Working with adults and children when life gets tough
Is Art Psychotherapy a new therapy?
Art Psychotherapy is a relatively young profession, although using art to support emotional wellbeing has a much longer history. It began to develop as a recognised form of therapy during the 1950s and 1960s, when artists and psychiatrists began working together in mental health settings. The British Association of Art Therapists was established in 1964, with the first postgraduate training course following in 1972. Since then, Art Psychotherapy has continued to develop as a recognised and regulated profession.
What sort of person comes to Art Psychotherapy?
There really isn’t a particular “type” of person who comes to Art Psychotherapy. People of all ages and backgrounds come for many different reasons. You may be struggling with difficult thoughts, feelings or relationships, feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or simply feel that something isn’t quite right. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what is wrong — we can explore that together.
But I’m rubbish at art — can I still have Art Psychotherapy?
Absolutely! You don’t need to be good at art, or have any previous experience. Art Psychotherapy isn’t an art class, and there is no expectation to produce something that looks good. The art materials simply offer another way to express and explore what you’re feeling. You can use them in whatever way feels right for you.
How long do sessions last?
Individual sessions are one hour long. This gives us enough time to settle in, make art if you want to, talk and reflect together. If you need to finish a session early for any reason, that’s completely okay. The session will still be charged at the usual rate.
How long will I need to come to Art Psychotherapy?
There is no set length of time, as everyone is different. We will regularly check in about how therapy is going and what you feel you need. Art Psychotherapy can often be longer-term, but we will decide together when it feels like the right time for you to finish.
Is Art Psychotherapy a new therapy?
Art Psychotherapy is a relatively young profession, although using art to support emotional wellbeing has a much longer history. It began to develop as a recognised form of therapy during the 1950s and 1960s, when artists and psychiatrists began working together in mental health settings. The British Association of Art Therapists was established in 1964, with the first postgraduate training course following in 1972. Since then, Art Psychotherapy has continued to develop as a recognised and regulated profession.
What sort of person comes to Art Psychotherapy?
There really isn’t a particular “type” of person who comes to Art Psychotherapy. People of all ages and backgrounds come for many different reasons. You may be struggling with difficult thoughts, feelings or relationships, feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or simply feel that something isn’t quite right. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what is wrong — we can explore that together.
But I’m rubbish at art — can I still have Art Psychotherapy?
Absolutely! You don’t need to be good at art, or have any previous experience. Art Psychotherapy isn’t an art class, and there is no expectation to produce something that looks good. The art materials simply offer another way to express and explore what you’re feeling. You can use them in whatever way feels right for you.
How long do sessions last?
Individual sessions are one hour long. This gives us enough time to settle in, make art if you want to, talk and reflect together. If you need to finish a session early for any reason, that’s completely okay. The session will still be charged at the usual rate.
How long will I need to come to Art Psychotherapy?
There is no set length of time, as everyone is different. We will regularly check in about how therapy is going and what you feel you need. Art Psychotherapy can often be longer-term, but we will decide together when it feels like the right time for you to finish.
What happens to the artwork I make?
Your artwork is kept safely and confidentially throughout your therapy. 2D artwork is stored in a folder and 3D pieces are kept in a box, both in a locked cupboard at the therapy centre. When your therapy comes to an end, you can choose whether you would like to take your artwork home or leave it with me. The choice is entirely yours.
Does my GP or employer need to know that I’m having Art Psychotherapy?
No. Your therapy is private and I will not contact your GP, employer or other professionals without your knowledge and consent, except in situations where I have serious concerns about your safety or someone else’s safety. At the beginning of therapy, I will ask for your GP details and information about any other professionals involved in your care. This is primarily so that appropriate support can be considered if there is an emergency or significant concern, and we would talk this through wherever possible.
How confidential is Art Psychotherapy?
Your sessions, conversations and artwork are treated with respect and kept confidential. There are, however, some situations where I may need to share information — for example, if I have serious concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else. If this were ever necessary, I would talk to you about it wherever possible and only share information that is necessary.
