Healing Through Art
A 6-Week Therapy Group for Survivors of Sexualised Violence Funded under ACC ISSC
This is a trauma-sensitive, culturally responsive therapy group that provides a safe and empowering space for survivors to express emotions, process trauma nonverbally and engage in self-discovery through expressive arts.
What to Expect Each Week:
Grounding Exercise - Mindfulness through art
Expressive Arts Activity - Creative exploration
Journaling & Reflection – Personal insight
Group Discussion – Collective support
* Art materials are provided
Weekly Themes:
Week 1: Establishing Safety & Connection
Week 2: Exploring Self & Identity
Week 3: Processing & Releasing Emotions
Week 4: Storytelling & Reframing Trauma
Week 5: Connecting with Strength & Resilience
Week 6: Integration & Moving Forward
Facilitators: A Mother Daughter Duo
Mikayla Mary (Lead Facilitator) – A highly experienced trauma therapist, qualified counsellor and ACC ISSC-approved lead provider. Mikayla integrates expressive arts therapy, somatic practices and trauma-informed approaches to support healing.
Rachael Hay (Co-Facilitator) – A dedicated expressive arts facilitator in creative education and community arts. Rachael brings a deep understanding of artistic expression and therapeutic engagement.
Mikayla Mary (Lead Facilitator)
Rachael Hay (Co-Facilitator)
Expected Outcomes:
✔️ Improved emotional regulation & nervous system stability
✔️ Increased self-awareness & trauma insight
✔️ Strengthened interpersonal connections
✔️ Development of creative coping strategies
✔️ Reduction in trauma symptoms
Who Can Join?
✔️ Women (18+) receiving individual therapy with an ACC ISSC lead provider
✔️ Seeking non-verbal trauma healing tools
✔️ Comfortable in a group setting with basic distress tolerance skills
Not Suitable for Individuals Experiencing:
Active psychosis or untreated dissociative disorders
Acute suicidal ideation or self-harm crises
Severe interpersonal challenges in group settings
Resistance to creative therapeutic approaches
Dates & Location:
🗓️ Thursdays | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt (Held in the Green Room, accessible through the Brown Street Entrance, please note this room is up three flights of stairs)
📆 April 10 – May 15, 2025
(6 out of 10 spaces available)
Referral Process:
Please let your ACC ISSC provider know that you would like to join this group.
Your lead provider will then request funding through ACC ISSC by contacting ACC/your recovery partner and providing PO details and rationale of how this group will support your recovery goals.
Purchase Order (PO) details:
Therapy type: Short Therapy Group Therapy (SCGW)
Supplier: Hiwa Navigation | Supplier No: GOF586
Provider: Mikayla Mary Johnston | Provider No: PAR068
Hours: 9 hours SCSGW + 1 hour SCSGT2 Triage
3. Your lead provider also needs to fill out a short referral form
4. Once ACC has approved the hours, clients will receive a confirmation email with group information and consent forms to complete before attending the group. Clients can also meet with Mikayla online beforehand to support their preparation for the group, covered by 1 triage hour funded by ACC.