Why Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a specialised form of psychotherapy that can help you to explore your life, your thoughts and your feelings in a creative way.
Maybe you enjoy art but wonder how we can possibly use it to support you with things like anxiety, sadness and chronic illness.
Maybe along the way you have put art to the side, thinking of it as just for kids.
I get it.
However, from years of clinical experience I know that Art therapy can be beneficial for everyone and anyone and that definitely includes you!
How could it help you?
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Art therapy is more than just talking. It is you, me and the art. This can take the pressure off speaking all the time and can allow your mind to wander a little.
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Making art helps calm us down. Repetitive, soothing and engaging giving us a little boost of calm to help us through the week.
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Making art during therapy can soothe us while thinking about difficult experiences or emotions.
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Your art can hold some of your feelings for you rather than bottling it all up inside.
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The art you make in our sessions will come from you. That means you have choice and control over what you make and what you share.
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Art therapy can bring you into self-paced connection with your emotions, your thoughts and your body.
To summarise:
Art therapy is gentle but empowering.
This may be exactly what you need
to explore your life with chronic illness
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be artistic and this isn't an art class.
Your art can be messy or imperfect and that's the reality of life sometimes too.
No matter what your previous experience of art is or what your personal chronic condition is please know that art therapy can help.
If this has got you imagining some possibilities, I am glad.
I will be here should you want to make a start.
Art therapy can help you reimagine life with a chronic illness
Qualifications
2010 - MSc Art therapy with Distinction
Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
2004 - MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice Edinburgh Old College Law School
2000 - BA Hons English and Philosophy
University of Ulster Coleraine
I am registered with the HCPC
I am a member of the British Association of Art therapy (BAAT)
I have an enhanced Access NI DBS clearance
I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office
I am fully insured to offer private practice
I attend regular clinical supervision
I regularly attend training, webinars and workshops relevant to my practice and clients. Some of the most recent include:
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Equality, diversity and inclusion awareness training
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Safeguarding Adults Advanced Level 2
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Advanced Safeguarding Children level 2
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Data Protection and GDPR awareness online
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The Action Trauma Summit
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Online approaches to Art therapy BAAT
This alongside my continued professional development in my reading around relevant literature and my own art making.
I abide by the code of conduct and principles of practice as set out by BAAT and HCPC
A little bit about me
Hi,
I'm Ellen. I lived in Scotland for almost a decade before moving back home to Northern Ireland, where I have been working as an Art therapist ever since.
I have over 14 years experience working with older people, adults, teens and children. Yes that just about covers most people. I have offered Art therapy to people experiencing phobias, depression, separations, anger, relationship difficulties, addictions, grief, developmental trauma and pain.
My current area of interest is chronic illness and anxiety
You may have noticed anxiety showing up in body symptoms, behaviours and thought patterns. It can effect relationships and generally make living with chronic ill health worse.
Annoyingly, a diagnosis can sometimes reactivate old worries, attachment difficulties and coping strategies. Therapy is the perfect place to think about all of that.
From shame to blame and rage to deep sorrow your sessions can be that space in the week to let go of your heaviest emotions and harshest thoughts.
We might not have the power to change the illness
BUT
therapy could just make it easier to live with it
and that is something worth my time and yours.
Why online Art Therapy?
Back in 2020, I had to adapt to offering online Art therapy. This was daunting at the time but honestly, I've never looked back. It has opened up a new way of working and a way to connect with people who might not have access or time in their day to rush to a therapy office.
This is especially important for those who experience chronic health conditions.
I work hard to make sure the online experience is every bit as helpful as traditional face to face therapy.
So now I offer good, professional, therapeutic work online and I couldn't be happier.
My mission is to increase your happiness and well-being
in the best way I know how,
which is through offering you my therapeutic skills.
My practice has also evolved to include a growing interest in somatic therapies, restorative yoga, mindfulness and breathing techniques. I am open and able to use these during our sessions together.
If you are still wondering if I could help your specific area of need just let me know.