Anna Liuba
Registered Art Psychotherapist
Ilkley, West Yorkshire
What is Art Psychotherapy?
Art psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art materials as its primary mode of communication. A Registered Art Psychotherapist is trained at postgraduate level (MA or MSc), is a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Art psychotherapists work with people of all ages, including children, young people, adults, and the elderly. The aim is to foster personal growth and change in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment through the use of art materials.
Art therapy does not rely on spoken language, making it particularly helpful for individuals who find it difficult to express their thoughts and emotions verbally. The therapy focuses on the use of art materials and the relationship between the therapist and the client, forming a three-way process.
Who can benefit from Art Psychotherapy?
Art psychotherapy can help individuals facing a range of challenges, including:
- Emotional, behavioural, or mental health difficulties
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship issues
- Historical abuse or bereavement
- Life-limiting conditions
- Physical illness
Therapy can be tailored for individuals or groups, depending on the clients’ needs. No prior art experience is required, and there is no pressure to create art during sessions — simply talking can also be effective.
Benefits of Working with a Registered Art Psychotherapist
Relieve difficult or painful emotions
Increase overall wellbeing
Provide new ways to understand and cope with personal challenges
Why Use Art?
Art is known for its therapeutic properties. Creating visual images engages the right side of the brain, where visual memories are stored, and can help individuals process feelings that are difficult to verbalize.
Recommendations
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends arts therapies, including art therapy, in their guidelines for schizophrenia. Evidence shows that arts therapies are effective for managing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, at all stages of the condition, including acute phases, and in promoting recovery.
Client Testimonials
Here’s what some clients have said about their art therapy experience:
“It has had a profound impact. I consider this to be the most successful thing that has happened to me in my mental health history. I have taken away what I did there and use it.”
“I do not feel a prisoner of my depression anymore. This has given me a new way of being and shown me a different way of coping with being me.”
“I have had profound and lasting benefits from this work.”
“There have been enormous changes in how I cope now… I do not think realistically I could have hoped for much more from it.”
“I really feel that it has given me more tools to deal with the things I need to deal with.”
(These testimonials are from clients at The Creative Therapies Service, Exeter, and were part of MSc research by Sarah Bennet, University of Exeter School of Psychology, December 2001.)
About Me
Registrations & Memberships:
- HCPC Registered (AS14633)
- BAAT Member (30755)
I hold full professional indemnity insurance and an up-to-date DBS check.
Contact
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact:
anna-liuba@hotmail.co.uk