DESPINA Weston is a psychotherapist, counsellor, art and play therapist and clinical supervisor.
About three years ago, Ms Weston relocated to Toodyay from the outer hills of Perth where she previously lived and worked for more than 30 years.
She is no stranger to the Wheatbelt.
Her early experiences as an art specialist teacher at York High School many years ago, introduced her to both the generosity and warmth of people in the area and also to the particular challenges of life in the Wheatbelt.
Ms Weston's particular expertise is in the area of grief and loss, relationship counselling, and group work.
She is the practice manager of Inner Visions Outer Expressions, Toodyay, and works with children and adults, individually, with couples, families and groups.
Her premise is that everyone has the capacity to create and a host of images to express.
"Why copy, when you can create? Given the right environment, Yes, you can!" is her motto.
From February 20 Ms Weston will be running a five-week women's group from her premises, 104 Stirling Terrace, Toodyay.
The group format is described as a unique experience and runs from 9.30am-2pm.
Participants discuss their work over a shared lunch.
The opportunity to share experiences, artistic methods and experiment in an environment which is safe and non-judgemental enhances the process and experience of creating.
"No artistic skill is required and age is irrelevant," Ms Weston said.
"I believe everybody has an artist within - the sessions are for like-minded women who want to engage with others in a group format and develop their own ideas in a safe environment."
Women are free to work in any media they choose.
Before each workshop, free one-on-one consultations are provided by Ms Weston to develop an understanding with the client and to ensure their goals are met.
Spaces are limited and entry is via an interview with Ms Weston.
A new service recently introduced to the practice along with relationship counselling and adult art groups is play therapy.
"Child-centred play therapy is to children what counselling is to adults," Ms Weston said.
"Play therapy enables children to express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words. "Children use toys as their words to enact what troubles them."
Play therapy is a personalised service which begins with a private consultation with parents.
For more information on play therapy, the women's group program, or to make an appointment, contact Ms Weston on 9574 4328 or 0435 121 058.
