Psychotherapy Through The Arts
Many people, perhaps like you, lack a space in which to express the powerful and profound feelings intrinsic to human experiences.
This can either result in you bottling up your feelings (proven to be psychologically and physically damaging), or ‘acting out’ your feelings in ways which can be highly destructive to yourself or others.
Arts Psychotherapy can provide the opportunity for expression and can promote clarity, insight, awareness and change during difficult times.
Why use arts for psychotherapy?
Sometimes feelings can be complicated and difficult to talk about.
In recognizing the limits of everyday language, and the fact that you experience the world through all your senses, not just one, I use the arts to offer you full access to the different modes of sensory expression – visual (what we see), auditory (what we hear), and kinesthetic (what we feel in our bodies).
I use the creative arts in my practice with the belief that there is a fundamental interconnection between the creative process and psychotherapy, in that they are mutually concerned with in-depth communication of emotional experience, transformation and change.
What can Arts Psychotherapy help with?
Psychotherapy through arts can help with:
- Trauma
- Relationship difficulties
- Depression
- Anxiety / stress including workplace stress
- Bereavement / loss
- Low self esteem / confidence
- Identity issues
- Abuse
What sort of activities and tools do you use for arts psychotherapy?
Available for you to use will be:
- Visual art materials (paints, crayons etc)
- Sculpture with clay
- Drama, including puppetry
- Poetry and storytelling
- Sand tray and miniature objects
- Musical instruments
- Dance, movement and bodywork
Each art form provides a unique communication of emotional experiences and I can work with you on which medium is most appropriate for you and the issues you present. For example:
- Drama can offer vital insights into the roles we play in life and into ‘situations’ – how past situations are still affecting those in the present
- In sandplay, creating a world of miniatures in the sand tray can organize and externalize feelings which can then be contemplated from a distance rather than ‘in the head’
- By using dance/movement work, it is possible to work with what the body is already communicating symbolically, whether through posture, gesture and gait, or through illness and injury
- Using poetry can avoid simply labeling and misrepresenting feelings through literal words, as poetry gives a fuller ‘felt’ sense of the reality and can reveal a deeper truth
I believe in the inner creativity of ALL people, and emphasise the creative process rather than technical competence – so don't worry - you don't have to be an artist, musician or poet! Using the arts is simply another way of expressing ourselves and the choice to do so is always yours.
What will an arts psychotherapy session be like?
As an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, I've got a thorough grounding in various theoretical models, and refer to major schools of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis including the most up-to-date neurobiological research. This means I'm able to use the approach (or approaches) which works best for you. My aim is to create a solid and trusting relationship with you which will enable you to look at your life in a safe, creative and open way.
What about confidentiality?
All your psychotherapy sessions will be conducted in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. You can work with me on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period.
How much does it cost?
My normal fee is £40 per session. Some concessions are available.
Can I have a trial session?
Yes. The first time we meet will be for an assessment session. This is to assess whether we'll be able to work together on the issues which you want to address.
After the assessment, you may want some time to think about whether you would like to come for further sessions. There is no obligation to return after the assessment.
The cost of the assessment session is £20.
How to find out more about arts psychotherapy
For more details or to book a session, please contact me (Roshmi Lovatt) either by email on or by telephone on 07534 229626.
You can also visit my personal website at www.roshmilovattpsychotherapy.co.uk.
You can see my profile by clicking here.
The Nightingale Clinic
