My story
Hi, I’m Lou Lou
I’m a creative wellbeing practitioner and Masters-trained art therapist (AThR). I work online with people in Australia and around the world, especially through complex life challenges.
“I believe that a single creative moment of connection can be life changing.”Lou Lou Rodrigues
Who I am
I believe we’re all creative. Sometimes we just forget along the way.
For me, art has always been an outlet. I’ve been drawing since I was young, and making art is where I go to make sense of things. I still can’t walk past an art supply shop or a bookshop without wandering in, looking for inspiration and something new to try.
From art history to art therapy
Before my Masters in art therapy, I completed a Bachelor of Art History and Curatorship at the Australian National University (ANU), with a major in visual arts. I also began a primary teaching degree, because I believe knowledge is power, and sharing it is a real passion of mine.
Art therapy taught me the most about experiential learning: we learn from what we experience. Making art is one of the most natural ways to do that. It helps us form, shape and process our lives.
What shapes my work
When we’re given space to pause, create and connect, even briefly, something meaningful can shift. That belief sits at the heart of everything I do.
I especially love supporting:
- Partners of travelling professionals
- Adults navigating chronic pain
- Neurodivergent children and teens
- People who are non-verbal or experience selective mutism
Beyond the sketchbook
Lived experience, as well as training
I have a great passion for travel, learning languages, and exploring new foods, cities and ways of being. Every new place teaches me something about people, and it all supports who I am as a therapist today.
I’m a partner, step-parent, sister and daughter, and I’ve experienced loss and grief. In 2024 I left Australia to live overseas, and that change keeps expanding how I understand identity and belonging.
All of this shapes how I show up for you: grounded, curious and human.
Qualifications & experience
Training and experience
-
Masters-trained art therapist (AThR)
A Masters-level qualification in art therapy.
-
Professional Member of ANZACATA
The professional association for creative arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
-
Bachelor of Art History and Curatorship
From the Australian National University (ANU), with a major in visual arts.
-
8+ years with young people
Trauma-informed work with neurodivergent children and teens, in community and clinical settings.
-
Creative wellbeing practitioner
Creative wellbeing sessions for people living outside Australia.
-
Online, one-to-one and groups
Every session happens online, so you can join from home.
My approach
I meet you where you are
No judgement, no teaching and no advice-giving.
This work is collaborative. Along the way we may find moments that weren’t planned, and together we shape a space for safety, curiosity and self-discovery.
Art is one of the oldest forms of storytelling, found in every culture. What you make in session is your own story, told your way.
You choose what you share, and how deeply you go.
You do not need to be an artist. You do not need the right words. Curiosity is enough.
Scope of my work
Where you live shapes the kind of session
Every session is online. My art therapy registration applies in Australia, so what I offer depends on where you live.
-
Living in Australia
Art therapy, privately or through plan-managed or self-managed NDIS. Art therapy in Australia
-
Living anywhere else
Creative wellbeing sessions, using simple, accessible art-based practices. Creative wellbeing
Scope of practice for creative wellbeing. My art therapy registration is Australian, so outside Australia I offer this work as creative wellbeing. Sessions are shaped by my art therapy training and can feel deeply therapeutic, but they’re non-clinical. They aren’t counselling, psychotherapy, mental health treatment or crisis support.
They’re for people who want care without being pathologised, and who are drawn to creativity as a way of understanding themselves, even if they don’t feel “creative”.
An invitation
You don’t need a clear goal, or to know what you want to work on. If this feels like the space you’ve been looking for, you’re welcome to begin.