What is Art Therapy?

"Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as a diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing." from the British Association of Art Therapists website.

Given the physicality of art making and art materials, art therapy is an embodied process. It allows for verbal and non verbal expression; there is a continual movement between doing and thinking, expressing and processing, action and receptivity.

Images created in therapy can be powerful communications in their own right and do not need to be explained away. At the same time talking about any images created, exploring symbolism and process can be extremely powerful and helpful. How we work with images in therapy is important, its a dialectic, not an either / or, one size fits all.

I hope to offer forms and approaches that meet your intentions and offer new ways of going forward in your life and perhaps letting go of the old stories that no longer serve.

You don’t need to be “good at art”, just willing to use the materials and process.

People come to art therapy because of a range of issues. These may include:

• Trauma, emotional distress or fear
• Self development and growth
• Life changes
• Professional / training requirements
• Relationship issues
• Sexual difficulties
• Depression and anxiety
• Emotional, spiritual and mental health issues

I am an HCPC registered art therapist and abide by Professional Standards of Practice. I am a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and a registered private practitioner. I receive regular clinical supervision.