Arts therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy that uses a range of arts methods to help you express yourself, regulate emotions and learn or improve self-awareness, self-confidence and self-belief. It is like counselling except that the focus is far less on words and more on making the unconscious conscious through various art forms, and then helping you derive meaning from the art forms using words.
What happens in a typical session?
After a discussion of where you are at, you will be invited to explore various arts methods and media (eg visual art, sculpture, collage, nature based art, movement, sound, writing) with me, and we then use this as an entry point for further exploration. I may also incorporate breath work, mindfulness and/or visualization into a session, depending on your needs.
Do I need to be good at the arts then?
Definitely NOT! The arts are simply used as a medium of expression so no specific arts-based skills are needed whatsoever. Scribbles, drawn stick figures or ones made of pine cones, sticks and sellotape, blobs of plasticine, scrunched up paper... anything that feels right to you goes!
What do I need?
Initially I will only be offering arts therapy online and via zoom. So you will need
a computer – desktop or laptop with a mouse, or a tablet with a pen. It is possible to use a smart phone but this will likely restrict our ability to do these sessions. All technology requires a working camera and microphone, and a good internet connection.
A safe and private space where you will be free from interruptions during your session. Optional use of headphones aids confidentiality although it does restrict movement.
Some basic art supplies such as paper, pencils, felt pens or pastels, or whatever you have on hand (additionally zoom has a whiteboard that we can use instead of physical materials, provided you have a mouse or pen to use with your computer or tablet). I may ask you to collect natural materials, found items, old magazines etc for some sessions, prior to the session and dependent on your circumstances.
How might I benefit?
Arts Therapy can be of benefit by helping you to more safely feel and express emotion; develop greater self-awareness and self-belief; create strategies for coping with challenge; find new perspectives on existing issues; and generally enhance wellbeing.
What do you currently offer?
I am currently going through a major transitional life change. While I'm certain this will make me a better therapist, it means I am temporarily unable to offer any therapy services. I do envisage offering online arts therapy as self care for adults via zoom within the next month or so. If you'd like to put your name down for this please contact me and I will send you further information.
