Welcome
I’m Danielle Minett — artist, accredited art therapist, writer, candle maker, and lifelong creative. I work at the intersection of art, wellbeing, and human connection, and I believe that creativity has the power to help us understand ourselves in ways that words alone can’t reach.
My path here hasn’t been a straight line. I started as a fine art photographer and sculptor, completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours Class I at the University of Newcastle. I’ve exhibited widely across Australia and internationally, worked as a curator, and spent years running a professional wedding and portrait photography studio. Somewhere along the way, I began to notice something — the process of making art was doing more for people than the finished piece ever could.
That realisation led me to study a Master of Art Therapy, where I researched the importance of the printed photograph in aiding memory recall for dementia patients. I interned at the Art Gallery of NSW, developing access and public programs that brought creative wellbeing to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. It was there that everything clicked — art isn’t just something to look at. It’s something to feel through.
Qualifications & accreditation
I hold the following qualifications and professional registrations:
- Master of Art Therapy (MAAT I)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Honours Class I — University of Newcastle
- Accredited Art Therapist (AThR) — Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
How I work
My approach is grounded in expressive arts, mindfulness-based practice, and trauma-informed care. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, and I don’t believe you need to be “artistic” to benefit from art therapy. You don’t need to draw well. You don’t even need to like art. You just need to be willing to try something different.
I work in person and online via Zoom, which means I can meet you wherever you are — in your living room, at your kitchen table, in whatever space feels safe. Sessions are available for individuals, groups, corporate teams, and through community workshops and events.
When I’m not in session, you’ll find me pouring candles for Glow Candles, making art in my studio, writing my book, hiking and riding horses, or building creative wellness programs for the Awaken Art App.
Want to work together?