What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing.
Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.
Art therapy is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients' needs. It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.
Although influenced by psychoanalysis, art therapists have been inspired by theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy and have developed a broad range of client-centred approaches such as psycho-educational, mindfulness and mentalization-based treatments, compassion-focussed and cognitive analytic therapies, and socially engaged practice. Importantly, art therapy practice has evolved to reflect the cultural and social diversity of the people who engage in it.
Primary school children tell us about their art therapy British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT website)
In these beautifully illustrated quotes, children tell us about their experiences of the art therapy service based within their primary school... 29 September 2017
An Art Therapist (or Art Psychotherapist) is someone who has undertaken Masters (MA) level training in Art Therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and has experience in the arts and health/social care. In the UK Art Therapists must be on the HCPC register to practise legally.
I gained my MA- Art Therapy at Sheffield on the Northern programme and qualified in 2014. I have a BA in Early Years and have a special interest in attachment and early trauma. I have been a resident artist at Hadfield Nursery for 10 years and have worked as a Creative Mentor for DCC’s Virtual School supporting emotional wellbeing with children and young people living in care and care leavers. I have also worked as an Art Therapist for East Cheshire hospice and at a Manchester primary school for The Place2be.
My approach is person centred. I work alongside the child, young person or adult to develop a trusting relationship and support their own creative journey to discovery and wellbeing. My work is also informed by a psychodynamic approach. Attachment theory, Mentalization and child development provides a framework for my work with reference to relevant neuroscience. Please ask if you would like more information.
Supervision
Art therapists are required to attend clinical supervision as part of their professional development. Best practice requires me to discuss my work and share artwork (or usually photographs of artwork) made in the art therapy sessions with my supervisor(s). This is done whilst ensuring clients’ anonymity and supervisors are experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about respecting confidentiality.
I hope this brief introduction to art therapy provides you with some helpful information
BA- Early Years/ MA- Art Psychotherapy
HCPC registered/ fully insured/ BAAT member
(British Association of Art Therapists)
Enhanced DBS
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