My Background
Julie is an Art Psychotherapist registered with HCPC and The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).
My Approach
"In my work I take a humanistic perspective that integrates psychodynamic and attachment theories with a person-centred approach. I adapt sessions to a client's unique needs and work together with the individual to find ways for improving self-esteem and vitalise self-actualisation (the things that make a person feel worthwhile) with warmth, empathy and confidentiality."
Julie offers Art Therapy for individuals and groups.
Julie was inspired to train as an art therapist while working in the NHS with young people and adults experiencing mental health issues, where often people would naturally turn to creating art to be seen and heard when words did not capture or express difficult feelings.
"I offer individual sessions face to face, or online via Zoom during periods of COVID 19 restrictions. Group work usually takes place in an outside private space."
What is Art Psychotherapy?
Art Psychotherapy also called Art Therapy - it is a form of psychotherapy which uses art as its primary mode of communication. The use of art media enables
self-exploration and the expression of deep emotions. This enables clients to gain insight into, and a better understanding of themselves as well as improving mental health and well being.
Art therapy is particularly useful when words are not enough to express one's feelings. It is a non-intrusive and gentle approach that can help individuals to make meaning of, and overcome, difficult or traumatic moments in their lives.
In a session various art materials are made available to choose from for drawing, painting or modelling in a safe, confidential and positive environment. With my support, clients decide what to create, and evolve at their own pace. No previous experience in art is necessary: all images created are valued as an expression of feelings and the individual’s narrative, and not necessarily the aesthetic quality. In Art Therapy, playing with art materials and the art process is the focus rather than the product. Art Therapy is not about 'good art' or artistic ability. Creative expression values people's capacity to experience themselves as having choices, value and meaning.
Julie believes that image making within the therapeutic relationship, has great potential for enhancing well-being and images can communicate beyond words. She provides a supportive container to enable expression.
If working online, individuals can use art materials bought in arts and crafts shops, although I encourage the use of objects that are in the house but forgotten and about to be discarded, or found objects, leaves, pebbles picked on a beach, to create images and shapes that help to tell a story when words feel incomplete.
Art Therapy sessions are usually held for one hour weekly and can be long or short term in nature. The initial commitment is for six weeks, after which time the duration is negotiable.
Either way, working towards a planned ending is recommended in order to respect the quality of the work undertaken together and to avoid abrupt endings. My fees are on a sliding scale of £40 - £50 per session and includes all art materials usage.
