What is the difference between therapy and art therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can use art in its therapeutic process. And in many ways, it wont be that different from other talking therapies. My aim is to offer you a safe, supportive and non-judgmental relationship so you are able to share and explore your world. As time goes by and as our relationship is strengthened, patterns begin to emerge and we will be able to reflect and explore these.
You don’t have to be good at art, nor do you have to use art to use art therapy. Sessions will change throughout time; it will take different formats depending on what you feel comfortable with, your needs and your own process.
However, the art in art therapy can be particularly helpful. Although not necessary, art can help you express and explore abstract and complex thoughts and feelings. And with this, you'll be able to understand yourself better and changes can start to happen.
You will get stronger and more able to make better and healthier choices in your life.

 
  Finding the right therapist for you

Finding the right therapist for you can be daunting.
There are so many things to take into consideration. If you are already feeling anxious, the whole process can be even more intimidating. The best thing to do, really, is to follow your gut and instinct. Make sure to read through various therapists' profiles and websites, but contact a few. Most therapist and counsellors will offer you 15 minutes of introduction for you to have a sense of what might be like to work with them. Make sure to choose someone you feel comfortable with, you need to trust the therapist at some point; this relationship needs to start with warmth and with you feeling comfortable and welcomed.
​Here are some of the most frequently asked questions people have asked me when looking for therapy.
These are only generic questions, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your questions.

 
  How long for? How deep can I go? Online vs face-to-face therapy? How does it really work? 

These are all questions I am asked a lot... I hope to be able to answer some of these here. However, it is important to know that every single person will have a very individual set of circumstances and therapy will be different to every one that I work with.
Generally, there are many reasons why people seek out therapy. Life isn't always easy; circumstances change and we may need 'head space' to make sense of it all.
There are many levels of therapy work, going from the 'lighter' version where clients use their therapy as part of their selfcare and to monitor their well-being to a more in-depth, reparative and transformative work, where the client will work through past trauma(s) and will be reflecting upon repetitive patterns in their relationships or life in general. Many clients will fluctuate through various levels of therapy in their therapy work, depending on their individual situation. The level of therapy work will always be what is comfortable to the client, and we would be continuously monitor and regularly review how therapy is going.
As a general rule, the longer and greater commitment you are towards your therapy work, the greater and longer lasting results you will have. 
Whether you engage in face-to-face or in online work, therapy offers you a safe environment with a trained and non-judgmental support to listen and witness your story and help you organise and understand your thoughts and emotions at the same time as helping you to consider trying out different strategies and ways of looking into your life, world and relationships you already have.
Difficult and painful past experiences can affect the way we live in the present. A skillful and experienced therapist will support you in processing and healing from the past; grounding you in a more fulfilling present.

 
  How do I take the first step?

The first step is to contact me to arrange an Introductory Meeting.
​It is really important that we feel that we can work together; this is crucial!
Therapeutic success depends on various things, such as:

• skillful therapist and therapy modality/approach
• how much you invest and work hard in the therapeutic process
• for how long you engage in therapy
• but fundamentally on the therapeutic relationship!

Without feeling comfortable or able to trust your therapist you may not make much therapeutic progress.

 
  What happens in an Introductory Meeting?

Introductory Meeting, usually for 15 to 20 minutes, offers an opportunity for us to meet online or face-to-face before we decide on working together. During this meeting we can discuss:

• Any questions you may want to ask about therapy and my practice,
• What might have brought you to therapy now,
• What you wish to get out of therapy,
• Your aims and goals
• How are we going to monitor your progress in therapy.

 
  What does the therapy room look like?

My consulting room has 2 distinct areas, a sitting and a creating area full of art materials. You will have a folder and a box to keep all the artwork you make in sessions, but you can take work home and you can also bring your own art materials or artwork you made or that you came across that can he helpful to explore in therapy.
Some reflective and very interesting work can be done with photocopies of letters or photographs, found objects, and other things you may already have.

  Can you see if there is anything wrong with me through my artwork?

No! I do not interpret your art work. I might, at the beginning of therapy, ask you to make an image to represent the people, places and events that are important to you. Sometimes I can also ask you to use art to express or develop an idea or to represent something specific to what is being discussed in your sessions. But generally, I invite you to take the lead; I trust you to know what you need to bring to the session. Art work interpretation and meaning will come from you and at your pace.