Art Therapists (also known as Art Psychotherapists) are mental health professionals who have undertaken masters level training. This protected title is regulated by the HCPC (Health Care Professionals Council) and Art Therapists must be registered to practice.
Art Therapy uses creativity alongside talking to improve and enhance the mental, physical and emotional well being of people at all ages, both individually and in groups.

Although informed by psychoanalysis, Art Therapists have integrated theories and approaches such as attachment-based psychotherapy, mentalisation based treatments, cognitive analytic therapies, and socially engaged practice. The links between neuroscience and Art Therapy are at the forefront of research and psycho education within therapy empowers and informs the client.
Art Therapists must receive regular supervision for safe practice from experienced professionals who are knowledgeable and respect confidentiality.

Art Therapy is a form of Psychotherapy that offers an opportunity for creative expression through art making. Because it does not rely on talking, it can be helpful for anyone who finds it difficult to describe their thoughts or feelings or perhaps does not understand what they feel.
Art Therapy can help you to explore experiences and feelings in a safe, non judgemental, confidential space.
Art Therapists do not interpret your art work; they observe and listen to your own experience of art making and help you to find your own meaning.
You do not need to be good at art and you will not be judged on your artistic ability. Art Therapy is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable.
Art Therapy may help you feel more able to cope with problems and enjoy life more. It may help improve self esteem, confidence, mood, anxiety, coping strategies, feeling understood, symptoms of trauma or loss and feeling hopeful or more connected with your body and mind.

Art Therapy sessions are usually weekly and last for 50 minutes. I work from two locations, Nr Diss, Norfolk and in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Following initial contact we can arrange a consultation to explore suitability for each other.
I will ask some background information about you and for details of your GP and care team if applicable.
Every person is unique and will need therapy for different amounts of time and will use sessions differently. There is no pressure to create art but you can experiment and play with art materials as you wish. These include traditional materials such as pencils, pens and paints alongside sensory materials like clay or dough, sculpture, junk modelling, natural materials and sometimes, digital media and photography.
Everything we talk about in your sessions and your artwork is confidential. I am part of your care team and so if there is something, which may put you or others at risk of harm I will have to share this information with a professional to protect you or others.

Here are some of the issues Art Therapy can help with:

• Emotional, behavioural or communication difficulties.
• Trauma.
• Life changes and transitions.
• Mental health issues.
• Anxiety and worries.
• Depression.
• Learning difficulties.
• Illness or physical disability.
• Changes to family structure.
• Those displaced or seeking asylum.
• Attachment and relational difficulties.
• Identity issues.
• Low self esteem.
• Bereavement or loss.
• Abuse and neglect.
• Domestic violence.
• Eating disorders.