Our Art Therapist

Kanling Juric

Art Therapist & Founder

I am an Art Therapist, artist, strategic thinker and creative problem solver. Cerulean Space combines my passion for art and creativity, with my love for working with people and forming real human connections.

I am a strong advocate for Carl Rogers’s person-centred approach, emphasising on treating others with unconditional positive regard, and believing in everyone’s desire and capacity to live a fuller life. As such, I endeavour to embed these values in my art therapy practice and across each therapeutic encounter. Prior to becoming a full-time art therapist, I have 18 years of corporate experience in cybersecurity, strategy and governance. Combining my creative and empathic side, with my analytical and critical thinking side, I am excited and honoured to make my wholehearted contribution to the art therapy profession.

My Journey to Art Therapy

My love for art existed for as long as I can remember. However, my Chinese heritage means there is an unspoken expectation for achieving good grades, going to a reputable university and getting a “real job”. In 2014, I was working 60-80 hours a week. A colleague and friend asked what I do outside of work, and I responded “work”. After some persuasion and encouragement by my friend, I bought a canvas and painted my first painting in a decade. Since this “sliding door” moment, I have continued to develop and expand my art practice. My favourite media include acrylic, watercolour and fineliners. I am drawn to landscape, architecture and nature in my artwork – reminding me of the need to slow down and be more observant of the things we take for granted in life. I also enjoy making functional pottery that might put a smile on someone’s face. To sum it up, creativity helped me to heal and grow as a person.

Art is my passion, and art therapy is my calling.

Artwork — Breaking Free: My Journey to Becoming an Art Therapist (2023)
Acrylic on canvas

My Professional Experience

I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of populations across various settings such as schools, community centres, Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC), and aged care facilities. I am experienced in working with children and adolescents who are struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional regulation. Using a child-led approach, I like to empower children and teens to express themselves through art, and support them to engage in creative risk-taking.

Working in the adult mental health sector also equipped me with clinical experience in supporting clients with a range of different presentations and diagnoses (e.g. depression, anxiety, PTSD and Complex PTSD). Adopting a person-centred philosophy and a trauma-informed approach, I supported participants to use art to unpack and process difficult emotions and situations; helped to foster a sense of relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety; and held the space for them to explore self-identity and strengthen one’s self-image.

Furthermore, using evidence-based research, I designed and implemented a 6-week clay art therapy program across two aged care facilities, which resulted in improved mood, strengthened self-esteem and fostered social connection among the participants. I continue to facilitate art therapy groups for older adults with neurocognitive disorders on a regular basis.

Qualifications and Certifications

Master of Art Therapy (La Trobe University)
Registered Art Therapist / Professional member (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association “ANZACATA”)
Registered Counsellor (Australian Counselling Association “ACA”)
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Monash University)
Certificate in Clay Field Therapy – Adults (Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy “ISAT”)
Certificate in Clay Field Therapy – Children (ISAT)
Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing (ISAT)
Accredited Crisis Supporter Training (Lifeline)
Project Management Professional “PMP” (Project Management Institute “PMI”)
Bachelor of Commerce (Degree with Honours)