therapist and group facilitator, is personable and just delightful."

Deborah Skinner, Artist and Art Therapist
" It has been a wonderful eye-opening experience to witness the positive effects and implementation of her art therapy practices from a range of clients including women, children, adolescents, schools and local disabilities services. Her professionalism combined with her empathic nature makes her a pleasure to work with and an incredible therapist. I am grateful to have crossed paths with her."

Sylvie Everingham-Potts, Clinical Administrator
"Maralyn is a true gem, with her natural authentic and compassionate nature, I am so grateful to have experienced her mentorship, workshops and 1:1 Art Therapy. She has guided and taught me various tools throughout my life journey which has brought out my deeper creative expression and true self…and love her humour too. A truly gifted master of the arts and therapy, I highly recommend Maralyn as an artist, art therapist, guide and mentor."

Julie Tucker, Art Therapist and Creative Director
"Maralyn’s caring approach, transparency and guidance in the role of art therapy supervisor was both immensely helpful and personal. Maralyn’s ability to listen without judgement, “show up” and provide sound advice at each session, helped to deal with long term client endings, with courage to treat each case with the grace and humility it deserved."

A.B, Clinical Art Therapist
" I had supervision and vision board workshop with Maralyn over a decade ago. Maralyn’s facilitation style was always warm, positive and passionate, special bonus with her infectious laughter!"

Eriko Kinoshita, Registered Art Therapist
"Maralyn’s colourful nature shines through in her ability to capture her audience’s attention and curiosity. I had the privilege and pleasure of collaborating with Maralyn, delivering a Yogalates Mandala Workshop. I highly recommend Maralyn as her therapeutic and authentic methods enable participants to be held within a space providing safety and support. To add to the journey, Maralyn’s fun and effervescent personality allowed the day to flow freely."

Jen Harris-Jenz, Yogalates

The Naked Artist Journey by Maralyn Nash

Find your Naked Artist

Follow my personal journey of healing and self-discovery through the lens of art therapy and Eastern spirituality. This book includes seven creative exercises inspired by the chakra system—first introduced to me during my time in India—designed to help you reconnect with your inner light, creativity, and joy.

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