What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative processes, such as drawing, painting, collage or working with symbols, to support emotional expression, regulation and understanding. It offers a way to explore experiences that may be hard to put into words, and can help bring clarity, insight and relief.

You don’t need to have any art experience. The focus is on expression rather than producing a finished piece, and people often find that images can communicate feelings or memories that are difficult to describe verbally.

Art therapy can help with a wide range of experiences, including:

• Stress, anxiety and emotional overwhelm

• low mood or self-esteem

• difficulties regulating emotions

• grief, loss or life transitions

• school-related or  family stress

• the impact of illness, treatment or medical  experiences

• trauma or experiences that are hard to talk about

My approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, recognising the role of the body, the nervous system and the unconscious in how we experience and process emotion. The art-making, the therapeutic relationship and the time spent reflecting together all play an important part in the work.

Art therapy can be suitable for children, adolescents and adults, and sessions are adapted to each person’s needs, pace and comfort.