What is Creative Arts Therapy?
Creative Arts Therapy works by accessing imagination and creativity, which can generate new models of living, and contribute towards the development of a more integrated sense of self, with increased self-awareness and acceptance. My work includes integrating mindfulness, breathing, sound and movement techniques to regulate the breath and body stress responses. As well as creative processes, including art-making, drama, and movement to improve and enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is suitable for all ages and many life situations, and can be done with individuals or groups.
Why do people come to Creative Arts Therapy?
Clients seek art therapy for a range of issues; it maybe for self-reflection, identity, transition, assessing choices in their lives or to process grief, anxiety and depression. It may benefit people with self-regulation, anger and attachment issues and it can also nurture healing from trauma and abuse. Children with learning and attention challenges may particularly benefit from on-going art therapy.
Creative Arts Therapy for all ages
Creative Arts offer a method of expression when thoughts are overactive, feelings are overwhelming and words are too hard to find.
Children
Children may be struggling at school, making friends, low self-esteem or self-regulation challenges. Maybe they are grieving the death of family member or pet, estranged from a parent or adapting to separated parents. Children often don't have the vocabulary to say or understand how they feel.
Teenagers
Teenage years can be very tumultuous leaving teenagers confused, frustrated, angry and withdrawn. This may result in anxiety, depression, making unhelpful choices and unsocial behaviour. Or teenagers may be curious, ready to explore new ideas, ready to learn deeper self-reflection techniques.
Adults & Elderly
Both adult men and women sometimes need to take time out to reflect on past hurts, past joys, relationship patterns, stress triggers, loss, grief or new directions. Elder Adults living in time of physical changes, loss, isolation, grief, gratitude and memories.
Does it matter if I am not artistic or can’t draw?
No problem! Creative Arts Therapy differs from traditional art-making or performance in that the emphasis is on the process and experience of creating and meaning making, rather than the end product
Does the Therapist analyse my work?
The role as an art therapist is to support the client to find their own meaning in the art work not to interpret the work for the client.
What if I don’t feel like making art?
That’s ok, we can use sand-tray, clay, textiles or just talk if you would rather.
What is 'Textiles'?
I offer a wide range of textile techniques to be involved within the art therapy such as Felting, crochet, weaving, sewing and knitting.