What is the purpose of art therapy?

• According to the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as a form of communication. To put it simply, you don’t need to be skilled at art to take part. All you need is a willingness to engage. The aim is to enable safe effective change to improve your mental health. For more information, please refer to the leaflet available to download on the home page.  

How will this help my mental health?

• Life can become very overwhelming, which may result in us feeling negative emotions over a long period of time. The service offers therapy to individuals who feel they have reached a point of crisis in their lives, either at home, at work, or in relationships.  

How long is each session?

• Each session is 50 minutes. It’s important you feel comfortable and work with someone who you feel can support you towards your goals. Therefore, I offer a free 15-minute initial phone consultation to see if we could work well together.
• Treatment or the number of sessions is dependent on your needs. This can be discussed during the initial consultation.

What happens during a session?

• We will approach your issues with care and use art as a means to open up about your feelings. This will be with whatever art materials are to your disposable, like coloured pencils, markers, paints, or even clay. With therapeutic support, you may be able to safely explore and reflect on new ways of relating to yourself and others. 
• Please note that you will need to have access to your own art materials.
  

What is the difference between one-to-one and group therapy?

• The 1:1 session means you will have individualised and focused attention on your therapeutic care. However, group therapy will consist of other members. This will focus on social interaction, accountability, and an openly reflective aspect within a group.

What therapeutic framework will be used?

• This service will incorporate a psychodyanmic approach, meaning, we will look at elements of your early childhood. This is to understand your present and discuss aims for your future. There will be an initial, midway, and final review to keep updates on the progression of your therapy to ensure you are fully benefiting from the sessions.

Where do these sessions take place?

• Zoom | Microsoft Teams | Video Call | Home Visits (North East England locations only)

Am I old enough for an art therapy session?

• Anyone at any age can take part in art psychotherapy. I am an advocate for adults to get in touch with their creative sides. (A trait most leave behind in primary school.)
• The online service is available for adults aged 18 and over only. Face-to-face sessions are available for adults and children.

What are the costs?

• You will have a 15-minute initial consultation for free. Then each session will cost £60 per hour.
• For individuals struggling financial hardship, I offer a 50% discount of £30. Please be aware you will be requested to provide evidence or documentation.