Lucia Hayes

Meeting with Lucia is a grounding and nurturing experience, as she approaches each individual’s story with poise, care, and heartfelt listening. Lucia specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families, providing guidance and support that helps them connect with what matters most, enhance their sense of belonging in the community, and access therapeutic support through art. She is committed to supporting individuals at every stage of life and prioritizes the creation of authentic relationships where clients feel seen, understood, and supported on their journeys. Lucia brings a wealth of professional experience and knowledge to her practice. She has facilitated workshops for young people in the foster care system and assisted asylum seekers in navigating complex legal processes in Australia. As a group therapist for individuals facing addiction, she provided ongoing support for those with complex mental health challenges. Her expertise extends to working with individuals with OCD, autism, and trauma, enabling her to deliver compassionate and informed care tailored to each client’s needs.

Lucia’s journey as an artist and therapist has been rich and transformative. She has participated in numerous art exhibitions and performance art projects, including a residency at the Fowlers Gap Research Station in rural NSW. Additionally, she developed art therapy programs for youth experiencing homelessness and disadvantage through Brightside. A pivotal moment in her personal and professional growth was the creation of an art installation called “The Reflection Tent.” In this project, she invited members of the public to engage in meaningful dialogue around the question, “What does belonging mean to you?” This simple yet profound interaction revealed to her the power of creating safe spaces for individuals to explore their deepest thoughts and emotions. The tent became a powerful symbol of her commitment to presence and connection, deepening her understanding of the therapeutic process. Lucia discovered that true healing often begins with individuals feeling seen, heard, and understood in environments that honor the dignity and truth of their experiences.

Nature and the simple pleasures of life hold a special place in Lucia’s heart. She dreams of one day creating a vibrant food forest and spending a year living abroad, potentially training to become a yoga teacher along the way. Until that dream becomes a reality, she immerses herself in art, a cup of peppermint tea at hand, while relishing moments shared with friends and family. These everyday experiences keep her grounded and inspired.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts – University of New South Wales 
• Masters of Social Work – University of Wollongong

Available for:

• Children
• Adolescents 
• Families
• Advocacy
• Resource Connection
• Skill Building
• Group programs
• Case Management
• Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and ASD
• Parenting Support

Modalities:

• Art Therapy
• Emotion-Focused Therapy
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
• Trauma-informed Care
• NDIS Social Worker

Availability

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday