Art in therapy

For some experiences, conversation is exactly what's needed. At other times, drawing, objects, clay, photographs or simple creative exercises can help us notice something that feels difficult to reach through words alone.

The materials aren't the therapy. They simply offer another way of becoming curious about yourself.

When creativity becomes useful

Most people who come to see me don't think of themselves as creative. Many tell me they're "not artistic" before we begin.

It doesn't matter.

Art psychotherapy isn't about making something beautiful or producing a finished piece of work. It's about slowing down, noticing what emerges and giving shape to thoughts, feelings and experiences that can be difficult to describe.

Sometimes we never pick up a pencil. Other times a simple image changes the direction of an entire session.

What might we use?

Depending on what feels helpful, we might work with:

• drawing

• collage

• clay

• sandtray

• photographs

• postcards

• objects

• imagery

• simple visual exercises

There is never any expectation to make art. These are simply different ways of thinking together.

Integrated with talking therapy

My work combines Integrative Arts Psychotherapy with Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other evidence-based approaches. Some sessions are entirely conversational. Others naturally move between talking, reflection and creative exploration.

Together we'll find the approach that best supports what you're trying to understand.

Why it can help

Creative work can slow the pace of therapy. It often helps people notice patterns, emotions and internal conflicts that feel difficult to access through conversation alone.

Many people describe feeling surprised by what they discover—not because the artwork contains hidden meanings, but because making something allows them to see themselves from a different perspective.

No artistic ability required

You don't need to be creative.

You don't need to enjoy drawing.

You don't need any previous experience.

This isn't an art class, and there is nothing to get right.

Professional standards

I'm an HCPC and UKCP registered psychotherapist with specialist training in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

My work meets the professional standards required for arts psychotherapists practising in the UK.

Curious?

If you're wondering whether creative therapy might suit you, an initial chemistry session gives us the opportunity to talk it through and decide together what feels like the right approach.