About

Sometimes it's hard to find the words... Sessions with me are an easier way to start.

Hi! My name is Rachel Hiskins, I’m a registered Arts Therapist, Counsellor, Creative Couples Therapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist & Clinical Supervisor. 

I bring a creative, calm, and compassionate approach to my practice, cutting through the noise and leaving ego at the door. With 13 years of experience, my style is gentle, softly-spoken, and fuelled by curiosity.

In sessions, I encourage our creativity and unconscious to speak up, introducing various modalities alongside traditional words and analysis.

With a wealth of experience in Arts Therapy and Counselling, I’ve worked with individuals and couples dealing with diverse issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, neglect, eating disorders, relationship challenges and grief. I help adolescents, and adults from all backgrounds.

Drawing from my local and international experience, I’ve grown into a nurturing, intuitive, and compassionate therapist. Let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing together.

Qualifications

  • Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy. 2023.
  • Certificate of Attainment in Individual & Group Supervision. RISE UP Supervision Model. 2023.  
  • Specialist Course in Couples Therapy- Relationships Australia. 2018.
  • Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice- MIECAT Institute. 2014-2016.
  • Graduate Certificate in Experiential & Creative Arts Practice- MIECAT Institute. 2014.
  • Diploma of Professional Counselling- Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. 2009-2010.
  • Diploma of Transpersonal Arts Therapy-IKON Institute. 2003-2005.
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting)- University of Maryland, USA. 1998-2000.

Other relevant experience:

  • Level 1 & 2 Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. 2020 
  • Two day clinical training in IMAGO Relationship Therapy_Imago Institute for Relationships. 2019 
  • Collaborative Couple Therapy Workshop by Dan Wile. 2017 

Testimonials

“Rachel is a highly intuitive practitioner with a genuinely empathic nature. In our time together, I found her to be a deep listener with an adaptable, creative therapeutic style. Rachel employs a diverse range of techniques during therapeutic sessions, which are both nourishing and healing, and have proven to be a crucial element in my own personal development. Many of the Art Therapy techniques that I learned with Rachel I have continued to use since, which is due mainly to her non-judgmental, supportive attitude in using arts as a means to explore experience. I would recommend Rachel to any individual looking for an accomplished healer not only of symptoms, but of people.”

“My journey with Art Therapy with Rachel has been amazing. My stance is much more positive and I have awakened and feel stronger within myself. The process of Art Therapy has shifted things within me and I am more emotionally stable. I will defiantly continue with Art Therapy when I return home to Russia, the doors have opened.”

“Rachel gave me my first experiences in Art Therapy. I am a person who thinks a lot. Usually I write my thoughts and feelings down when I can’t stop them. Less talking and thinking, but more drawing and feeling. By making the drawings I was able to find back feelings, which were blocked because of the overruling thoughts. By using different colours, I was able to describe what the feelings meant for me. Rachel focused with her questions on my emotions and not on my thoughts, something that helped me to go from thinking into feeling. Of course, after four sessions, I can’t change the behaviour I am using already all my life, but Art as a tool is helping me to be able to feel my emotions and listen to them.”