Art Therapy Retreat in Maleny
Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland
A three-night immersive retreat for women seeking space to pause, reflect, and gently explore what is unfolding in their lives.
Held at Ferntree Hollow, this is a one-to-one transpersonal art therapy experience designed to support emotional clarity, self-connection, and inner grounding through creative expression.
No art experience is needed — only a willingness to slow down and begin where you are.
A Space to Step Away and Listen In
This retreat offers a calm and supportive space away from the demands of everyday life.
It is designed for women moving through periods of transition, emotional overwhelm, uncertainty, or a quiet inner sense that something needs attention or change.
Through gentle, guided art therapy processes, you are invited to slow down and explore what is present beneath the surface.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a gentle, guided process that uses creative expression to support emotional understanding, self-reflection, and personal insight.
You do not need any art experience. The focus is not on creating artwork, but on using the process of making art as a way to explore thoughts, feelings, and inner experiences that may be difficult to access through words alone.
In this retreat, Jo gently guides you through each creative process, offering support and reflection throughout your time together.
If you would like to learn more about art therapy and how it works, you can read more here.
This Retreat May Support You With
navigating life transitions and change
emotional overwhelm, anxiety, or burnout
grief, loss, or unresolved emotional experiences
reconnecting with identity and sense of self
gaining clarity during uncertain life stages
exploring patterns, emotions, and inner narratives
restoring calm, grounding, and nervous system regulation
deepening self-awareness through creative expression
How the Process Works
Each retreat is individually designed around you and what you are needing at this time.
Using transpersonal art therapy, we work gently with creative processes to explore thoughts, feelings, and inner experiences that may be difficult to access through words alone.
Sessions may include:
guided art-making
reflective conversation
gentle therapeutic exploration
time for rest, integration, and nature connection
There is no expectation to create “good art” — the focus is on expression, not outcome.
Hello, I’m Jo
I am a watercolour artist, transpersonal art therapist, and retreat facilitator based in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
I support women through gentle, creative, and reflective processes that allow space for emotional understanding, self-connection, and personal clarity.
My approach is calm, intuitive, and grounded in respect for each person’s lived experience.
“Jo’s patience, understanding, and kind nature allowed me to feel safe and heard.”
Nicole - art therapy retreat
Retreat Options & Investment
Retreat for One
Experience the restorative benefits of creating space entirely for yourself.
Enjoy three nights at Ferntree Hollow with personalised one-to-one sessions designed around your chosen retreat experience.
Includes:
Three nights private accommodation at Ferntree Hollow
Six hours of personalised one-to-one sessions with Jo
All art materials provided
Private use of the guest suite
Time and space to rest, reflect, and explore Maleny
Investment $1,699
Retreat for Two
Share the experience with a friend, sister, mother, daughter, or loved one.
Enjoy your own private bedroom while sharing the retreat experience and receiving personalised support throughout.
Includes:
Three nights accommodation at Ferntree Hollow
Six hours of guided sessions
All art materials provided
Shared retreat experience with individual support
Investment $1,299 per participant
Additional Guest Information
Ferntree Hollow has two bedrooms and can accommodate up to four guests.
If you have a partner, family member, friend, or support person who is not participating in sessions but would like to stay, they are welcome.
Additional guests: $50 per night per person
“I came not knowing what to expect, and was a little anxious about what would unfold. I needn’t have worried! Jo made the whole experience calm and relaxing.”
Darlene - art therapy retreat
Current Availability (2026)
Retreat availability is limited and changes throughout the year depending on existing bookings and scheduled retreat times.
May - Fully booked
June - 1 Midweek | 1 Weekend available
July - 1 Midweek | 0 Weekend available
August - Open for bookings
Availability is confirmed during your enquiry conversation.
Let’s work together to rejuvenate your spirit.
Enquire About This Retreat
If you feel drawn to this experience, I invite you to reach out.
This is a complimentary, obligation-free conversation by phone or Zoom to explore whether the Art Therapy Retreat feels like the right fit for you.
Together we’ll gently explore what you are looking for, current availability, and whether this retreat supports your needs at this time.
Testimonials
Natasha - watercolour retreat
“I was gifted this experience from Mike Arena on behalf of Carers Queensland. I don’t think I realised how much I needed this time to myself and that I need to prioritise art in my life, it is my happy place. Jo, you are a wonderful, calm and creative person, it is a joy to be around you and watch you create. Thank you so much for hosting me.”
