About Art Therapy

No previous art making experience is needed for a client to make full use of art therapy. It is not the final image that is important but the process of making which can provide the client with the space to express, reflect and discover new levels of meaning and new ways of looking.

In the initial stages of therapy I work with the client to create a space which is safe, trusting, non judgmental and confidential. The reasons for coming into therapy are shared and current and historic life issues are discussed. Aims for the therapeutic process are noted. The client may begin to use art materials from the first session or they may decide to wait until later sessions.

I do not interpret the images made, I encourage the client to discover their own meaning and connections. While my approach to therapy is guided by the client I may suggest ways of working or provide themes which provide a focus for the client to begin.

Art therapy combines the understanding of the psychological aspects inherent in the creative process with traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques.