Art Therapy
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that combines creative expression with emotional support. It offers you a way to explore feelings, experiences, and thoughts that may feel difficult to put into words. Through art-making and talking, you’re given space to process emotions safely, without the pressure of needing to “know what to say.”
You don’t need any artistic skill to take part—it’s not about creating a finished piece of art, but about using materials in a way that helps you feel, reflect, and heal. With the support of a fully qualified and HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist, you are free to work at your own pace, in your own way, knowing that your work and your feelings are held with care and confidentiality.
Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?
At The Walnut Barn, art therapy is open to people of all ages and abilities and can be particularly supportive if you are navigating challenges such as anxiety, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem, learning differences, neurodiversity, health conditions, or stress.
For more details, you can refer to the British Association of Art Therapists (www.baat.org)
How Can Art Therapy Help You?
Art therapy can offer you:
- A safe and supportive space to express thoughts, feelings or memories you might find it difficult to say out loud.
- Creative ways to process trauma, grief, or overwhelming emotions.
- Practical tools to manage anxiety and regulate difficult feelings.
- Greater self-understanding and insight into your experiences.
- An opportunity to rediscover your strengths and build resilience.
- Time to pause and connect with yourself away from the busyness of everyday life.
Through the creative process and the therapeutic relationship, art therapy can help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more confident in facing whatever life brings.
Testimonials
What to Expect in an Art Therapy Session
Every session is shaped around you and your needs, but here’s what a typical session might look like:
Check-In
We’ll begin by settling in and talking about how you’re feeling and anything that’s on your mind.
Art-Making
You’ll have access to a wide range of materials like paints, pastels, clay, natural objects, and collage. You can choose what feels right for you—whether that’s structured activities, creative play, or quiet reflection. You might want to focus deeply on a piece of work, or you may prefer to keep things simple and sensory.
Processing and Reflection
There’s no pressure to explain your art unless you want to. Together, we can explore any thoughts or feelings that arise from the creative process, supporting you to make sense of your experiences.
Closing
We’ll take time to gently round off the session, check in on how you’re feeling, and think about how you can care for yourself between sessions.
Any artwork you create will be safely stored between sessions in a confidential space, and you’re welcome to take it home if or when you feel ready.
Whether you come with a specific focus or simply a feeling that you’d like some extra support, art therapy at The Walnut Barn is your space to be fully yourself—no judgment, no expectations, just compassion and care.
FAQs
Do I need to be good at art to try Art Therapy?
Not at all! Art Therapy isn’t about being artistic or making ‘good’ art — it’s about expressing yourself. No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to explore.
What happens in an Art Therapy session?
Each session typically includes time to check in, make art and explore outside in nature (if you’d like), and talk about anything that comes up. You can choose the materials you feel most comfortable with, and you’re always supported in a way that feels right for you.
Do I have to talk during Art Therapy?
Not if you don’t want to. Some people prefer to create quietly, while others like to talk as they work. We go at your pace.
What kind of materials will I use?
You’ll have access to a range of materials like paints, pastels, clay, natural objects, and collage. You can choose what feels best for you, and there’s no pressure to create in any specific way.
What happens to my artwork?
Your artwork is safely stored between sessions and kept confidential. You can choose to take it home at the end of therapy if you wish.
Is Art Therapy Confidential?
Yes, Art Therapy is confidential similar to other medical appointments. I won’t pass the private information from your sessions on to anyone, unless I am worried about your safety, or someone else’s. This is called a safeguarding concern, and if this happens I will talk to you first. If you are working in a group, everyone in the group will be asked to keep the discussions confidential. You are always welcome to talk about what comes up for you however. I will talk through all this with you before you start art therapy and make sure you understand and agree before you start sessions.
How much do sessions cost?
- FREE 15-minute introductory phone call or meeting to discuss hopes and expectations
- Individual Art Therapy sessions at The Walnut Barn Therapy Studio (children, young people and adults) – £80 per 1 hour session
- Individual online Art Therapy (available for adults only) £80 per 1 hour session
- Home and community visits – Please email me to enquire
- Art Therapy in your school or organisation – Please email me to enquire
- Group Art Therapy (for children, young people and adults) – Please email me to enquire about current and upcoming groups
- Supervision (online or in person). For Art Therapists or wellbeing practitioners working in community/charity settings or in schools – £90 per hour
How long will I need Art Therapy?
That’s completely individual. Some people benefit from a short block of sessions, while others find ongoing support helpful over a longer period. We’ll discuss your goals together to see what feels best for you.
Can Art Therapy help if I find talking difficult?
Yes, absolutely. Art can give you another way to express feelings and experiences that are hard to put into words, which makes it a really helpful option if talking feels challenging.
What We Offer
Nature Based Learning
EMDR Therapy
Training and Development
Your Journey Starts Here
I am dedicated to providing you with a compassionate and trustworthy therapeutic experience, and I look forward to connecting with you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to learn more about how The Walnut Barn can support you or your loved ones.