This week, I had the enriching opportunity to converse with Shivani Meharwade, a dedicated Master of Creative Arts student at Deakin University and a City of Melbourne student ambassador. Shivani is passionate about art, performance, English literature, and particularly, the transformative synergy of Creative Arts Wellness.

📍Q: Art therapy often faces skepticism in both the medical and art communities. How do you address these challenges and advocate for the legitimacy and efficacy of creative arts therapy?

Shivani: “As a psychology major graduate, I aim to clarify that art wellness and art therapy are distinct. I label my workshops as ‘art wellness’ to focus on relaxation, self-realization, gratitude, and reflection—helping participants spend quality time with themselves. My goal is to illuminate mental health issues and promote mindfulness, especially as I plan to extend my work to India, where art therapy is still emerging.”

📍Q: In your role as a City of Melbourne student ambassador, how do you incorporate your passion for the arts and mental health awareness into your responsibilities?

Shivani: “Understanding the cultural shock international students face, I incorporate compassion into my interactions. My plans include conducting workshops where I can educate students about grounding exercises and informing them about mental health support facilities guiding students to helpful platforms. We organize tours to grocery stores, cafes, and I am initiating visits to art galleries to enrich their cultural and emotional well-being.”

📍Q: What advice would you give to students or professionals interested in pursuing a career in creative arts therapy?

Shivani: “Patience is crucial in this field. Creative arts therapy isn’t as recognized as other professions, so be prepared to explain what you do frequently. Continuously explore, learn, and innovate in your practices. Stay hungry for ideas, research extensively, and keep your approaches dynamic to make your work truly reflective of your vision and personality.”

📍One message for the world:

Shivani: “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

✨ Key Takeaways:

Shivani’s approach to art wellness illustrates the power of art in fostering mental health and personal growth. Her commitment to educating and integrating creative therapies into community settings underscores the potential of arts to heal and empower, particularly among students navigating new environments.