Blog

As the summer break approaches, it's a good time to look back at the past school year and look ahead to the next. This year I've extended my practice to work across a total of 4 schools, delivering therapy to children and their families, supervision to other art therapists, consultation and training for teaching and pastoral staff. I'm half way through a one year training...

Intro

In the UK, there has been a steady rise in the numbers of young people who self harm. Self harm has been described as ‘a manifestation of emotional distress; an indication that something is wrong’ (Royal College of Psychiatrists 2010 p 4). Cutting is the most common form of self harm; burning, hitting, scratching, hair pulling, pinching, food restriction, biting, sleep deprivation and jumping from...

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Mindfulness: Paying attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you. Have you heard of it? Mindfulness is a very simple concept, which can have profound results. There’s renewed appreciation for this ancient form of meditation, with studies finding that regular practice can improve mental wellbeing, mood and reduce stress (NHS 2015). Art therapists are also exploring the...

This April has seen the launch of the Health and Care Professions Council’s (HCPC’s) What? Why Hire an Arts Therapist? campaign. The HCPC is the body who regulates art therapists and many other health professions, to ensure high standards of training, skills, conduct and fitness to practice… this helps keep the profession effective and, well, professional, and ultimately protects members of the public. All practicing art therapists...

Do you ever get mixed feelings about picking up the phone to a GP, therapist, counsellor, or other health professional? Talking about emotions, relationships, mental health, problem habits, thoughts or behaviours isn't always a piece of cake, especially when you’re right in the middle of the situation. Some common worries about seeking help include:

They won’t believe me’ ‘Maybe it’s all in my head… but does that...

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