Our Art Therapists at Heathwell
ABOUT ART THERAPY
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art materials and creative expression to explore emotions, experiences and relationships. Sometimes an image, a shape or a colour can offer a starting point for something you cannot yet explain in words.
You do not need to be artistic or have any experience of making art. The focus is on what the process means to you, rather than producing a finished piece or making something look a particular way.
Art therapy can be combined with talking therapy, allowing you to move between conversation and creative work depending on what feels helpful. You might talk for much of a session, spend time using materials, or reflect with your therapist on something you have made.
WHEN WORDS ARE DIFFICULT TO FIND
You may understand what has happened in your life but struggle to describe how it has affected you. You might feel overwhelmed by emotions, find yourself explaining things without connecting to your feelings, or simply be unsure where to begin.
Working with art materials offers another way to approach these experiences. For example, if you feel pulled between other people’s expectations and your own needs, you might create an image that expresses that tension. Exploring it together can help you notice feelings or connections that were difficult to recognise through conversation alone.
Your therapist will support you in exploring your own response to what you create. They will not assume that a particular image or colour has a fixed meaning, or expect you to share more than you feel ready to discuss. You can work at your own pace, with time to reflect on what emerges.
What can art therapy help with?
People seek art therapy for a range of concerns, including:
Anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed.
Depression, low mood or emotional numbness.
Difficulty identifying or expressing feelings.
The impact of trauma and difficult earlier experiences.
Grief, loss and changes in life.
Low self-esteem and persistent self-criticism.
Relationship difficulties and feelings of isolation.
Questions about identity and sense of self.
You do not need to know what you want to create or how to explain your difficulties before you begin. An initial conversation can help you consider whether this way of working feels right for you.
Art therapy at Heathwell
Heathwell offers art therapy in person at our clinic in Blackheath Village, within easy reach of Greenwich and Lewisham. Art therapy may also be available online, depending on the therapist and your circumstances.
Our therapists’ profiles explain their training, experience and how they combine creative work with talking therapy. Once you have found someone you would like to speak with, let Heathwell know and we will connect you with them to discuss an initial consultation. If you are unsure where to begin, we can help you explore the options.
Meet our Art Therapists
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Kellie High
ART THERAPIST, PSYCHOTHERAPIST & SUPERVISOR
Approach: Art therapy, Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytical
Availability: In person & Online
Specialisms: Trauma and Emotional Wellbeing, Children’s Mental Health, Learning difficulties, Life transitions
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Poppy Oldham
ART THERAPIST, PSYCHOTHERAPIST & SUPERVISOR
Approach: Art therapy, Psychodynamic
Availability: In person & Online
Specialisms: Teen counselling, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ Identities, Individuals who hear voices, see visions and hold unusual beliefs
