Frequently Asked Questions
What is Integrative Arts Counselling?
Integrative creative counselling blends talking therapy with creative approaches like drawing, music, writing, clay, poetry, collage, and movement. Rather than following one fixed method, I draw from several therapeutic traditions - person-centred, psychodynamic, compassion-focused and somatic - tailoring everything to you. It’s counseeling that meet you were you are.
Do I need to be good at art?Not at all. You don’t need any artistic ability or experiance. Creative approaches are simply another way of exploring your inner world - no skill required, just curiousity. All you need is some paper and something to draw with to start.
How can creative counselling help?
Creative counselling can help you access emotions that are hard to put into words, explore patterns in your thinking and behaviour visually, process trauma in a safe distanced way, build self understanding and develop coping strategies. When words feel impossible, creativity finds another way for you to be seen, heard and understood.
What happens in the first session?
After an initial call, we book in for a first full session called an Assessment session - a chance for us to explore your background, what’s brought you to therapy, and what you’re hoping for. I always share the questions we go through ahead of time, and make space for a creative activity in the first session. There’s no pressure to share more than feels comfortable. We go at your pace, always.
What if I’ve never had therapy before?
That’s absolutely fine. I offer a free 20 minut initial call as a no-pressure way to ask questions, get a feel for how I work and decide if it feels right for you. You don’t need to have the right words, just show up.
Why online counselling?
Online counselling removed barriers - no travel, no waiting rooms, no having to leave the house on hard days. It’s particuarly helpful if you live with chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence or anxiety such as agoraphobia.
Sessions take play via Google Meet, Zoom or Teams from the comfort of your own space.
How many sessions will I need?This varies for everyone. I recommend starting with 6 sessions to give us time to know each other and identify the main issues you want to focus on. I see clients short term (6-12 sessions) and some people prefer long term open ended therapy to have space to process weekly or fortnightly. We’ll review regularly together and you’re never locked in - you’re free to pause or end at any time. I take my lead from you.
What does it cost?
For individual work, Sessions are £60 per hour. A reduced rate of £50 is available for young adults 18-30, therapy students, and those of certain benefits. I hold a small number of reduced rate spaces - please ask if cost if a barrier to access.
Group work is priced by project and will always be clearly advertised.
What kind of issues do you support?
I support adults with anxiety, depression, recovering from trauma, ADHD, autism, chronic illness, burnout, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+ including people transitioning, relationship difficulties, young adult mental health (18-30), women’s mental health, neurodivergence, body image, anger, low mood and more.
I also support artist wellbeing and other creatives working in community or making psychological/emotional works.
Is it confidential?Yes. Everything you share stays between us. The other exceptions are if I have serious concerns about your safety or someone else’s - which I would always aim to discuss with you first wherever possible.
Confidentiality is explained fully in your counselling agreement before we begin.
What if I’m struggling between sessions?
We can talk about safety planning together as part of our work, however I’m not an emergency service and cannot provide crisis support between sessions.
If you’re in crisis contact Samaritans on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, or contact 111/999 if in immediate risk of harm.
How do I book on?
The first step is a free 20-minute call.
You can book directly via my booking link
Or contact me in writing for an enquiry email and I’ll get back to you on my nearest working day.