FAQ’S

  • Art Psychotherapists are professionals trained in both art and psychotherapy. We have knowledge regarding psychoanalysis, attachment and developmental psychology, neuroscience, psychological theories and clinical practice, as well as spiritual, artistic and multicultural traditions.

  • Art Therapist/ Art Psychotherapist is a protected title, which means the Art Therapist must hold an MA or MSc in art psychotherapy to practice

    Art Psychotherapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which is the same body that regulates doctors and social workers. Art therapists must abide by the code of conduct and practice set out by The British Association of Art Therapists. They must be in clinical supervision and maintain continuing professional development.

    I adhere to the ethical frameworks of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

    My HCPC number is AS16771.

  • Once I have received initial contact from you, if I feel I have the suitable skills and training to support you we will arrange an initial session in person or online.

    In the initial session we will discuss what brings you to art psychotherapy, your hopes for accessing art psychotherapy and any questions you may have about how I work. This will include some time getting familiar with the space, the materials on offer and if you feel comfortable you are invited to get creative.

    After the initial session, we will think collaboratively about whether I may be the right person to support your needs. If so then, we will then work together for an initial 5 sessions, before reviewing how things have been.

    If you feel I may not be the right fit for you there is no obligation to book in further sessions either after the initial session or after the 5 sessions.

  • When beginning art psychotherapy session are provided on a weekly basis. This enables the therapeutic process, building upon the therapeutic relationship, which has been evidenced to be one of the most important aspects of successful therapeutic outcomes. Sessions are 50 minutes and are held in a safe, comfortable and non judgemental environment working face to face in Worthing or Hove or Online (adult clients only).

  • Sessions are charged at £65 per session.

  • Once our session has been agreed you are expected to attend this session. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to rearrange a session with reasonable notice.

    Cancellation within one week of the session means that half the session fee must be paid. If you cancel on the day, or fail to show up the full session fee must be paid. This payment can be made via bank transfer.

  • We do not need to make art in every session you attend. There is always an invitation to use the art materials to explore understanding and processing of experience but it is not an expectation.

  • In Art Psychotherapy the art is not used as a tool for diagnosis or interpretation by me. We work together to create space to get curious about the process and final product of the art making and you're experience of this.

  • Art Psychotherapy is not an art class. I will not teach you art skills. I can support you to explore and utilise different materials and the art making process but gaining skills in art is not the purpose of art psychotherapy sessions. Rather the art materials and art making process offer space to express, understand and feel.

  • Art Psychotherapy is a three way relationship, between the client, the therapist and the artefact. The art psychotherapist is there to support you to begin to make connections between the art you have created, the experiences that you have and how you feel.

    Although there is no set way an art psychotherapy session unfolds, as each person/ group is different, there are certain aspects which may occur in a typical session.

    Check in

    We will usually start with a check in, around what has been arising in your day or week. Checking in with your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical sensations. Checking in with how your body is feeling.

    We may think about what you may need from the session, if there are certain stressors, concerns or achievements that you wish to explore.

    Creative exploration

    Often the check in intuitively leads us to explore your experiences through creativity. Sessions are collaborative, this means at times creative exploration may be free flowing and other times I may offer directives depending on what you need. I am here to walk alongside you on your healing journey.

    Reflective Exploration

    Once you feel you have completed exploration through creativity, we may take some time to reflect on what may have merged in the process.

  • For in persons sessions, all materials are provided.

    For online sessions you will need to provide your own materials. Any art materials you feel you would like to use are welcome into the space. This can include art materials, college, clay or natural materials such as plants and found objects.

  • Art Psychotherapy sessions are offered in two locations:

    WORTHING

    Worthing Natural Balance and Wellbeing Centre

    HOVE

    Unique Minds Counselling

    *Please not there is no wheelchair access in Hove location.