Psychology and Art

Hiya, my name is Michelle Genders. I’m a psychologist and artist. In terms of neurodiversity, I have the traits of ‘sensory processing sensitivity’, ‘high sensation seeking’ and have experienced post-traumatic growth.

I have completed at Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.

I have four years clinical experience supporting people with mild to severe mental health challenges. I completed the ‘4+2 internship’ to achieve full registration as a ‘general psychologist’ in Australia. I participate in regular supervision sessions and professional development to further develop my clinical skill.

I use a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches adapted the client’s reason for presenting including: psychoeducation, person-centred counselling, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT, DBT, ACT & Solution focused).

I currently provide trauma-sensitive and neurodiversity affirming treatment for people aged 12 plus. I enjoy supporting life transitions across the life span (eg primary to high school, high school to the ‘adult world’, university to a profession, interpersonal relationships changes, relocating to a new area), stressful circumstances, self-understanding and self-improvement.

I’m also developing further expertise in creativity and art therapy, the trait of sensory processing sensitivity, and healing from intergenerational trauma.

I have more than 20 years’ work experience in psychology research, private practice, non-government organisations, employment services, disability services, tertiary education, hospitality, childcare and visual art.

I have been making art since … forever … but officially started with a community college course in ceramics in 2001. I’ve presented solo art exhibitions, curated group exhibitions, participated in group exhibitions and contributed to the Sydney art community with workshops and volunteering.

My regular and improvisational art practice currently includes drawing, painting, installation, ceramics, photography and experimenting with many different mediums in response to a creative prompt. I also have a keen interest in jewellery and sculpture as this was the area that I focused on at university.

I refer to myself a ‘creative contemplative artist’ because I make art as a meditation, a contemplation, an act of kindness, a prayer, and as a way of investigating and understanding my own nature and the nature of the cosmos. And just for the fun and joy of it!

I currently work out of a studio in the creative co-working space “Nauti Studios’ Gundungurra and Dharug country, also known as the Blue Mountains, Australia.

See more art: Michelle Exhales and Nix Gallery

See more psychology: Creative Conversations

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