What is art therapy?

Art therapy is the same as talking therapy but with the use of creative tools to explore themes more deeply. Sometimes we don’t have the right words to talk about something or we may have too many words and avoid feeling.

Postcard imagery can express thoughts or feelings. Making images can be soothing and/or revealing, clay can help with anger, poetry or song lyrics can communicate or evoke emotion, while drumming uses bi-lateral stimulation which can help process difficult emotions. Working this way is powerful and effective.

For more information visit the British Association for Art Therapy website.

How do you work?

I like to spend the first half of the session listening to you talk, then I might suggest exploring the themes that emerge using one of the arts. This might be metaphor, painting, sandtray, clay, postcards, poetry, music, working with the body, drama, puppetry, and more. We will look at what has unfolded and discuss any insights, thoughts or feelings that have arisen.

What if I don’t want to use the arts?

This time is for you and you can choose how to use it. We can just sit and talk.

How many sessions will I need?

I offer short term and long term therapy. You can choose how long you want to work together, and we will work towards an ending that feels right for you. Typically this looks like an initial 1 or 2 sessions to see if we can work together, then 6 or 12 sessions with a review and the option to extend for a further fixed number of sessions depending on your needs.

What arts can I use?

There are many different art forms available to use. Visual imagery through postcards, or drawing/painting with pencils, paint, soft & oil pastels and charcoal is but one option. Other options include: clay/play doh; sandtray; music; drama; the body; poetry; puppetry; Russian Dolls; metaphor, fairy tales, archetypes and working with dreams.

What is sandtray?

Sandtray uses miniature figures or toys to symbolise feelings and the inner or outer world, with a tray of sand. This also works well without sand.

Do I need my own art materials?

No! But if you are already creative, you are very welcome to bring your own materials. If you are working online then it is useful to have a few of your own art materials that you like to use.

Does art therapy work online?

Yes! Art therapy works well online, although it is a different experience to being face to face. I have successfully worked with art, play doh, online sandtray, online dolls house, poetry, metaphors and dreams whilst online. It is of course important to have a private space where you won’t feel overheard when working online.