What is HICAT?

Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy (HICAT) is a mental health and well being therapy program that uses all of the creative arts processes, being music, art, drama, story telling, creative writing, dance, sculpture, sand play and meditation. The term ‘Holistic’ means that it is used to improve the well being of the whole person, including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

HICAT can be used in a wide variety of settings, with clients of all ages for many different purposes. It enables people who might have difficulties expressing themselves, use the creative process to “verbalise” what they need help with, and release what is held inside of themselves.

Children find it useful to be able to express what they may not have the ability or vocabulary to talk about. It can help them process and express their emotions, manage anxiety and stress, regulate their emotions, increase their awareness and connectedness to their body and its feelings, develop confidence and improve concentration. It can be helpful for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulties, physical disabilities and trauma.

Seniors and elderly in nursing homes can also greatly benefit from HICAT. Using HICAT can help these clients to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, decrease pain, improve mobility, lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation and help to unlock memories. Sessions can be run with individuals or in groups, in your home, in a therapy room or in aged care and nursing homes.

As part of HICAT sessions, clients are encouraged and guided to set their own goals for how they would like their lives to look into the future. You are encouraged and empowered to take control or your decisions, letting go of negativity and unhelpful thoughts and feelings from the past. Mindfulness exercises and training help you to be present and increase your ability to be calm and focused. All of the exercises will help you to think positively and move forward into your best life. Your HICAT therapist will not tell you what you do, but will guide, support, encourage and help you along your own journey. Session are tailored to each client, to make them feel comfortable and meet their own goals.

HICAT is not about being an artist or producing artworks. It does not matter if you have never participated in art activities before. This type of therapy is about a process of unlocking and expressing yourself through a creative process. The end product is not important, it is how you get there that will bring the benefits. The freedom of the experience is where its power lies, and often where the enjoyment comes from.