What is Art Psychotherapy?
Art psychotherapy (also referred to as art therapy—the terms are often used interchangeably) is an established form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as the primary mode of communication and is delivered by trained art therapists. Through the creative process, individuals are supported in expressing and exploring thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. This can lead to psychological insight, personal growth, and emotional integration.
Art psychotherapy offers a unique and non-threatening space in which repressed, poorly understood, or destructive feelings can safely surface and be worked through. For many, especially those who find verbal communication challenging, the art-making process can be more accessible, enjoyable, and less intimidating than traditional talking therapy. The focus on imagery and symbolism allows for a depth of expression that can transcend language.
Central to the therapeutic process is the creation of a safe, confidential, and trusting relationship in which individuals are supported to explore their inner world at their own pace. The art itself provides a buffer and a bridge—allowing clients to regulate the intensity of their engagement, manage their emotional responses, and reflect upon their experiences in a way that feels manageable.
Importantly, no previous experience or skill in art-making is required. The focus is not on the aesthetics or quality of the artwork, but on the process of making and the meanings that emerge. Art psychotherapy is suitable for individuals of all ages—children, adults, and older people—and can be adapted to support a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical needs. These include mental health difficulties, trauma, neurodiversity, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological differences, and chronic illness.
I am an HCPC-registered and BAAT-accredited Art Psychotherapist and practicing Artist, with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and an MA in Art Psychotherapy. Prior to completing my training as an Art Psychotherapist, my professional background includes work across the creative industries and within the special educational needs sector, both of which have shaped my understanding of communication, neurodiversity, and creative expression.
I currently practise and specialise within forensic mental health services, providing art psychotherapy to adults in secure settings. My client group includes individuals with complex mental health presentations, including psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and complex trauma. All are detained in secure care due to the level of risk they pose to themselves and/or others, often in the context of offending behaviour. I work across a range of clinical settings—from high-dependency and acute services through to rehabilitation—offering both individual and group-based art psychotherapy. I also work with children and families affected by trauma, abuse and financial hardship.
My clinical approach is primarily psychodynamic and relational, underpinned by Jungian-informed training, and always client-led—adapted responsively to meet each individual's specific needs. I am particularly interested in the use of symbolic and non-verbal expression within therapeutic work, especially in contexts where verbal engagement is limited or defended against. My practice is informed by an ongoing commitment to culturally competent, trauma-informed care, and to the role of the arts in fostering psychological integration, containment, and recovery. Maintaining my own art practice allows me to remain connected to the creative process at the heart of this work, and also supports my own sense of balance and wellbeing. This dual perspective—as both therapist and artist—continues to deepen my understanding of the transformative power of image-making within mental health recovery and emotional resilience.