A Southern African childhood forms the foundation of Helen’s life. Her upbringing was vibrant, eclectic and sometimes unstable. Living alongside many different cultures and witnessing their diverse qualities of life made her deeply curious about people.
About Helen Bradshaw
Why can some people live happy purposeful lives when they have so little? How do people who have experienced so much adversity still come from a place of love? What makes us all act in the way we do?
Helen is passionate about helping people who have faced challenges and experiences where life seems to be tipped on its head. These challenges can leave us feeling like we have lost touch with who we are and our life direction. Helen draws on her own diverse life experience to enhance her support and understanding of each client’s personal journey. It is from this place that she initiates Growth Through Art. Helen’s empathy allows for strong connections with her clients, both individually and in a group setting.
Helen views her own healing through Art Therapy as an important experience to share. It enables her to move out of her head and be free from the opinions of others. It inspires her to fully express herself, something which Art Therapy excels at achieving. Once we say, “Enough!” and begin to trust ourselves, we can fully engage in life and enjoy all the benefits this brings. No matter where people are in life, Helen is able to hold an engaging space which allows for re-discovery of the true self. She knows the creative processes will reveal new perspectives. From here, possibilities arise to transform old patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us. This creates room for healing, empowerment, growth, full expression, peace and true joy in life.
In addition to working with clients to help them grow through art, Helen enjoys her own creative art-making and is passionate about painting portraits capturing the soul and essence of the person, bringing them to life in all their colourful glory. She practices mindfulness while immersing herself in nature. She loves to swim, dance, walk her dog Teddy and spend quality time with her partner Henk, family and friends. She is based in the beautiful Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast and conducts workshops throughout Australia and overseas.
Helen holds qualifications in Art Therapy, Diversional Therapy, Visual Arts and a current Blue Card to work with young people. She is the founder of Growth Through Art and the Open-hearted Women’s Network and is a published artist.
“The act of expressing myself in a sensory way using art, sound and movement and seeing what lies within me outside of myself in the art, is so much more powerful than using just words. Drawing on my own experiences of adversity, I am very passionate about expressing what is really going on through creative experiential exploration. I allow myself to let go of expectations and judgements and mindfully be in the moment. The art gives my mind a place to rest, discover and heal; to see and feel new ways of being that are more aligned with my truth, self-acceptance and self-love. And it can be fun!”
~ Helen Bradshaw
