My Approach to Art Psychotherapy
Art Therapy is a type of psychological therapy that involves using art materials to explore difficulties that might be getting in the way of how you would like to feel. Art Therapy can help anyone including those who have been affected by difficult experiences, illness or disability. It is not going to be like an art lesson because you will choose what materials you want to use and the way you want to use them and whatever you create will be accepted and not judged or graded.
How can Art Therapy help me?
For some expressing emotions in words can be difficult. Art making allows people to show what they feel without needing to explain. Fear, hopes or trauma may be depicted through the art materials in a way that feels safer and more manageable.
Art can provide a buffer between the person and their difficult experiences allowing painful events to be processed more gradually. The act of making art can be calming and help to manage anxiety.
Completing an art project can boost self-confidence and gives individuals a tangible product of their efforts. Art Therapy can also help people to learn more about themselves and develop a stronger sense of identity and autonomy.
Children, Young People and Families
I have many years experience of supporting children, young people and their families who may be experiencing a range of difficulties. This has been in schools, CAMHS settings and in the community.
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Art Therapy can be particularly helpful for children and those who find it difficult to express themselves verbally. Using art materials can help the brain to understand thoughts, memories and emotions and can help people who find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
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Where appropriate I may offer a dyadic approach to the work where child/young person and caregiver take part in art therapy together. This will be discussed following the assessment period should this approach seem suitable.
What to expect
I provide a no fee initial consultation to discuss your concerns or difficulties and understand what might be the best way to support you and your young person. The initial consultation usually takes place on the phone with the parent or main caregiver, but of course you are also welcome to visit the therapy space in Barton-Upon-Humber.
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Following the initial consultation a face to face meet and greet session will be offered. This will be for us all to meet each other and to try to understand the child or young persons difficulties from their perspective. I offer a 4 session assessment period after which will be a review where we can discuss everyone's thoughts, decide on the best approach and where appropriate set a therapeutic goal for future sessions.
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It is difficult to say how many sessions will be needed as everyone is different. Regular reviews will be offered to monitor the effectiveness of the work.
Heart and Minds
Railway Villas
Maltkiln Road
Barton-upon-Humber
DN18 5JX
Email: heartandminds@outlook.com
