A HEART-CENTRED
PRACTICE:
MY PHILOSOPHY
At the heart of my work lies a profound commitment to creating a nurturing space where art and creativity become the medium to explore and express the human experience. I wholeheartedly embrace our interconnectedness and the boundless potential within each individual and our global community.
I have a holistic perspective, and I'm passionate about nurturing the spiritual realms of consciousness to facilitate personal growth, self-discovery, and healing. Each client's creative journey is an invitation to connect more intimately with oneself, to transcend personal barriers, and to embrace a more expansive understanding of their place in the tapestry of the world.
By connecting the threads of diverse cultures and beliefs, I celebrate the varied hues of the human experience. My practice stands firmly on the pillars of ethics and compassion, ensuring each client feels acknowledged, empowered, and profoundly connected.
My philosophy goes beyond individual transformation; it's about collectively elevating our consciousness towards a more harmonious and enriched well-being.
Cāyu (चायु).—[adjective] showing awe or respect.
The Sanskrit word "Cāyu" is pronounced like this:
Cā: The "C" here is pronounced like the "ch" in "church." The "ā" is a long "a" sound, similar to the "a" in "car" but held slightly longer.
yu: This is pronounced like the "yu" in "yule."
Putting it together, "Cāyu" would be pronounced "chAA-yu" with the "AA" indicating the longer "a" sound.
“We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are”
― Anaïs Nin ―
WHAT IS TRANSPERSONAL ART THERAPY?
Transpersonal Art Therapy is a form of therapy that honours and nurtures the spiritual dimension of the human experience, using guided meditation and creative processes to explore the deeper parts of the soul.
Transpersonal psychology emerged in the late 1960s as a group of psychologists, including Carl Jung and Abraham Maslow sought to expand traditional psychology beyond just the mind and behaviour to include spiritual and mystical experiences. It grew out of the era's interest in consciousness and cultural practices, with pioneers like Stanislav Grof formalizing its concepts. This field of psychology aims to understand the full spectrum of human experience, integrating spiritual dimensions into psychological study. The Transpersonal lens encourages us to explore experiences in which the sense of identity or self extends beyond (trans) the individual or personal (persona) to encompass broader aspects of what it means to be human. The term "Transpersonal" literally means "beyond the mask."
In our sessions, we use breathwork, guided meditation, and creative processes to provide a doorway into the deeper aspects of our being - our soul. This fusion of processes provides a way to access the wisdom and insight that lie beyond the limitations of our rational minds. We are reconnecting with our intuition.
Creativity allows individuals to express their life stories and cultural backgrounds uniquely, bypassing the ego, and connecting with the soul. Exploring beyond the surface in a more profound realm nurtures the spirit and creates an environment for healing, transformation, and self-discovery to occur amidst colours, symbols, shapes, textures, and forms, often using creative lenses such as archetypes, metaphors and myth.
You can expect to foster a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life, nurturing greater self-awareness and personal growth, while calming the nervous system and learning to navigate any challenges you might be experiencing.
1:1 SESSIONS
1:1 Art Therapy sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals. In-person sessions are held in my intimate space at Habitat, in Byron Bay or immersed in the beauty of nature. Choose between a 60-minute session or a more immersive 90-minute session.
Whether it's a creative block, anxiety, depression, trauma, illness, or simply seeking personal growth, you will be supported in your unique journey towards healing and wholeness. We will explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with meditation and creative processes and help you connect with your inner wisdom to gain insights and perspectives into your life.
GROUP SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS
Online and in-person Group Art Therapy sessions provide a nurturing space to connect with others and creatively explore your inner landscape. We explore interesting themes, from self-reflection to dreamwork, navigating challenges like creative blocks, anxiety, or depression; these sessions gently blend guided meditation with creative expression in a safe and supported environment.
Be part of a community that resonates with the pursuit of inner harmony, tapping into the transformative essence of art. Stay connected and informed with enriching group work experiences by subscribing to the Cāyu newsletter.
1:1 ONLINE SESSIONS
RETREAT OFFERINGS
Online 1:1 Art Therapy sessions offer a convenient and accessible way to access support from the comfort of your own home. If you are unable to attend in-person sessions or prefer the flexibility of online therapy, these sessions are designed to support your unique journey towards healing and wholeness.
We will meet via Zoom and work collaboratively with meditation and creative processes to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to help you gain insight and perspective into your life. The same techniques apply to both online and in-person sessions, and online sessions are very popular.
Retreats offer a space of profound exploration and connection; they are an opportunity to deeply discover your inner world, surrounded by the nurturing environment of a supportive community. Stay connected here to learn about our upcoming retreat journeys in beautiful Byron Bay. I am also passionate about collaborating with various modalities to enrich retreat experiences. If you are organising a retreat and wish for a partnership, I warmly invite you to connect with me.
NATURE IMMERSIONS - 1:1 SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS IN NATURE
1:1 sessions and group workshops in nature are held on specific days, weather permitting. These special sessions allow us to engage with creative processes as we are immersed in the sensory sanctuaries of ocean or forest locations in Byron Bay. To inquire about these sessions, please connect below.
GET IN TOUCH
Whether you have questions, are curious about the process, or are ready to begin, I'm just a message away. Reach out and let's co-create a path toward your holistic well-being.
Email: naomi@cayu.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Q / Do I need any prior experience with art to participate in these sessions?
A/ No previous art experience is required. All sessions are designed for self-expression. The focus is on the process and not the outcome. All levels of art experience are welcome and supported.
Q / What are the cancellation policies?
A/ Cāyu Studio will credit all cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. If there are exceptional circumstances for cancelling, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you with a credit.
Q / When do sessions take place in nature?
A/ If sessions in nature sound appealing, please let us know when you book a session, and we will give you information on specific days when outdoor sessions occur, either in a forest close to the centre of Byron or a private cove in Byron Bay. For 1:1 sessions, we only venture out after the first two sessions at Cāyu Studio.
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands that we are meeting here today. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.