My approach to Art Therapy
Nature inspired
Alongside being an Art Therapist, I am also a trained Ecotherapist, and nature is a big part of both my personal life and the way I work.
I have always found something really special about being around nature, and I love bringing a little bit of that into my therapeutic space. You might find rocks, moss, shells, sticks, leaves and other natural materials available for clients to explore and use creatively.
Modalities (types of therapies) I draw from
My approach is integrative, meaning I draw from different therapeutic perspectives and adapt my approach to suit each individual and their needs.
Core approaches: Art Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Compassion-Focused Practice, Polyvagal-Informed Practice, Ecotherapy, Trauma-Informed Practice, Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice, Feminist Frameworks and Anti-Oppressive Practice.
My work is further guided by feminist and anti-oppressive frameworks.
Art Psychotherapy – rooted in psychodynamic practice, Art Therapy uses creative expression alongside talking therapy to support exploration of thoughts, feelings and experiences. It can help reduce distress and promote emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, self-compassion, confidence and a stronger sense of agency and self-worth.
Psychodynamic approach – exploring how our experiences, relationships and underlying patterns can influence how we feel and relate to ourselves and others.
Compassion-Focused Practice – supporting clients to develop greater self-understanding, self-compassion and a kinder relationship with themselves.
Polyvagal-informed practice – considering the role of the nervous system and how our physiological responses can influence emotions, behaviour, relationships and our sense of safety.
Ecotherapy – an approach that brings the natural world into therapeutic work, creating opportunities to explore wellbeing, connection and creativity through our relationship with nature.
Trauma-informed practice – holding an awareness of how past experiences can shape our sense of ourselves and the world around us.
Neurodiversity-affirming practice – valuing different ways of thinking, processing, communicating and experiencing the world.
Feminist frameworks – considering the influence of gender, power, relationships and wider social and cultural expectations on our experiences and sense of self.
Anti-oppressive practice – acknowledging the effects of inequality, power and social structures, while creating a therapeutic space that is respectful, inclusive and collaborative.