Who we are

Meet Liane

Hi, I’m Liane Cunningham—a qualified and registered Art Therapist, and the heart behind Artwise Therapy.

My journey into this work began while studying psychology, when I was first introduced to the concept of art therapy. It immediately felt like I’d found my calling. Creativity has always been a personal outlet for me—something I turned to in childhood to process and make sense of the world. Art therapy gave me a way to bring that instinct together with my passion for supporting others.

Since 2009, I’ve worked extensively across the disability and community sectors, guiding individuals through one-on-one sessions, group programs, and community-based arts projects. I’ve had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and life experiences—including children, adults living with disabilities, carers, neurodivergent individuals, and people navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and burnout.

At Artwise, I create safe, nurturing spaces where people can express themselves freely, tap into their creativity, and explore new ways of understanding and connecting with themselves. My approach is warm, flexible, and grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal, grow, and live more fully when supported to do so in a way that honours their unique journey.

I hold a Master of Arts in Therapeutic Arts Practice and a Bachelor of Social Science, and I’m a professional member of ANZACATA, the peak body for creative arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. This combination of formal qualifications and lived experience is what underpins my work at Artwise—a practice rooted in creativity, curiosity, and care.

If you’re looking for a creative, supportive space to explore, reflect, and reconnect—I’d love to meet you.

What we do

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a gentle and effective way to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences through creative expression. Using a wide range of materials—from paint and collage to sculpture and sensory tools—art therapy provides a hands-on, client-led approach that supports healing, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

At Artwise, we don’t focus on the outcome of your artwork—it’s all about the process. You don’t need any experience or artistic skill to benefit. What matters is your willingness to engage, explore, and be curious about what shows up.

Art therapy can support you with:

  • Anxiety, depression or emotional overwhelm

  • Navigating disability or neurodivergence

  • Burnout, trauma, or identity exploration

  • Building resilience and insight during life transitions

  • Expressing what’s hard to put into words

The creative process can be a powerful way to access inner wisdom and strengthen your capacity to thrive. With the guidance of a qualified Art Therapist, you’re supported in making sense of your world—at your own pace and in your own way.

What happens in a session.

Here’s how a typical art therapy session with me at Artwise might unfold. Of course, every session is unique—flexible and guided by your needs and pace.

  1. Getting to Know You
    We begin by talking—just enough so I can understand what brings you here, what you hope for, and what supports you. Together, we’ll explore what you want the therapy space to feel like, what your goals are, and what art materials or creative ways you feel drawn to (or not drawn to).

  2. Deciding on the Creative Path
    Using materials you feel comfortable with, we create. This might be structured or free‑form, tactile or visual. It could involve experimenting, play, textures, colour, or whatever emerges. It’s your process.

  3. Reflection & Exploration
    After the art‑making, if you wish, we’ll look together at what you’ve created. We won’t judge or critique technical skill. Instead, I’ll ask questions to help you reflect on your process: What felt important? What surprised you? What thoughts or emotions came up? Sometimes there’s meaning, sometimes it’s simply exploration—both are valuable.

  4. Integrating & Moving Forward
    At the end of the session, we’ll talk about how you might carry what you’ve discovered into your daily life. Maybe there are small practices you’d like to try. Sometimes you’ll feel more grounded, clearer, or lighter. Other times, things will feel more stirred—either way, you’ll have had a held space to explore.

  5. Safety, Choice & Respect
    Throughout everything, your comfort and choice matter. We’ll go at a pace that feels safe for you. You decide what to share, what to create, and how much reflection you want. Everything in our space is confidential and respectful.

Ready to get started?

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 FAQs

  • Not at all! You don’t need to be an artist or even feel creative. Art therapy is about the process, not the product. It’s about using materials in a way that helps you explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences—whatever that looks like for you.

  • Each session is guided by your needs and comfort level. We usually begin with a relaxed chat to check in, followed by the option to create using different art materials—like drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture. You can choose to reflect on your artwork afterwards or just focus on the experience itself. There’s no pressure, and everything is taken at your pace.

  • Art therapy can support a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges, including:

    • Anxiety, stress, or depression

    • Grief and loss

    • Carer burnout

    • Trauma and life transitions

    • Disability and neurodivergence (including ASD)

    • Identity and self-esteem

    It’s also a great space for self-exploration, reflection, and personal growth.

  • Yes. If you’re an NDIS participant, you may be able to access art therapy or arts-based support work through your plan, depending on your goals and support categories. I’m happy to talk through how this might work for you and assist with invoicing or planning.

  • Art Therapy is a targeted, professional therapeutic service where we use creative processes to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and mental health. It’s facilitated by a registered Art Therapist (that’s me!).

    Arts-Based Support Work is more informal and focused on creativity, social engagement, and community access. It’s ideal for NDIS participants who enjoy being creative and want support in exploring art in a fun, supported way—while still benefiting from the emotional regulation and confidence-building that art can offer.

  • Artwise is a mobile service—I come to you! Sessions can take place in your home, a community venue, or even outdoors if that’s your preference. This flexibility helps ensure you feel comfortable, safe, and supported in the space that works best for you.

  • Yes. Just like any professional therapeutic service, everything you share in an art therapy session is kept private and confidential, unless there is a legal or safety concern. Your privacy and trust are taken very seriously at Artwise.

  • Reach out via phone or email to organise a free initial chat or send through a referral on our referral page. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for, what kind of support might suit you, and whether art therapy or arts-based support work feels right. There’s no pressure—just a chance to connect and see if Artwise is a good fit.