dianne smith design
SNAP SHOT
As an art therapist I enjoy very much working with people in many creative ways.
I also have much pleasure in caring for my home and the garden. My hobbies (which flow in and out of my life) include painting, drawing, design, reading, going to gym, as well as yoga and walking in natural settings.
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MY PHILOSOPHY ​
I believe that people have the internal resources to draw upon to develop understandings of their situation and to take advantage of his/her potential at a particular time in their life.
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Therefore, I aim to work in collaboration with clients to support them to recognise the potential they hold, to identify various means to achieve that end, and any barriers that may arise. People can reflect upon their circumstances to raise awareness and gain insights; and potentially to instigate degrees of change. Major or minor, exploration and reflection is facilitated through creative practices. Using different media, new ways of looking at a situation can open up. ​​​​
MY EXPERIENCE that lead to today...
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My current work practices merge my ongoing education and experiences across many years.
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In 1970s I left my life in rural NSW to study zoology at ANU in Canberra and this interest in animal behaviour, biology and ecology lead me to work as a research assistant in Brisbane. Looking to balance my artistic interests, I then studied Architecture and Interior Design. The resultant design work complemented my earlier environmental interests and my desire to work with people to create environments that enhance their lives in someway.
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This desire was extended through my PhD, that explored how the physical places we occupy influence how others see and treat us, as well as how we understand and express ourselves. The findings were reinforced through my teaching and research in Qld and WA universities (as well as visiting positions overseas).
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This knowledge has informed my realisation that everyday environments are important in a person's wellbeing, and that the creative arts (including design and architecture) can assist all people in gaining insights into their personal or professional/work lives in addition to therapeutic sessions.
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This lead me to my studies in Transpersonal Art Therapy. I run my own company dsd dianne smith design, and see clients in my rooms or run workshops in various venues. I currently work part-time in this field. ​​​​​
QUALIFICATIONS
Adv.Dip.Trans.ArtTherapy,
BSc, BArch(Hons), GradDipIntDes(Dist), GradCertEd(HigherEd), PhD
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Member of ANZACATA
(Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
