What to Expect
in individual Art Therapy sessions
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it’s something new. I aim to make the process as comfortable and grounded as possible. These sessions are a space for you, at your own pace, in your own way.
What Art Therapy is
Art therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy, delivered by qualified art therapists. It combines creative expression with talking therapy to support emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. You do not need to have any artistic skills to take part, the focus is on expression, not on making “good” art.
As described by the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), art therapy uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. It can help people explore emotions, improve self-awareness, and support mental health.
In art therapy sessions, you may use materials such as drawing, painting, collage, clay, or other creative forms to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
For older adults and carers, art therapy can help to:
Make sense of life changes such as aging, dementia, long-term illness, retirement, or bereavement
Express feelings that may feel difficult to put into words
Reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation
Strengthen a sense of identity, purpose, and connection
Maintain or improve memory, focus, and emotional resilience
Create moments of comfort, joy, and lightness in daily life
Whether you are facing a recent change or living with a long-term challenge, art therapy offers a gentle space to reflect, create, and connect, at your own pace, in your own way.
What a session is like
You are always in control during our art therapy sessions. Each session lasts around 60 minutes and unfolds at your pace. Some people prefer to talk, others explore through art materials, and sometimes simply sitting in a calm and supportive space feels most helpful. There is no right or wrong way to take part.
My role as an art therapist is to accompany you, whether that means listening, offering creative materials or simply being present alongside you. Sessions are confidential, unhurried and shaped entirely around your needs.
All one-to-one sessions take place at Creative Arts Therapies Space (CATS), a quiet and welcoming studio in Leith, Edinburgh. As a resident therapist at CATS, I see clients through the service, meaning your therapy is supported within a professional and ethical framework, with the guidance and standards of a trusted organisation.
Together we create a safe space where older adults and carers can reflect on life changes such as dementia, illness, retirement or bereavement, and discover moments of comfort, connection and hope.
Sessions can be offered in English, Cantonese or Mandarin, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.
The Space
Take a look inside the therapy room at CATS, a warm and welcoming place for in-person sessions.
Fees
I want to make art therapy as accessible and affordable as possible, while also keeping it sustainable as a practice. One-to-one sessions are offered on a sliding scale between £40 and £60, and you are invited to choose the amount that feels manageable for you.
This sliding scale follows the guidance of Creative Arts Therapies Space (CATS), where sessions are held. Contributing at the higher end helps sustain the practice and supports access to lower-cost sessions for those who need them most.
If the sliding scale feels difficult, please reach out for a conversation. We can explore together what might be possible.
Availability
I currently offer one-to-one sessions on Friday afternoons. If that time doesn’t work for you, we can talk together about finding an alternative that suits us both.
Let's Talk
If you or someone you care for would like to explore one-to-one art therapy, I offer a free 15-minute chat. This is a chance for us to get to know each other, talk about what you're looking for and see if we’re a good fit. If I’m not the right person for you, I can help you find someone who is.
If you're part of an organisation and would like to explore working together, I’d be happy to arrange a longer conversation to discuss your setting and what kind of support might be helpful.
I’ll reply within 24 hours. You can use the form below or get in touch by email, phone or text.
