Art Therapy Chepstow

Art Psychotherapist (HCPC) and Fine Artist. Specialises in working with children and adolescents but provides Art Therapy to clients of all ages.

Art Therapy is a creative form of Psychotherapy which uses the medium of art-making as its primary mode of communication. As a form of Psychotherapy that encourages free self-expression and exploration of feelings through creativity, Art Therapy is often viewed as a non-threatening approach. This is particularly important for individuals who may feel detached from or struggle to vocalise feelings and experiences.

I am a fully qualified Art Psychotherapist and Fine Artist, with current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

I specialise in working with children and adolescents but provide Art Therapy to clients of all ages. My main therapeutic approach is Psychodynamic.

I offer a fully confidential, safe and supportive therapeutic space in which I encourage the freedom of expression through art making to individuals who are experiencing mental, physical, social and emotional difficulties.

I am committed to providing a professional and, over time developing a trusting therapeutic relationship with you, in which I aim to support you in gaining insight, improving self awareness, promoting positive change and transformation in your life. The relationship between myself, the therapist, and you, the client, is of central importance, but in Art Therapy it is the three-way process between the client, therapist and art-work which is unique.

Exploring ones self, internal conflicting emotions and often-difficult topics through the process of art making is extremely empowering. Sometimes rather than having to find the words, making an image or using materials such as clay or paint can connect you with deeper part of yourself, a part beyond words. From an Art Therapist’s point of view, the art pieces act like a bridge between the client’s inner and outer world.

Making art can help communicate at a symbolic level these complex and often confusing thoughts and feelings which may be too difficult to put into words. Art Therapy gives the opportunity for these feelings to be freely expressed, externalized and worked with within the therapeutic relationship, instead of being trapped inside in formless anxieties, feelings of emptiness, loss or an array of conflicting emotions. The art piece can also act as a container for difficult material and emotions. As the art piece has concrete form it can be returned to over time. This opens up a thinking space and offers a reflective avenue which enables us together to face these difficult topics, and work through them. The creative therapeutic process can help one resolve issues, relieve stress, sadness, pain and anger as well as develop and manage behaviours, addictions, and improve awareness and self-esteem.

Through my experience, I understand the importance of patience, listening and empathising in a non-judgmental manner. I thrive in situations requiring sensitivity and compassion and believe strong communication and listening skills are key to relationships. I am passionate about and committed to supporting your emotional well-being and mental health by offering you the encouragement and understanding throughout your therapeutic journey.

Clients are not required to have any innate skill or particular experience in art; there is no right or wrong, it is the creative therapeutic process that is important. There is no expectation; as a client you will set the pace of a session.

I also have a particular interest in Children’s Accelerated Trauma Treatment (CATT), which is a new technique to de-traumatise and assist children and young people in the recovery from post traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD) including flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety in a way that feels comfortable and even fun and playful for the child or young person.

I am interested in hearing from schools and other educational settings who maybe interested in introducing Art Therapy into their educational environment.

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