Milk and Honey
Allied Health
Framework
Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC)​
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Milk and Honey Allied Health uses the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) as a guiding framework in our art therapy practice.
The ETC recognises that different art materials have unique therapeutic qualities. By choosing materials intentionally, therapists can support emotional regulation, self-expression, cognitive processing, and personal growth in a way that matches each client’s needs.
Rather than focusing on a specific outcome, therapists guide the creative process, allowing clients to explore, express, and make meaning at their own pace. This approach supports therapy as a developmental process of emotional and psychological growth.
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The Four Levels of the Expressive Therapies Continuum
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Kinesthetic – Sensory
A preverbal, body-based level that focuses on movement, touch, and sensory experience.
Helps with grounding, emotional regulation, and release.
Materials: clay, playdough, finger paint, textured media.
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Perceptual – Affective
Supports emotional expression as images begin to take shape.
Focuses more on feelings than form.
Materials: watercolours, oil pastels, chalk, soft pencils.
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Cognitive – Symbolic
Involves thinking, planning, and meaning-making.
Supports reflection, communication, and problem-solving.
Materials: collage, construction, symbolic and mixed media.
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The Creative Function
The integration of emotion, thought, sensation, and creativity.
Represents flexibility, self-awareness, and personal insight.
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How We Use This Framework
An art process can begin at any level and move across the continuum as therapy progresses.
This flexible approach supports both right and left brain processing, allowing clients to engage in ways that feel safe, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate.
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Reference:
Hinz, L. D. (2009). Expressive Therapies Continuum: A Framework for Using Art in Therapy.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)​​
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach used to support children, adolescents, and adults who experience trauma-related distress, including post-traumatic stress symptoms.
TF-CBT helps individuals safely process traumatic experiences through structured emotional processing, gradual exposure, and cognitive strategies, supporting recovery, emotional regulation, and resilience.
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At Milk and Honey Allied Health, TF-CBT principles are integrated thoughtfully and flexibly, ensuring therapy remains developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and client-centred.
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Key Components of TF-CBT
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Understanding trauma responses and their impact on thoughts, emotions, and behaviour
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Emotional regulation and coping skill development
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Gradual and supported trauma processing
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Cognitive restructuring to address unhelpful beliefs
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Strengthening safety, trust, and resilience
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​Individualised and Developmentally Responsive
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TF-CBT strategies can be adapted across different ages and developmental stages, making it suitable for children, adolescents, and adults. Therapy is tailored to each client’s needs, readiness, and therapeutic goals.
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Who TF-CBT May Support
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Individuals experiencing trauma-related stress or PTSD symptoms
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Children and young people impacted by adverse or overwhelming experiences
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Adults seeking structured, evidence-based trauma support
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Milk and Honey Allied Health integrates TF-CBT within a holistic therapeutic framework, often alongside creative and expressive therapies, to support healing, emotional safety, and long-term wellbeing.
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