Debra Bryant, Art Therapist at the Logan Adolescent Day Program cultivates creativity to help young people to process and manage their mental health. Debra’s group art program runs over a 20-week period that encourages self-expression and self-compassion as key tenants to challenging negative self-talk.
While the program is mainly group based, Debra says flexibility is second nature to her work in not only planning sessions but attuning to the different needs that she would see in sessions on any given day.
“I have a rough plan for the day, but it really depends on who is in the session and meeting them where they are at. Some might be talkative and seek input, while others might just need the space to work on their own project,” said Debra.
“I co-facilitate with other members of our multidisciplinary team; I may have an occupational therapist with me one day, and another day I may have a youth peer worker alongside me.”
“Everyone brings something different into the room, which can be really fantastic, and we try to connect to content delivered in other sessions to make the young people’s journeys with us more meaningful.”
The importance of these sessions goes beyond just creating art.
“Art therapy is a tool that helps these young people express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It can help them reduce stress and anxiety and build self-confidence,”
A key aspect of Debra’s approach is fostering a judgment-free environment where young people can explore without fear of making mistakes.
“I often hear, ‘I can’t draw,’ or ‘I’m not good at art,’ and I remind them that this is not about talent. It’s about exploring, trying new things, and seeing what happens. If you don’t like what you create, that’s okay.”
“Sometimes young people struggle to put their feelings into words, and the art helps them do that. They can communicate through colour, texture, and form, and the process itself can be incredibly freeing.”
This realisation led Debra to pursue a Master of Mental Health in the field of Art Therapy and later completing research on reducing social isolation in refugee youth through the implementation of art therapy. She now splits her time between working with young people at the day program and adults in a private hospital.
"Working across both groups is fascinating because the approach and process can be quite different. With adults, there’s often more eagerness to get messy and explore. With younger people, they can be more apprehensive, perhaps because they fear being judged," she explains.
“There’s something special about seeing a young person go from saying, ‘I can’t do this’ to confidently diving into the process, especially when they start enjoying the creative journey.”
“It’s about empowering them to trust the process and to know that their feelings, no matter how complex, can be expressed.”
As for the future, Debra hopes to see more art therapists join the health sector.
"Art therapy can sometimes be misunderstood and seen as if it’s ‘just for fun.’ But it’s so much more. It’s a powerful tool for emotional healing, self-exploration, and building confidence."
“Art-making isn’t just about creating something—it’s about discovering who you are in the process.”