Our team of skilled and experienced therapists have training in: Art Therapy, Play Therapy and counselling frameworks. Some of the team are also trained in Clay Field Therapy-a sensorimotor based modality.
Click here to learn more about Clay Field Therapy.
Our team of skilled and experienced therapists have training in: Art Therapy, Play Therapy and counselling frameworks. Some of the team are also trained in Clay Field Therapy-a sensorimotor based modality.
Whilst this team also works with people across the lifespan, they have a particular skillset in supporting children and young people. Especially those living with complex needs. All our specialist child and youth therapists have extensive training in trauma responsive practices and recognise that creating safety in the therapeutic relationship is paramount to engaging in therapeutic work.
Connected Self therapists incorporate current research and neuroscience in their practice such as Dan Seigels Window of Tolerance, Polyvagal Theory- Stephen Porges, Lisa Dion’s Synergetic Play Therapy, Sensorimotor Art Therapy such as Clay Field and the PACE model by Dan Hughes and much more.
Our team also undertake clinical supervision and ongoing professional development and can access our clinical psychology team for additional oversight where needed.
To learn more about Art & Expressive therapy at Connected Self, click here.
Bek McGregor Dey
Bek has 7 years of experience working in the Embedded Art Therapy model in schools and supporting clients at Connected Self consulting rooms. Bek has a playful and curious approach to her client work. She creates safety for her clients by very quickly building connection. Her highly attuned skill set enables her to support children and young people who are often very dysregulated and fearful. Bek can hold big emotions that often result in lots of messy expression.
She is adept at working with children and young people who have experienced attachment trauma. When Bek isn't doing art therapy work, she can be seen in nature with her trusty camera and faithful dog.
Bachelor of Visual Arts and Applied Design
Advanced Diploma in Transpersonal Art Therapy
Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy
Clayfield Therapy (currently studying)
ANZACATA- Tier Membership
Cath Lappin
Cath is Connected Self’s Managing Director and Senior Art Therapist. She has 14 years’ experience as an Art Therapist, has 12 years of experience working in the Embedded Schools model. Cath is highly experienced at supporting children and young people living with attachment and intergenerational trauma with complex needs. She is also skilled at working with clients who have impaired cognition due to disability or mental health concerns.
Having completed training in both adult and child Clay Field work, Cath is passionate about somatic and embodied expressive processes.
Working closely with schools and educators, Cath has honed her skills in providing therapeutic supports to educators as well as the children and young people they support. When Cath isn’t running a busy company or doing art therapy work she can be spotted swimming with her dog at the beach or enjoying local bushwalks.
Bachelor Visual Arts
Diploma Transpersonal Art Therapy
Diploma Youth Work
Training and Assessment
Cert IV Training and Assessment
Certification Synergetic Play Therapy
Advanced Certification Synergetic Play Therapy
Certificate in Clay Field Therapy with Children
Certificate in Clay Field Therapy Adults
ANZACATA- Professional Member
Claire Lengs
Claire has 5 years of experience working in the Embedded Art Therapy model in schools and supporting clients at Connected Self consulting rooms. She is particularly skilful at working with neurodivergent children and young people and very quickly finds unique ways to connect. She has a deep understanding and advocacy for all clients through her lived experience of neurodiversity.
Claire has experience working within the context of gender diversity and is committed to ensuring the voice of her clients is heard. She works collaboratively with the systems around the child and has a skill in bringing together all stakeholders for best outcomes for the child/young person.
When she is not working, Claire enjoys being creative, reading, writing, finding unique experiences to enjoy with family and friends, as well as making time to travel and explore the world.
Bachelor of Art Psychotherapy
Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy
ANZACATA- Tier Member
PACFA- Registered Clinical Counsellor (Reg: 12327)
Georgie Evangelistis
Georgie has 4 years of experience working in the Embedded Art Therapy model in schools and supporting clients at Connected Self consulting rooms. She brings a joyful and curious approach to her client work and quickly builds connection and trust with her clients.
Georgie is skilled at supporting children and young people with complex needs and competently works across many differing presentations, in particular neurodivergence, and those exploring identity and self-concept. She works collaboratively with stakeholders to advocate for her clients and promote understanding of their needs.
When Georgie isn't doing Art Therapy work, she can be seen swing dancing and getting all her wriggles out and loves a coffee or craft date.
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Associate Degree in Art Therapy
Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy
ANZACATA-Tier Member
Lucy Duncan
Lucy has 2 years of experience working in the Embedded Art Therapy model in schools and supporting clients at Connected Self consulting rooms. She is highly skilled at building connection and rapport with very difficult to reach adolescents. She supports young people to have insight, increase resilience and learn self-regulation strategies.
Lucy has a knack for identifying strengths and helping her clients to see these for themselves. She understands the needs of young people and can create safety and in a short period of time. Lucy also brings her playful and vibrant approach to working with children.
When not practicing Art Therapy, Lucy can be found working on countless unfinished art projects and cooking tasty meals with her nearest and dearest.
Bachelor of Art Therapy
ANZACATA- Tier Member
Trish McLean
Trish has 6 years of experience working in the Embedded Art Therapy model in schools, and supporting clients at Connected Self consulting rooms. Trish has a skill set that incorporates a gentle and playful approach and excellent ability to attune to her clients especially those living with disabilities and others who are neurodivergent.
With patience and proficiency, Trish engages clients with multiple needs and has facilitated positive outcomes especially for those who often present as highly resistant. When Trish isn't doing Art Therapy work she finds joy in yoga, bush hikes, ocean swims and live music.
Associate Degree in Arts Psychotherapy
Certificate in Clay Field Therapy with Children
Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy
Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Crafts
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
ANZACATA- Tier Member
orimotor-based expressive modality that uses the tactile experience of working with clay to support emotional regulation, integration, and healing. Unlike traditional art-making, Clay Field Therapy focuses on touch and movement, engaging the body’s sensory systems to help release tension, build resilience, and restore a sense of safety.