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Frequently Asked Questions
Are you considering therapy? Below are some frequently asked questions to give you an idea of what to expect. Still have questions after reading this FAQ? Feel free to contact me about any of my services and I will be happy to chat.
Frequently asked questions
General
Research shows that the effectiveness of therapy or counselling depends significantly on the relationship you have with your practitioner. It is important to find someone you feel comfortable with and can build a trusting relationship with. Please feel free to chat on the telephone with a few therapists or meet several before deciding who you’d like to work with. The initial session is an opportunity for both you and the therapist to determine if you'd like to continue working together.
The UKCP, BACP and BAAT are great places to look for therapists who may suit your needs.
Some people prefer to focus on a specific issue over a short period, while others find it more beneficial to work for a longer duration or on an open-ended basis. The duration and conclusion of therapy are part of the process and can be discussed between us.
Typically clients have about eight to twelve weekly sessions, with a midway review to see how things are going. Longer term therapy tends to be around six to twelve months. We can work out what is best for you and meets your financial needs.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
During art therapy sessions, clients are encouraged to express themselves through various art forms such as drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, sand tray, dance, movement, puppetry and poetry. The focus is on the creative process rather than the final artwork. Art therapists use art as a tool for communication and exploration, helping clients gain insights, develop coping skills, and address emotional issues.
Art therapy can benefit individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those dealing with mental health conditions, trauma, illness, disabilities, or life transitions. It can help improve self-esteem, reduce stress, enhance communication, encourage emotional expression and foster personal growth and resilience.
Not at all. One of the fundamental principles of art therapy is that artistic skill is not necessary for participation or therapeutic benefit. Art therapy focuses on the process of creating art rather than the quality of the final artwork. The emphasis is on self-expression, exploration and personal meaning rather than artistic mastery.
Our first session is a chance for us to meet and see how it feels to work together. You can bring whatever is on your mind, and we can begin to explore what has brought you to therapy. It’s completely natural to feel unsure or a bit nervous at the start, my role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you can go at your own pace.
Confidentiality is central to therapy. What you share in our sessions stays between us. There are a few exceptions to this, for example, if I am concerned that you may be at serious risk of harm to yourself or others, I may need to involve other professionals such as your GP. Wherever possible, I would always talk with you first before taking any action. Like all therapists, I have regular clinical supervision, where I reflect on my work to ensure I am offering the best support. These conversations are bound by the same standards of confidentiality.
If you need to speak to someone urgently, please note that I am not an emergency service and it may take time to arrange an initial appointment.
For immediate assistance, consider contacting one of the following services:
Emergency: 112 or 999
Non-emergency: 111, Option 2
24/7 Helpline: 116 123 (UK and ROI)
Shout: Text “DESERVE” to 85258
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org or go to www.YourLifeCounts.org
People come to art therapy for many different reasons and each journey is unique. Often it’s about wanting relief, reassurance, or a better understanding of feelings, thoughts, or behaviours that feel uncomfortable or hard to manage.
These difficulties might be linked to something happening now, to past experiences or memories, or sometimes to feelings without a clear cause. They can show up in many ways through the body, in relationships, at work or in social situations. When life feels out of balance, art therapy can offer a supportive space to begin exploring and making sense of what’s going on.
Art therapy can support wellbeing in many ways. Neurobiological research shows that creative processes help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and build new pathways in the brain. Leaders in the field such as Bessel van der Kolk, Allan Schore, Noah Hass-Cohen, and Juliet L. King have highlighted how art-making can help people process trauma, integrate difficult experiences, and access parts of themselves that words alone can’t always reach.
Many people notice over time that they feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected with improved self-esteem, reduced anxiety and new perspectives on their lives and relationships.
Art therapy can be helpful for people of all ages and backgrounds. It supports those navigating trauma, transition, illness, disability, or challenges with communication, substance use or mental health concerns. It also offers space to reflect on identity, on who we are and how our experiences shape us.
If you are interested in therapy and would like to make an appointment, please email me at debi@theartpsychotherapist.com (debi@theartpsychotherapist.com)or the form below, telling me a little about yourself and reasons for seeking therapy. We can then arrange a brief phone conversation and schedule an appointment time.
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