Art Psychotherapy

Available for online art psychotherapy sessions.

Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. (Canadianarttherapy.org)

You do not need artistic skill to benefit from art therapy because the focus is on the process of art making rather than the finished piece. Art therapy often focuses on the subconscious processes in our minds and the physiological effects of art making. This takes the pressure off the client/group as they do not need to find words for their difficult thoughts/emotions, instead this can be explored through many forms of art making.  

Approach 

My approach is often non-directive, self-compassion focused and person centred (inspired by the work of Dr Kristin Neff and Carl Rogers). This means I adapt my approach to best suit the needs of the client/group, however I am always rooted in the practice of self-compassion. I believe in empowering the client beyond the art therapy room. I do this through a strengths based approach, using the process of art making, reflecting with the client on the artworks being created, developing the clients self awareness through art making and becoming curious about how this all connects in order for the client to work towards a sense of integration. 

Experience

Children 
Adults
Young People
LGBTQIA+ 
Trans Youth
Autism
Anger
Anxiety and depression
Self-harm
Suicidal ideation

Current work

The Play Therapies Centre - children and young people.
Newpin - families, women and children.
The Rainbow Project - LGBTQIA+ adults and young people

Thesis

Through my thesis I created a 6-session model which I titled, 'Compassion-Focused Portrait Therapy'.
This model focuses on the coming out process for LGB adolescents, with themes of identity, family, integration and the impacts of living in a heteronormative society.
Identity is a reoccurring theme for many clients, therefore I hope to use and expand this model with a range of client groups.