Amanda Scott

Project title: Fostering Connection through co-creation: exploring parallel artmaking in youth with refugee backgrounds group therapy and its impact on social isolation and therapeutic alliance.

As an emerging art therapist, Amanda draws upon a unique blend of skills and experience, deeply rooted in her established career as a registered psychologist. With a wealth of experience in mental health and specialising in supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental differences, she has worked across a range of public and non-government organisations. She currently works with Queensland Health within the child development sector as a Senior Psychologist in Roma (Mandandanji Country) Southwest Queensland.

Currently, Amanda’s placement occurs at a Queensland state school specialising in supporting children with a refugee background. This placement has been deeply rewarding, allowing her to learn how art therapy can be culturally sensitive and trauma informed. Amanda’s thesis reflects the importance of art therapy in a domain where verbal expression is not always an option. This six-week art therapy program, initially designed by a previous student, has been adapted to focus more closely on the Art Therapy Working Alliance Index. The research process, while challenging, has been incredibly satisfying for Amanda, providing her with deeper insights into the refugee experience and fostering a profound sense of empathy for the youth she works with.

A significant part of Amanda’s practice is her love for watercolour and her passion for inventing new ways to engage with art, always aiming to bring fun and laughter into the therapeutic process. Interestingly, the artworks produced during Amanda’s current placement have been predominantly 3D, a shift that she believes reflects the more tactile, sensory experiences that art therapy can elicit. This has been a fascinating development, offering new avenues for self-exploration in how different art forms can impact therapeutic outcomes.

Amanda identifies with the emphasis on family strength found in many refugee cultures, which resonates with her own family values. This connection enhances her ability to relate to and support students, understanding the importance of family bonds in their lives. The ethics process for her research, though at times frustrating, was invaluable in preparing her for the practical execution of the study. It ensured that her approach was not only ethically sound but also well-structured and adaptable to the unique needs of the participants. As she continues to develop her skills as an art therapist, Amanda remains committed to creating inclusive, culturally sensitive spaces where clients can explore their identities and experiences through the transformative power of art.

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