Clare Thompson

Species: Companion & Root Stabiliser
Terrain(s): Billabong

About Claire- Q & A

Where do you work?
I work in a local mental health care clinic, plus my own private supervision two days a week.

What do you find stretches you?
Thursdays are pretty long & I currently have too many supervisees back to back.

How do you remain steady week to week?
I find slowing down and having my own external supervision really useful as well as regular PD.

What would you hold carefully in your tool jar?
I have a beuauiful round stone that helps ground me on my desk, as well as ongoing supervision-focused PD.

What is a small thing that helps between sessions?
Regular cups of peppermint tea

Marla Collins

Species: Pathfinder & Root Stabiliser
Terrain(s): Wetlands & Mycelial Network

A Personal Reflection

As an Arts Therapist and Clinical Counsellor, I have recently found myself working in a crisis support service. One afternoon a week I also work with a community group program which is funded by the government. In both these spaces, I primarily work with adults who are navigating periods of acute emotional overwhelm/crisis, as well as additional systemic challenges such as housing and financial instability. At times, I have noticed that my work sits close to the edges of what feels manageable.

Whilst in the Wetlands, I have found I need to pay close attention to my own limits. I have found some days to be tough emotionally, as I hold others in their complexities and need to adhere to safety protocols.. It is on days like this when I need to pay particular attention to slowing myself down and remember that sometimes small and steady interventions can matter more here than big moves- and that people need to be heard.

My work within the Mycelial Network feels quite different, as I find I am often linking people to other services and support systems as well as consulting with colleagues. I feel this is important as I recognise client care doesn’t rest in one place. In this space it feels important to connect people with longer-term supports.

Sam Weekley

Species: Pollinator & Pathfinder
Terrain(s): Grasslands & Field of Wildflowers

About Sam - Q &A

Where do you work?
I work across a few places inclusdng a community centre, a secondary school program, and short-term group projects that move with organisational funding.

Which terrain do you spend most time in?
I am usually in the Grasslands but often visit the Field of Wildflowers. I enjoy work that shifts and changes throughout the year, along with new opportunities.

What does your work usually involve?
I particularly love designing and running group-based arts programs, particularly with young people, as well as communities that don’t easily fit into clinical models.

What energises you in this work?
I enjoy seeing ideas spread- such as when one group sparks something that another group takes up and adapts.

What tends to stretch you?
Sometimes I find short contracts and changing organisational requirements challenging. It often requires me to often reorient and consider where I am at.

What’s usually in your tool jar?
My portable art materials, strong referral pathways, and ongoing community-based PD