Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art making as its primary mode of communication and expression. Art therapy is helpful for children, adolescents and adults.

The relationship between the therapist and the client is of central importance, but art therapy differs from other psychological therapies in that it is a three way process between the client, the therapist and the image or artefact. Thus it offers the opportunity for expression and communication and can be particularly helpful to people who

• Find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.

• Are unable to pin point the cause of their distress but feel something is just not quite right.

• Have a range of difficulties i.e emotional behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.

Art Therapy is not a recreational activity or an Art lesson, although sessions can be enjoyable. Clients who are referred to an art therapist need not have previous experience or skill in art, the art therapist is not primarily concerned with making an aesthetic or diagnostic assessment of the client’s image. The overall aim is to enable a client to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment.