'The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.'
Carl Rogers
About me
For me, art-making is a way of dialoguing with myself. It is an escape from the noise in my head, and also a journey into the unknown - I am never quite sure what will emerge. As a therapist I bring the same curiosity and serious playfulness to my work.
I believe that creativity is good for us. It is restorative and energising. We can all do it - you don't have to be 'good' at art to do art therapy. Art-making uses a different part of the brain from words. When we let ourselves play with art materials we can by-pass the barriers that our consciousness has put in place to protect us from historic threats. In the safety of the therapy space we can bring hidden material into awareness and explore it. Understanding ourselves better gives us choices, and when we have choices we can make changes.
I am currently employed by NHS Wales working with people with learning disabilities and also work within the school counselling services offering art therapy to children and young people.
Training
I qualified as an art therapist in 2022 completing a Master of Arts in Art Psychotherapy with distinction at the University of South Wales. I am psychodynamically trained and take a client-centred and compassion-focussed approach. I also have a Diploma in Clinical Supervision and am a trainee in Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor therapy.
I have up-to-date advanced safeguarding training and an enhanced DBS.
Professional accreditation
I am registered with the British Council of Health Care Professionals and am a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists. I maintain the ethical and professional standards of both organisations.
Background
I have worked in the arts world all my life, mainly in a freelance capacity, as a writer, musician and artist. I also spent seven years working in community engagement in the third sector developing projects with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
I maintain my creative practice as an artist and writer, regularly exhibiting my work. Much of the artwork displayed on this website is my own.
Additional Training
Trauma-informed Mindfulness
Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, 2022
Dyadic Parent-child Art Psychotherapy Training Level 1
British Association of Art Therapists CPD course
2022
Art Therapy with Groups of Children
British Association of Art Therapists CPD course
2022
Parent-infant Art Therapy Groups
British Association of Art Therapists CPD course
2021
About art therapy
What is it?
Art therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that uses art making as its main form of expression and communication. Through the medium of art clients can explore complex and difficult issues that may be impossible to address using words. Client and therapist may work together with unconscious processes to discover new perspectives and understanding and enable positive change.
Who does it?
Anybody, of any age, can participate in art therapy. There is no need to have a particular interest or any ability in art making. People come to therapy with a wide range of issues and conditions. Art therapists are trained professionals, often with a fine art background, who have expertise in both therapeutic practices and in art media. They work in many different settings including hospitals, schools, community centres, hospices, care homes and in private practice.
How is it regulated?
Art therapists must qualify at postgraduate level and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to practice. Registrants must meet the Standards of Proficiency set out by the HCPC (https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/arts-therapists/).
For more information about art therapy: https://www.baat.org/
