About Orly
Orly Appel AThR
Registered Art Therapist (AThR) and founder of My Light Art Therapy, combining creative expression with evidence-informed therapeutic approaches.
Orly offers a calm and thoughtfully guided studio environment where children, adolescents and adults engage in meaningful therapeutic work through art-making and reflective conversation - particularly when emotions feel layered or difficult to express.
Approach
Orly’s work is grounded in a person-centred, strengths-based and trauma-informed framework. She prioritises emotional safety, steady therapeutic relationships and respect for each individual’s pace, recognising that lasting change develops within a secure and attuned space.
Professional background
Training, registration and practice
Orly holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and is professionally registered with ANZACATA and PACFA. She works with private clients as well as plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants.
Her background in Textile Design and Secondary Education contributes a nuanced understanding of creativity, development and communication to her clinical work.
She maintains a strong commitment to ethical and reflective practice, engaging in ongoing supervision and professional development - including training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which informs her work in emotional regulation, distress tolerance and resilience-building.
Clinical experience
Hospital, community, aged care and private practice
Orly has facilitated trauma-informed group programs, supported adolescents through non-profit organisations, and delivered therapeutic programs within aged care services.
She has collaborated with Eating Disorders Victoria, providing educational webinars and support for carers and families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she facilitated therapeutic workshops for medical staff to address burnout and compassion fatigue.
Her work encompasses
- Anxiety
- Trauma and grief
- Eating disorders
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Neurodivergence
- Cognitive decline
- Physical or intellectual disabilities
Supporting change
Orly supports individuals and families through developmental transitions, shifts in family dynamics, identity exploration, health challenges, and periods of uncertainty or adjustment.
Ready to begin?
Reach out for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about how art therapy could support you or your family.
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