Art Therapy
Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being.
The British Association of Art Therapists describes Art Therapy as follows:
Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, delivered by trained art therapists (also known as art psychotherapists).
Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth.
During art therapy, you are supported by an art therapist to use art to express and articulate often complex thoughts and feelings through art making. This may be following difficult or traumatic experiences which may be hard to talk about.
Art therapy can help people of all ages and at all stages of life, including those whose life has been affected by difficult personal or cultural experiences, illness and/or disability. You do not need to be skilled in art to benefit from art therapy.
In the UK, the title art therapist and art psychotherapist are protected by law. All UK art therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All registered art therapists can be found on the HCPC’s register.
Oftentimes we cannot find the words to express how we are feeling but we can say what colour it is, what shape it is, where it is in our bodies.... this is where art therapy provides another path. You do not have to be an artist or have any artistic ability; doodles and stick men are just fine! All that is needed is an open mind and a willingness to be creative. Art therapy can involve any type of creative activity – such as painting, drawing, sculpture, or collage. Whenever we create something, we always put parts of ourselves into it - you can explore and understand yourself better through representing your feelings and experiences through imagery.
And, of course, there is no requirement to be creative; sometimes you just want to talk and that is absolutely ok.
What happens in a session ?
In an art therapy session, you will be given time to talk and bring whatever is on your mind. You will be given an opportunity to to use creative media – such as drawing or painting, but you can also just talk if that is what you want. Sessions last 1 hour.
What matters most is the relationship between us, and I work hard to ensure this is safe, trusting and non judgemental.
I practice from a number of locations; I work out of an art studio in Oldham - just 20 minutes from Manchester City Centre. This is a place for you to be free to express yourself; to make a mess if you want to, I am honoured to share it with you.
I also offer online therapy - see below.
Online Therapy
Online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy.
There are many reasons why you might chose to work online -
Accessibility – popular appointment times (evenings and weekends) can book up fast as these hours can be in high demand. Online therapy may offer more flexibility and shorter waiting times, making it easier for you to gain support when you need it.
For those who may have mobility issues or disabilities that make it stressful or challenging to get to their therapists’ office, online counselling can help overcome some of these barriers. Those experiencing social phobias, anxiety disorders, or agoraphobia may also find online counselling is more accessible.
Convenience – access support from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you are), without the inconvenience of having to physically travel. This can not only save time and money, but can also let those living in more rural areas access qualified experts from further afield. In addition to this, many therapists offer extended office hours for online sessions, while forms such as email therapy allow you to send your thoughts at a time that works best for you.
Openness – some people feel more comfortable opening up and discussion sensitive issues through the buffer provided by a screen or phone. For those who may feel particularly nervous or anxious during face-to-face counselling sessions, online therapy can offer an alternative means of support.
Privacy – for those who are worried about others finding out about their treatment, online counselling can feel like it offers a higher level of privacy. Fitting seamlessly into your schedule without the need to block out more time to go and physically visit a therapist, some like the feeling of anonymity that they may feel by communicating through screens.
Is therapy right for me?
If you are thinking about speaking to a therapist, it is always worth exploring the different options available to you. It can be worth considering your own unique situation and what you hope to get out of therapy.
It’s important to find your own comfort zone. There is no right or wrong way to go about it. Remember: it’s ok to start with one method or therapist and to switch to an alternative if you don’t feel comfortable or as though things are working out for you. It’s about making sure that you find a method of communication that works best for you.
I'm always happy to talk any questions you may have through with you - contact me for a free 30 minute chat.
Fees
My fee is £65 per hour session
I do have some subsidised places - please reach out to discuss.
Email exchange - £50 for 500 words
£65 for 800 words
Consultation - £250 for 4 session consult
