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Creative Expression Groups
At Safely Seen, our Creative Expression Groups are designed for autistic women, gender diverse, and neurodivergent people in Melbourne who want a safe, affirming space to create and connect.
Here, you can express yourself, regulate, and discover new ways of being creative — without the pressure of “getting it right” or fitting into neurotypical expectations.
Why Junk Journaling Works for Autistic & Neurodivergent People
No “right” way - You don’t need to be artistic. Every page you make is valid.
Sensory regulation - Enjoy textures, sounds, and colours in ways that feel good for you.
Space for special interests - Fill pages with the things that bring you joy — nature, queer identity, favourite colours, or passions.
Non-verbal expression - If talking feels too much, you can still express yourself through images and textures.
Pace that suits you - Work slowly, take breaks, or hyperfocus. Your way is the right way.
Mask-free zone - Stimming, fidgeting, zoning in — all welcome. You don’t have to perform here.
Safe connection - If you want, share a page with the group. Belonging happens gently, not through forced small talk.
Community without pressure - Being creative alongside others can feel affirming, even in silence.
sensory expectations
in group session:
on entry
& who's involved
When you enter our junk journaling creative expression group session, you'll find a calm space with no more than 6 other individuals, one person being Althea who will be there to guide the group and up to 5 other people who are also participating in the group session.
on entry
& what you can hear
on entry
& what you can see
the beginning
& expectations on the flow of a group session
during
& expectations on the flow of a group session
We run these sessions at a library in a meeting room, so you can expect a quiet and calm environment. You may hear very light background music, this might be a song consisting of calming frequencies or medium paced music and low levels of chatter/laughter. Noise cancelling headphones are welcome if that makes you feel more comfortable!
You'll see a large table full of all the creative materials you'll need during our sessions. Things like magazines, coloured paper, scraps, glue sticks, ribbons, scissors, pens, pencils, and stickers. Everything is already set up. There's no rush to start and you don't have to bring anything unless you want to.
The session will start with a gentle welcome, we'll offer an opportunity to join in for some light breathwork to settle into the space but this is totally up to you!
We'll offer some guiding questions to spark ideas, these will be spoken aloud and also written out so that you're able make your own choice and follow along in a way that suits you.
& the rest of the time is yours. You might:
-
Cut out words or pictures from magazines that resonate with you or how you're feeling.
-
Glue, layer, decorate pictures in the journal provided to you or one you've chosen to bring.
-
Draw, write, or add colour in a way that feels right for you.
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​Follow the prompts for inspiration or completely do your own thing.
​
You're always in control of what you create, you may enjoy working quietly on your own and enjoy the parallel play, or you may chose to chat with others while we all create.
the end
& expectations on what you'll see, hear & maybe even do
At the end we'll have some time to share what you have created if you feel comfortable doing so before we move into a gentle close together, sometimes with breath, stretch or just a moment to yourself to notice something good from the session or yourself. then you'll take your journal home until next time!
what you
take away
​New tools for emotional regulation
Opportunities for social connection without pressure
Discovery of creative outlets you may not have tried before
A sense of belonging in a neurodivergent-affirming space
accessibility
& comfort
Sensory-friendly spaces (quiet library rooms in Melbourne’s inner north & east)
All materials provided (bring extras if you’d like)
You can stim, mask, unmask, or take breaks anytime
No expectation to talk, share, or “perform”
NDIS billing for creative expression groups
You can use your NDIS funding to attend our Creative Expression Groups. Billing is available under:
Capacity Building – Increased Social & Community Participation
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills
We welcome both self-managed and plan-managed participants.
the details
Where: Melbourne’s inner north & eastern suburbs (local library spaces)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Frequency: Your choice of weekly, fortnightly or monthly
