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Altman Art Therapy is a mobile art therapy service based in Shellharbour, NSW, supporting children, teens and young adults aged 5–25 across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions — and online, Australia-wide.
Mel Altman is a professionally registered Art Therapist and counsellor with ANZACATA, with over 5 years of experience providing individual and group art therapy, play therapy, counselling and nature therapy to young people across the Illawarra. Mel travels to you — offering in-home sessions, therapy room sessions, and online Telehealth sessions for families across Australia.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses creative processes such as drawing, painting and sculpture to support emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Guided by a qualified art therapist in Shellharbour, it provides a safe and supportive way for children and young people to explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words — focusing on the process of creating, not artistic skill or the final artwork.
No artistic experience is needed — just a willingness to create.
Who I Help
Altman Art Therapy supports children, teens and young adults in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Kiama and across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of NSW.
Altman Art therapy can help young people who are experiencing:
Anxiety & worry
Helping children and teens manage fear, worry and overwhelm so they can feel calm and confident in everyday life.
Trauma & grief
Supporting young people to gently process difficult experiences, loss and big life changes at their own pace.
Low self-esteem & confidence
bHelping children and teens build a stronger sense of who they are and feel good about themselves.
Autism & ADHD
Supporting neurodivergent young people to understand their emotions, communicate and connect with others.
School refusal & avoidance
Helping young people feel safe, regulated and ready to re-engage with school and learning.
Big emotions & emotional dysregulation
Supporting children and teens to understand, express and manage their feelings in healthy ways.
Social difficulties
Helping young people build confidence, friendships and connection with their peers.
Life transitions
Supporting young people through change — whether that's family breakdown, moving schools, or figuring out who they are.
Art Therapy Services in
Shellharbour & the Illawarra
Altman Art Therapy offers a range of creative and supportive mental health services for children, teens and young adults across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and online Australia-wide.