Tereasa - art therapy retreat
“I followed a feeling to book an art therapy retreat with Jo. I have never done anything like this before but some part of me knew I needed to take myself from my norm of life - a retreat for Self. What unfolded over my sessions was mind and heart blowing. I leave with so much insight on what this next phase of my life is about and what I need to do - a new sense of purpose and direction.”
Mel - watercolour retreat
“Firstly, I loved and will have fond memories of my experience (plus some good belly laughs). The processes and techniques I discovered really helped me look more closely at nature leading to the creative mindset.
So many times in everyday life we overlook our surroundings and to look closely at the beauty of nature. I will certainly be looking much closer from here on in.
The positive for me is it has reinvigorated my passion of the creative process and to be free to create, again (it’ been too long). Freedom to me is taking away all we know, the rules, the expectations and the outcome. Jo allows self expression and releasing that inner child to play and learn has been invigorating!”
Julie - art therapy retreat
“I am still in awe at the depth of things that bubbled up and the unconscious way messages and themes presented themselves. It has been such a reminder to me to trust the process. What is meant to be revealed will be if you remain open.
So many small signs of serendipity throughout the stay! I truly believe I was meant to be here with you Jo, at this time. Thank you for your generous spirit and energy and gentle guidance. You have a gift and I am glad you tapped into it.
It’s my prompt to keep making time and space to create! I don’t know why but I just know I do! ”
Beris - art therapy retreat
“Jo was welcoming, easy to talk to, and made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed our interactions. Through discussion and using colour patterns allowed me to see more clearly how well I’ve done over the last two years.
I’ve never seen it done in this way before and I thank Jo for opening my eyes - it made it clear for me to see.
I wouldn’t change anything about the retreat, it was very well done. Thank you.”
Chris - art therapy retreat
“I was gifted this retreat with my best friend to celebrate my 60th birthday. As we both have experienced emotional trauma over the past couple of years. I came with an open heart to the retreat with hope that I would take away some understand and closure on my trauma.
Jo was the perfect guide/teacher, gently guiding us both through deep feelings long tucked away. Surprisingly for me I was able to talk and open up about feelings and the healing activities have left me with a positive outlook, peace in my heart, healing the hurts and a new found insight to my ability to help myself.
Throughly enjoyed. Thanks Jo”.
Nicole - art therapy retreat
“I spent three session with a close friend at Jo’s Art & Nature Hinterland Retreat. We both need guidance and love to process betrayals, disappointments and challenges we were facing in our life.
Jo’s patience, understanding and kind nature allowed us both to feel safe and heard.
The art sessions were enjoyable and fascinating learning how to access our own inner guidance and true self was a very new experience that we throughly enjoyed. Thanks Jo”.
Kim - art therapy retreat
“Jo is wonderful at art therapy, she’s definitely meant to help women focus and find the next steps with feeling stuck, overwhelmed or lost sense of Self.
I went back and forth about having one-on-one 3 days with someone I didn’t know and to trust what would come of it and if it would be awkward. Best thing I’ve done in years. Better for me than psychology or self help books/course.
The art we do isn’t about form or technique it’s about describing feeling or issues without words and it’s much easier than I thought and without worrying about what it looks like. It’s the best way to “jump into” or “out of” what’s on your mind (or your feelings) without explaining too much and it coaxes so many things you didn’t associate with or realise the connection.
I left feeling optimistic and that I really did have more direction of where I wanted/needed to go and the inspiration to follow up with what solutions and options to explore with the several competing issues and realising where I am right now and what I can do to get to where I want to be.
Jo’s ability to interact genuinely and prove guidance makes you feel connected to her and the circle of women going through similar things.”
Kaz - art therapy retreat
“I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat. The sessions made me think and feel safe enough to share things I needed to work through.
Jo is a thoughtful listener and her guidance is calm and non intrusive. The creativity tools used were a lot of fun, and I felt very much at ease just letting creativity flow without any judgement.
The accommodation is beautiful and serene, I felt very pampered.”
Darlene - art therapy retreat
“I came not knowing exactly what to expect, and was a little anxious about what would unfold. I needn’t have worried! Jo made the whole experience calm and relaxing.
The space provided a warm charm which aided in the sense of letting go and being in the moment. Not being an artist I found playing with the different media quite challenging and fun at the same time.
This has given me confidence to go forward and experiment some more! Thank you!!”
Carmel - art therapy retreat
“I feel reminded that I am journeying in the right direction and just need to keep reminding myself of that when things are difficult.
Everything from the garden, to the colours and decor of the accommodation was peaceful and inviting and I leave feeling refreshed, and peaceful.
I really appreciated having the opportunity to share my art therapy journey with my sister.”