Tanya Cepeda
Mitcham,VIC
Summary
Compassionate Art Therapist with 3-year background in selecting appropriate mediums of visual expressions and implementing treatment strategies consistent with therapeutic objectives. Committed to providing a trusting and open atmosphere to encourage learning and participation and to promote better mental health.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Career Break
Tanya Cepeda
08.2025 - Current
- I took some time off to prepare for the birth of my child and care for her once she was born.
Art Therapist
Victoria Art Therapy
08.2023 - 07.2025
- Facilitated therapeutic art sessions for diverse client populations averaging a 10 client case load
- Conducted group art therapy sessions focusing on topics such as self-esteem, identity exploration, and conflict resolution.
- Developed individualized treatment plans, aligning art therapy techniques with client goals and needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate therapeutic strategies into comprehensive care approaches.
- Implemented evidence-based art therapy techniques, improving overall client engagement and satisfaction rates.
- Continuously researched and integrated emerging trends in the field of art therapy to ensure the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate client needs and progress, adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
- Observed, monitored and documented client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of art therapy interventions by tracking measurable outcomes using standardized assessment tools.
- Wrote treatment plans, case summaries, and progress reports related to individual clients or client groups.
Mental Health Support Worker
Supporting Your Life
06.2022 - 07.2025
- Promoted independence for NDIS participants by facilitating transport and community access.
- Developed life skills, including cooking and cleaning, for enhanced self-sufficiency.
- Assisted individuals in overcoming emotional and mental obstacles through tailored discussions.
- Applied person-centered methodologies to elevate quality of life experiences and ntegrated positive psychology practices into daily interactions.
- Provided compassionate support to individuals with mental health challenges, fostering a safe environment.
- Implemented individualized care plans, enhancing client engagement and promoting well-being.
Yoga Instructor
Independent Contractor
11.2020 - 01.2025
- Conducted group classes in Power Yoga, Vinyasa, and Yin at multiple studios around the Melbourne Metropolitan area.
- Fostered community through creating engaging and supportive environments.
Women and Children's FV Intensive Case Manager
Boornadawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service
04.2020 - 07.2021
- Managed up to 10 clients/families at a time.
- Ensured clients were receiving the support they needed surrounding family violence, such as referrals for counselling, information and access help to flexible support packages, foodbanks, financial counsellors, legal help, and Safe Steps.
- Assessed and helped manage risk and safety by helping clients create safety plans that were attainable according to their individual circumstances.
- Liaised with external organizations, such as Child Protection, VIC Police, Anglicare, etc. based on what my clients' needs were and established strong relationships with community resources for referrals and services.
- Provided crisis intervention and support to clients in high-stress situations.
- Offered therapeutic spaces for communication whether that be over the phone or at a home visit so that each client was feeling heard and supported.
- Supported the Groups facilitator in creating and facilitating culturally appropriate and therapeutic art groups online and in person.
Server & Bartender
Mity Nice
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Managed multiple tables efficiently, ensuring timely order delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Trained new servers on menu offerings, service standards, and operational procedures to enhance team performance.
Art Therapist & Primary Counsellor
Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Facilitated intakes using ASAM Criteria and clinical judgement to diagnose and create individual treatment plans for clients experiencing substance use problems who were either mandated or voluntarily referred themselves to the outpatient program.
- Managed a case load of 15-20 clients.
- Facilitated art therapy groups, life skills groups, and individual therapy sessions using a variety of evidence-based, therapeutic modalities.
La Casa Intern
The Resurrection Project
10.2017 - 04.2018
- Assisted school psychologist in running social-emotional learning (SEL) classes for 6th-8th graders who were deemed to have anger and/or high stress by their teachers, at a local elementary school.
- Prepared and executed study break nights for the college students living in the organizations' dorms as a self-care program.
Child Life Volunteer
Advocate Children's Hospital
05.2016 - 09.2016
- Facilitated individual play and art sessions to reduce anxiety and promote better mental health in pediatric patients.
- Provided emotional support and coping strategies for children facing medical procedures.
- Spent time with infants in NICU to allow parents to have a break if needed.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling, Art Therapy
Adler University
Chicago, IL06.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2016
Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Bilingual - English & Spanish
- Cultural Competency
- Empathy
- Flexible and adaptable
- Clinical Writing
- Clinical Judgement
- Person-Centred
- Individual & Group Therapy
- Teamwork and collaboration
Affiliations
- Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA) - Professional Tier
- Yoga Alliance, RYT-200
Certification
- Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate, The Embody Lab - December 2024
- Yoga Teacher Training, MOVE Yoga - November 2020
Conference
Italy Play Therapy Institute | Reggello, IT. March 2019
Co-Presented alongside Dr. Catherine Barrington, Lauren Daniels, Jenna Bumber, and Raquel Vargas
Title: The Intersectionality between Play Therapy and Art Therapy
Timeline
Career Break
Tanya Cepeda
08.2025 - Current
Art Therapist
Victoria Art Therapy
08.2023 - 07.2025
Mental Health Support Worker
Supporting Your Life
06.2022 - 07.2025
Yoga Instructor
Independent Contractor
11.2020 - 01.2025
Women and Children's FV Intensive Case Manager
Boornadawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service
04.2020 - 07.2021
Art Therapist & Primary Counsellor
Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center
09.2018 - 06.2019
Server & Bartender
Mity Nice
05.2018 - 08.2019
La Casa Intern
The Resurrection Project
10.2017 - 04.2018
Child Life Volunteer
Advocate Children's Hospital
05.2016 - 09.2016
Master of Arts - Counselling, Art Therapy
Adler University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Illinois At Chicago