TARA MILENKOVIĆ
Brunswick East
Summary
Experienced and dedicated art therapist and mental health professional with a proven track record of delivering recovery-oriented group and individual therapy in various clinical settings, including inpatient and community mental health. Proficient in facilitating psychoeducational and art-based programs that effectively promote self-awareness, empowerment, and emotional regulation. Skilled at collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, conducting thorough risk assessments, and evaluating program effectiveness to optimise outcomes. Committed to providing holistic person-centered care and upholding the highest standards of ethical practice.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Therapist - Internship
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
02.2024 - 12.2024
- Delivered weekly 1:1 and group psycho-educational and art therapy sessions, utilising CBT, ACT & DBT-informed framework, supporting adults in both Inpatient and Outpatient Eating Disorder units to enhance coping skills and emotional regulation.
- Managed program planning, administrative duties, and clinical notetaking, ensuring adherence to clinical policies and procedures while maintaining high standards of patient confidentiality and care.
- Increased emotional expression and self-awareness in patients through various artistic mediums, such as painting, drawing, and sculpture.
- Conducted risk assessments and contributed to formulation plans, providing insights from art therapy engagement to support clinical decision-making in a multidisciplinary team.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of art therapy interventions by tracking measurable outcomes using standardised assessment tools.
- Fostered collaborative multidisciplinary teamwork, consistently engaging with clinical professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care and the integration of therapy within the wider treatment plan.
- Actively contributed to psychology group sessions, offering insights and therapeutic support alongside psychology facilitators to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
- Led program evaluations to assess the acceptability, engagement, and feasibility of DBT-informed group art therapy programs, providing valuable feedback that informed future program development.
Art Therapist - Internship
MIND Australia
07.2023 - 10.2023
- Supported service users at both Community Recovery Program (CRP) and Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) sites.
- Delivered weekly 1:1 and group art therapy sessions, enhancing psychosocial support and promoting mental health stabilisation and community reintegration for individuals with complex needs.
- Designed and implemented therapeutic practices aligned with the organisational framework, improving engagement and outcomes for service users in both CRP and PARC sites.
- Developed and maintained strong rapport with service users, resulting in higher session attendance and engagement.
- Fostered a supportive community environment, strengthening peer relationships and reinforcing recovery pathways within the therapeutic space.
- Tailored intervention strategies specifically designed according to age-appropriate developmental stages ensuring maximum benefit from therapeutic experiences.
- Implemented trauma-informed care principles in all aspects of clinical practice, creating a safe environment for strengths-based care.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Wrote case summaries, and progress reports related to individual service users.
Group Art Facilitator - The Dax Centre (contractor)
SANE Australia
06.2022 - 05.2023
- Organised and facilitated weekly art groups for ten individuals with a range of disability and/or mental health challenges at Studio Dax.
- Supported participants in overcoming mental health barriers through creative interventions, improving emotional well-being and community connection.
- Ensured safety and risk management throughout sessions, including de-escalation and mental health first aid.
- Progress note taking and administrative duties as required.
- Assisted individuals with special needs in expressing themselves through various art mediums, providing adaptive support as needed for full participation in activities.
Assistant Studio Manager & First Assistant
The Photo Studio
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed all aspects of daily studio operations, ensuring smooth workflow and meeting deadlines.
- Provided high-level customer service, maintaining strong communication with clients and internal teams.
- Contributed to increased client satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
- Coordinated schedules for 15 staff members, ensuring smooth daily operations and minimising scheduling conflicts.
- Trained new employees on studio policies, procedures, software systems, ensuring a seamless integration into the team.
- Enhanced studio efficiency by streamlining administrative processes and implementing organisational systems.
- Provided exceptional customer service by assisting clients with inquiries, bookings, payments, and any other needs that arose.
Education
Master of Art Therapy -
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC12.2024
Counselling Skills -
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC12.2022
Certificate IV Community Services -
VU Polytechnic
Melbourne, VIC01.2022
Bachelor of Fine Art (Distinction) - Photography and Print Making
RMIT University
Melbourne, VIC01.2017
Certificate IV Business Administration -
Swinburne University
Melbourne, VIC01.2011
Skills
- Psychotherapy integration
- Artistic techniques
- Professional boundaries
- Adaptive communication
- Counselling
- Therapeutic relationship-building
- Trauma-informed care
- Emotional regulation and de-escalation
Additional Experience
- Sales & Gallery Assistant, Leica Camera Australia, 01/2018 to 12/2020, Melbourne
- Freelance Photographer, 02/2017 to 12/2020, Melbourne
- Event Photographer, RMIT University, 01/2016 to 12/2017, Melbourne
- Team Assistant & Acting Executive Assistant, Goldman Sachs, 01/2012 to 12/2015, Melbourne
Training
- Mental Health First Aid, St John Ambulance Australia, 2025
- LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Uniting, 2025
- Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) Brief and Intermediate for Adults and Children, Safe and Equal, 2025
- First Aid, VU Polytechnic, 2022
- Mutual Relational Respect (MRR workshop), Australasian Centre for Human Rights & Health, 05/01/22
- Family Violence Foundations, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, 10/01/21
- Facilitate Individual Learning, AMES Volunteer Tutor Course, Melbourne, VIC, 2009
Allied Health Memberships
- Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA)
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
REFERENCES
Dr. Kate Morris - Supervisor & Senior Art Therapist
Acute Inpatient Mental Health & Outpatient Eating Disorders
The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville.
Thomas Speer - Supervisor & Social Worker
Mind Australia, Heidelberg.
Timeline
Art Therapist - Internship
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
02.2024 - 12.2024
Art Therapist - Internship
MIND Australia
07.2023 - 10.2023
Group Art Facilitator - The Dax Centre (contractor)
SANE Australia
06.2022 - 05.2023
Assistant Studio Manager & First Assistant
The Photo Studio
01.2021 - 12.2022
Master of Art Therapy -
La Trobe University
Counselling Skills -
La Trobe University
Certificate IV Community Services -
VU Polytechnic
Bachelor of Fine Art (Distinction) - Photography and Print Making
RMIT University
Certificate IV Business Administration -
Swinburne University
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