When Words Don’t Work: A New Kind of “Recovery Workshop” Is Coming to Coochie

Because some things don’t sit neatly in sentences. Grief. Shock. The weird aftertaste of stressful years. That low-level buzz in your body that says something’s not settled, even if life looks “fine” on paper.

 

And here’s the part that made me sit up in my chair during this chat: art therapy was literally created for the moments when words fail. It was developed in the 1940s to help soldiers express the unexpressible. Not with a speech. Not with a “share your feelings” circle. But with colour, shapes, lines. With the right side of the brain doing what it does best: expressing what the left side can’t quite name.

 

That’s what sparked this whole conversation… and it’s why a new, small-group art therapy workshop is about to land at the Coochiemudlo Community Hall.

And yes, it’s the kind of thing that makes people say:
“Wait… that sounds interesting. How do I join?”

 

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This Isn’t an Art Class

One of the most human moments in the conversation was when a participant in a past workshop realised they were about to cry, not because they were being “dragged through it”… but because insight was landing.

 

That’s what art therapy does best. It helps you see yourself differently.
And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

You don’t need someone to fix you. You need awareness.

And awareness creates options.

 

As they said:
“If you’re not aware, you can’t take any action.”

Sometimes the “action” is a big change. Sometimes it’s just putting a burden down that you didn’t realise you were carrying.

Either way… that moment of relief is what most people are actually chasing.

 

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Confidentiality Is Non-Negotiable

Because this is personal, the group setting comes with strong “house rules”:

• Respect is front and centre

• You can share your own experience after the workshop

• You do not discuss anyone else’s work or story outside the room

• No interpreting other people’s work unless invited

That’s what makes it safe enough for people to be real.

 

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Why This Matters Right Now (Especially Here)

This workshop is part of a broader community recovery program addressing the ongoing stress that might exist from TC Alfred, under the Coochie Progress umbrella, supported through state and federal funding.

 

And honestly… it’s timely.

 

Because even when the dramatic moment has passed, the nervous system often doesn’t get the memo. We “carry on”… but we’re still carrying the emotions.

 

This workshop process creates a space to unpack some of that gently, without needing to explain it perfectly.

 

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Workshop Details

Where: Coochiemudlo Community Hall
Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Spots: Limited to 15 per workshop (30 total across both days)
Cost: Free
Includes: All materials provided
Also includes: Morning tea 

There are two workshop dates coming up: Sunday the 8th OR Wednesday the 11th (same workshop, you choose one day).

To join / book your spot: email Millie Simic: milliesimic@iprimus.com.au

 

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Are You’re Wondering “Is This For Me?”

If you’re:

• tired of thinking your way through everything

• carrying something you can’t quite name

• feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just “not quite yourself”

• craving a reset that doesn’t involve pretending you’re fine

Then yeah… this might be for you.

 

And if you’re sitting there thinking, “I’m not artsy”… congratulations, you’re the exact person who tends to get the biggest surprise out of it.

Because this isn’t about art.

 

It’s about getting what’s inside you, out of you… in a way your brain and body actually understand.

 

Note:I turned up to gather information. I left with insights. Millie did the guiding. I did the processing. AI helped make it readable. None of us saw that coming.

 

Assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).