Art Therapy
I offer time-limited or ongoing art psychotherapy to individuals or groups, including those currently studying as Art Therapy Trainees in English and/or Spanish.
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You might be visiting this space because you are struggling with:
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- low mood and motivation
- stress and anxiety
- difficult/new life transitions
- loss/bereavement
- challenging relationships/family dynamics
- eating difficulties
- ongoing mental health conditions
- social isolation/loneliness
If you sometimes find it hard to express how you are feeling with words alone, engaging in the creative process could be a way forward to overcoming your challenges.
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Deciding to undertake online art therapy can also be a beneficial form of support if you find it hard to leave the house, have a busy schedule or feel safest in the comfort of your own home.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy where different art materials are used as a primary mode of expression and communication. The goal of art therapy is to use the creative process to help you explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways of gaining personal insight and developing new coping skills.
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As you create art, we will reflect on what you have made and how it makes you feel. Through exploring your art, you can look for themes and conflicts that may be affecting your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
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Many people believe you must be an artist to benefit from art therapy, however, this is not the case. You do not need any experience at all. I will support you through any worries or concerns you may have and help you to get started.
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You also don't need any fancy or expensive art materials – just what you already might have at home or whatever you might be interested in experimenting with. We can discuss best approaches and materials if you are unsure.
Working with me.
I am a qualified art psychotherapist who has experience working with adults and older adults in a variety of settings such as NHS mental health Trusts (in-patient wards and outpatient clinics), community centres, supported accommodation schemes, hospices and nursing homes, alongside my private practice.
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This professional trajectory has afforded me the opportunity to work with people facing a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, life transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders, psychosis, dementia and chronic illness.
​I strongly believe that mental health affects us all and is an issue we can work on better if we do it collectively. No one should feel alone in their struggles or challenges, and it is through this work that I grow as a person and feel more connected to people and communities. Growth and change is possible – sometimes we just need some help to understand ourselves and our potential better. I am committed to providing a supportive, collaborative and compassionate atmosphere to empower you to identify your needs and strengths so you can enact meaningful changes in your life.
​I am a HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist (AS 16223), a Full Member of BAAT (The British Association of Art Therapists), and a Full Member of aTe (The Spanish Association of Art Therapists), which means I am committed to following a strict code of ethics to ensure safe practice. I hold appropriate insurance for online and face-to-face art therapy sessions.
My Approach.
I draw on psychodynamic and person-centred approaches, which means our sessions will focus on the issues you bring and feel comfortable sharing. I will invite you to explore these issues using a variety of art materials, though it is important to know that you do not have to use art materials if you do not want to – the choice is yours.
Together, we can unpack your experiences, thoughts and feelings and consider how your past might be informing your responses in the present. It is through this deep reflection that you can break through and effect changes and transformations in your life.
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Areas of Expertise.
Since 2016, I have worked in end-of-life care, adult mental health, learning disabilities and bereavement settings.
Bereavement
​Since 2016, I have specialised in grief and bereavement and volunteer regularly for the United Kingdom’s largest bereavement charity, Cruse Bereavement Care. While experiences of loss are universal, how we grieve is an individual process. Not everyone who is bereaved needs therapy, so it is important to speak with someone experienced if you are unsure.
Adult Mental Health
Alongside my private practice, I have worked for three different NHS Mental Health Trusts offering art psychotherapy to individuals on various wards such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, postpartum disorders and other acute mental health conditions. Regardless of a diagnosis that may have been given, I believe developing a long-lasting and trusting relationship through warmth, empathy and even a little bit of humour can be transformative and life-changing.
Learning Disabilities (LD)
I am passionate about empowering people with LD to have a voice in their personal expression and ultimately, how they want to live their lives. Creative therapeutic approaches are particularly beneficial because:
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- they are not dependent on verbal communication
- they allow for indirect communication
- they work with both imagined and factual narratives
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I have a particular interest in exploring these approaches as a way of supporting people with LD to cope with loss and life changes.
Qualifications.
Online and Telephone Counselling Certificate Course, Counsellor Tutor Ltd., 2022
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Mentalisation-Based Arts Psychotherapies, International Centre for Arts Psychotherapies Training (ICAPT) - Sept. 2022
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Death of a Child at Any Age, Cruse Bereavement Care, 2022
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Bereavement Support Foundation Certificate, Cruse Bereavement Care, 2020 - 2021
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Bereavement Counselling, Oplex Careers, 2020
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Mentalisation-Based Therapy - Basic Training, Anna Freud Centre, 2019
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Support and Care for Individuals with Learning Disabilities, Estia Centre, 2018
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Masters in Art Psychotherapy (with Merit), Goldsmiths University of London, 2016 – 2018
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AOCAD, Material Art & Design (Specialism Ceramics), OCAD University, 2001 – 2004
Services & Fees
Individual Online
Art Therapy
50-minute Zoom session from the comfort of your own home.
You will need:
- a quiet room where you won't be disturbed and don't mind making a mess.
- good Internet access on a reliable phone or computer.
- a selection of art materials of your choosing.
The length of therapy will depend on your circumstances, therapy goals and/or when it feels right for us to stop. It will form part of on ongoing discussion throughout our work so that you feel informed and in control of shaping your therapy sessions.
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I offer an initial free 30-minute no obligation session to think about why you want to come to art therapy and whether the process will be helpful to you.
Fees
I charge £45 for a 50-minute session.
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I also have affordable low-cost spaces available if you are on a low wage, in education or on benefits.
Price should not be a barrier to accessing support so please reach out.