What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of making art as a way to improve mental health and well-being. Art therapy provides a non-verbal language that can be particularly helpful when a person is struggling to put their thoughts and emotions into words. It can help identify, explore, and work through difficult feelings, behaviours, and experiences.

The therapist guides the client through the art-making process and helps them reflect on the symbolic meaning and emotional significance of the artwork. This allows for greater self-awareness, process trauma & grief, develop coping strategies, help reduce anxiety and work towards therapeutic goals in an accessible way.

benefits of art therapy:

Nervous system regulation. the art-making process can help engage the mind and body.

Art therapy can help people express themselves more freely, leading to increased self-awareness and self-esteem.

Have a better understanding of unconscious processes and how they play out in everyday life.

Art can provide a different perspective which helps us to problem solve difficulties.

You don’t need to be an experienced artist or have any technical skill. During the session, we may experiment and play with different creative processes to see what connects with you. It can be as simple as working with a metaphor or an existing image that can help explore your story.  The creative process is co-created and agreed between us in a confidential and compassionate space. You may decide you do not need to use the arts if talking is what you would prefer.

Art Therapists adhere to the UKCP and HCPC Code of Ethics- read more. My clinical work is supported by a HCPC registered supervisor.

You can read more about the evidence base and research into how art therapy can help here: 

The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)