1-1 Arts Psychotherapy – In person, online, hybrid weekly sessions

Arts psychotherapy blends talking therapy with creative, reflective techniques. By externalising inner/outer conflicts through metaphor and symbol, it can offer us new insights and perspectives. By connecting to our natural creativity, we can activate inner resources and new potentials. Sometimes, we may talk only in therapy; telling your story is a vital part of the process too.

I support adults across a range of challenges:

• Life and work transitions
• Self-limiting beliefs/patterns
• Inner critics, creative blocks, self-sabotage
• Stress, burn-out, chronic fatigue
• Anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders
• Pregnancy loss, birth trauma, fertility/IVF
• Relationship difficulties, separation/divorce
• Menopause, empty nest, retirement
• Loss, bereavement

“Each image, sand tray, or creative experiment really did bring different perspectives, insights and depth to understanding my experience. Pia’s truly non-judgmental acceptance, empathy and curiosity cultivated a very safe place for me to explore my own story.” 

Creative tools engage the psyche, senses, emotions and imagination. In giving different parts of ourselves voice and form, we can tend to areas in need of care. Arts psychotherapy offers ways to relate to inner conflicts differently, often leading to a greater sense of wholeness – a strengthened ability to relate to the outside world. The arts also give us creative channels to grieve losses in our lives.

Research has shown how arts psychotherapy can help people from all ages, cultures and backgrounds, irrespective of ability and talent – you don’t have to be an artist to benefit – although artists can find the process transformative too.

Creative materials are wide-ranging and include postcards, Jungian sand tray, fabrics, clay, collage, alongside painting/drawing. The emphasis is on intuitive and sensory art-making, not craft or technique. Sometimes, if relevant I’ll offer guided imagery, archetypal myth, or dream-work to explore personally relevant metaphors and symbols. Getting in touch with our deeper self and creative nature can be illuminating, freeing, and life-changing.

All 1-1 sessions are weekly, last 50 minutes, and take place at Croftdown Studio, a purpose-built creative, therapeutic space at Highgate Newtown Community Centre, North London. Croftdown Studio is designed to offer a sense of sanctuary as well as inspiration. With a lift, it is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly.

I also work online with clients across the UK and abroad. All online sessions are conducted on Zoom Workplace Pro.

Please see the FAQ section for further details.