23/12/2025
Holiday hArts starts tomorrow online via zoom. Registrations will close tomorrow at 1pm AEDT.
For many people "meeting" or observing a person for the first time is overwhelming due to the brain processing large amounts of cognitive and sensory information. For autistic people who process more information these differences can cause overwhelm, anxiety and meltdown. If you are joining us in the space for the first time this week or you don't know me, here's a visual introduction to the space that you can spend time with to reduce the information and sensory overload.
My name is Mahlie. I am 43 years old and I am a Wiradjuri person currently living on stolen Dharug Country. I am autistic, q***r and my pronouns are she/they. I live with multiple disabilities including EDS, POTS, MCAS, ADHD and I'm a young stroke survivor with a brain injury. I'm also a masters-qualified art psychotherapist. I have worked in community services since I was 20. I started in drug and alcohol, then domestic and family violence, then in crisis, acute and long-term care with those experiencing suicidality. I have lived experience in all these areas of life. I specialise in working with late diagnosed autistic people with co-occurring disabilities.
The first picture is a recent picture of myself in my home office space so you can become familiar with my face and the room before the session. I do have 2 different pairs of glasses I might wear and my tattoos are always visible.
The next four pictures are of my office space. I might be sitting at my session desk (the white one in the corner) or my art desk (the black one). When I'm in community group sessions, I often have another overhead camera above whatever I'm working on so you can see me work. This is done as a way to reduce any power dynamic - I make art alongside people because I am a part of the community. You do not need to do this in our sessions. My office is typically dimly lit using soft lights and I have a fan in the background that makes some noise but is not visible.
The 6th picture is of the couch in my office where my 'gang' is. These are sensory plushies that I sometimes use for self-regulation, joy, comfort, safety and just because they give great therapy tips. I encourage you to bring along any of the things that help support you in spaces.
The last picture is of my 13 year old pug Skylar who typically sleeps (loudly) in her bed behind my desk, sometimes she wanders around and might be visible. Skylar doesn't bark but her nails tap loudly on the floor at times and she snores loudly. Sometimes she wrestles her bestie, Mr Sharky.
I'm excited to spend time with you over the next week. If you would like to sign up to the free Holiday hArts space, the link is in my bio or you can visit my website:
www.livingartstherapy.com/holidays/
***rarttherapist
