‘ART be’ a space for you to be you.

Art therapy and therapeutic art projects for children, young people and adults.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual and tactile media as a means of self-expression and communication. Art therapists aim to support people of all ages and abilities and at all stages of life, to discover an outlet for often complex and confusing feelings, and foster self-awareness and growth.

Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth.

During art therapy, you are supported by an art therapist to use art to express and articulate often complex thoughts and feelings through art making. This may be following difficult or traumatic experiences which may be hard to talk about.

What to expect when you start Art Therapy

Where will I meet the art therapist?
You will meet at the art studio where you won’t be interrupted. Alternatively, you may meet at an online meeting room, using software like Zoom.

Who will be there?
Depending on your needs, you will either join group therapy or individual therapy.

• In group therapy, you will be with the art therapist and a small group of participants.
• In individual therapy, it will just be you and the art therapist.

Do I have to be good at art?
No, you do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art. Art therapy isn’t a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable.

What will we do in an art therapy session?
You will make art and talk (which may be done at the same time) or you can make art in silence if that’s your preference. When making art, you can choose materials that best suit you e.g., paint, pastel or clay, or you might make a collage.

The art therapist may sit quietly and pay attention whilst you make art or they may make art alongside you, depending on your needs during each session. You and the art therapist will also talk and think together to make sense of the thoughts, feelings and experiences that come up during your art-making or when you look at your artwork. (https://baat.org/)

If you would like more information or would like to discuss if Art Therapy is right for you or your child, please drop me an email lindaculverwell.artbe@gmail.com
Linda Culverwell, MA, BA (Hons)
Art Psychotherapist, HCPC reg. (AS017259)

On going projects

THIS IS ME

A therapeutic art programme for mums. Partnering with the Familes Project at The Round chapel, this pilot project ran at the end of 2021 with great sucess. We are in the planning to try to secure long term funding for this highly valuable project

TIME FOR YOU

Our sessions are all about art and YOU. Each week we will offer different themes and art materials that will encourage you to learn new skills while, also, reflecting on who you are and where you would like to be. It’s a safe space for you to be you and have fun making lots of lovely art. We will also have a gallery visit at the Tate modern over half term. Children are welcome and we provide arty childcare upstairs. The sessions will be led by Linda Culverwell (art therapists, HCPC registered)

For further information, you can also contact
Linda Email: lindaculverwell.artbe@gmail.com

Delighted to be funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.