Art Therapy

Art Therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy which uses the creative process and art piece to help express, explore and make meaning of your thoughts, feelings and experience.

I will provide a range of art materials, and guidance on how to use them if needed. You can then experiment with the materials and create what you feel called to. Art therapy is safe space to freely express yourself, feel autonomy and engage with the imagination.

Art therapy is different from an art class in the sense that the art therapist is not teaching you how to do art (although guidance is available when needed) nor interested in how ‘good’ the final art piece looks.  Art therapists are interested in what it was like to make the art, and whether through reflection, your art can help to express and create deeper meaning of your experiences. 

Art therapy can be seen as useful in a number of ways. Through art making, we are able to express what cannot be accessed with words (such as traumatic experiences). In making and sharing it with an art therapist, we can externalise a part of our inner world, to have it seen and held by another, which can be deeply healing.

Art therapy can also be seen as a way in which to bridge the subconscious and the conscious mind. With this approach, together we’ll reflect on your art work and the meaning you make from it. I will not interpret your work, but rather express curiosity to support you to connect with yourself and increase your inner knowing. Art therapy can also assist us to get into a ‘flow’ state, and support us to regulate the nervous system. 

Psychotherapy

I use a person-centred approach in my counselling, which is also known as Rogerian therapy. This is a client-lead approach, meaning that I follow you in the session - I listen deeply and explore what you would like to, and at your own pace. I am not prescriptive, nor likely to give homework, other than checking in with you about how the ideas or tools within the session have translated to your outside life. 

I also use other approaches and theories within my practice, such as trauma-informed, intersectional feminism, attachment systems and nervous system awareness, to support deeper understanding of you and your experience. 

I incorporate mind-body techniques into my sessions. This is a bottom-up approach, meaning that we use the body and the nervous system to help guide us on what needs attention and support. We explore and build on your capacity to feel your body through your emotions, sensations and states. This work uses mindfulness, body awareness, breath awareness and body orientation tools.

Block Sessions & Groups

Block Sessions

Perhaps there is a particular challenge right now you’d like to explore and find a sense of resolution for, or you just need a little more support at this point in life. Maybe you’d like to engage in therapy, but can’t commit to un-going sessions right now. If this feels like your situation, set of block sessions (3-5) can be arranged.

Groups

Art therapy groups are  available for your organisation, to either work with client groups, or as a well-being experience for your team. 

Groups can be non-directive, meaning that the client group is autonomous in their art making and are supported to explore what they feel to be relevant. Or, groups can be directive, in which the group is provided specific themes and associated art therapy interventions.

A set block of groups sessions can be arranged, or likewise a one-off. Please reach out for more information .