Art Therapy

Using creative processes to support emotional expression, self-exploration, and healing — no artistic experience needed.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative processes—such as drawing, painting, or collage—to support emotional expression and self-exploration. It isn’t about artistic skill or producing something that looks a certain way. Instead, the focus is on the process of creating and what it can help you to express, understand, or process.

You don’t need any previous experience with art. The space is open, supportive, and led by you, with art used as one of many ways to explore thoughts and feelings.

Learn more here: BAAT.

What Does a Typical Session Look Like?

  1. There is no fixed formula for sessions, as they are shaped around your individual needs and preferences.
  2. Sessions usually begin with a gentle check-in, giving you space to share how you’ve been or what feels important that day.
  3. From there, you may choose to work with art materials if it feels helpful. This might include drawing, painting, or collage, or you may prefer to focus on talking.
  4. Sometimes a simple creative prompt may be offered, while at other times you are free to follow whatever you feel drawn to. As you create, you can talk, or take quiet time—whatever feels most comfortable.
  5. You may be invited to reflect on your artwork and the experience of making it, but there is no pressure to share. Your work won’t be analysed; it is respected for the meaning it holds for you.

A Flexible, Integrated Approach

As both a counsellor and an art therapist, I work in an integrated way—combining talking therapy with creative approaches. Some sessions may focus more on conversation, others on image-making, and many will include a mixture of both. Together, we find what feels most helpful for you.

What Happens to the Artwork?

We can decide together what feels right for you. Some clients choose to leave their artwork with me, where it is stored safely and confidentially so we can revisit it over time. Others prefer to take their work home, or choose a combination of both.