Sonya Scott

Project title: World Building: A Heuristic Inquiry Connecting Art Therapy and Tabletop Roleplaying Games

During my childhood in rural Queensland, a great deal of my time was spent living in a world of imagination and fantasy. I could be found riding my horse, looking for beautiful places to stop while adventuring on the farm. School holiday time with my family meant freedom to explore K’Gari, the biggest sand island in the world. My adventures included looking at underwater sea creatures, playing in the sand, and chasing ghost crabs at night.

To pursue nursing as a career, the next major chapter in my life meant a move to the city and ultimately found myself specialising in caring for children living with congenital heart conditions. My choice to pursue art therapy was driven by a desire to incorporate more creativity into my work practice. I am looking forward to being able to work with families and help them communicate through creating art in therapy.

My interest in tabletop roleplaying games developed when my own children where young. I could see the benefit of playing games with them and it was also rewarding to provide a safe environment for self-expression. The heuristic research investigates the use of tabletop roleplaying games with art therapy. This combined approach to art therapy provides a contemporary model which might especially benefit those seeking social connection in the community. The creative synthesis of art therapy and tabletop roleplaying games inspires a synergy of imagination and camaraderie while playing with friends. The shared storytelling experience and connection creates threads that weave through time.

My artwork captures the view of an emerging art therapist in exploration of creativity, mindfulness, and the enchanting world of tabletop roleplaying games. I have unearthed profound insights and stories to share with others from this research journey. Each piece on display unveils a facet of my quest during the self-inquiry. The art reflects my growth, from the first creative encounter on a journey of self-discovery to the transformation of knowledge in dedicated research.

I find solace and joy in the act of creating. It is a channel for my inner thoughts and emotions, a way to share the beauty of creative experiences with the world.