What is Art Therapy?

• Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses a mix of talking and art making. I can also incorporate nature-based mindfulness activities if this is something that interests you.
   

• You do not need to be good at art to do art therapy. Art Therapy is not an art class. The aim is to explore your creativity and use this as a way to express and explore emotions and life issues.
   

• You may talk with your art therapist about your personal problems, your artwork and your feelings and thoughts. The aim is for you and your therapist to work together, using the art you make to think about what is happening for you personally. Sometimes this can be very moving, or even upsetting for a while at first. I have extensive training and experience in working with people’s problems and distress.
   

• Sessions are usually client-led, but if you feel stuck without too much structure talk to your therapist about this and perhaps some initial exercises can be suggested to get you started.
   

• We can construct a regular structure for our sessions together which could include initial check-in, art-making, reflection on the art and the process of making it, any emotions arising from this. This is your space for you, so please feel free to shape it as you wish/need.

 

Additional information for online sessions:

• Your first Zoom session will be free of charge, so you can see how it works.

• Zoom sessions will not be recorded (the recording feature on Zoom will be disabled).

• Please endeavour to find a space where you can be undisturbed.

• Art materials do not need to be expensive, pen and paper will do. Natural materials gathered on walks can also be added if you wish to explore nature in our work together.

• If at any point you wish to end sessions it is advisable to give your therapist some notice so that we can have a good, planned ending over several sessions.

 

Therapist's professional obligations:

• I am registered with HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and am a member of BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists).

• I have regular supervision in alignment with professional requirements.

• Data including clinical notes and images will be stored securely and deleted three years after sessions end, as per professional and statutory guidelines.

• I am registered with the Information Commission to comply with GDPR.

Please see my GDPR notice here.
 

Safeguarding and confidentiality:

Confidentiality is not an absolute concept. Art Therapists have a professional duty of care to their clients which must sometimes override confidentiality, especially if there are concerns about the safeguarding and wellbeing of clients or others.
 

Whilst information obtained from clients in conversation or through their artistic expression must be treated respectfully and professionally, confidentiality is held within a treatment team which in this case comprises of Kim Harrison and her supervisor. Art Therapists discuss clients with their supervisor confidentially in accordance with professional regulations.
 

Disclosure or sharing of information may be necessary, and the client may also request it.

The law requires art therapists to disclose information where they are concerned about the safety of the client, the therapist, those caring for the client, or the public.
 

In such cases disclosure must be made in the manner which best protects the client's interests. The client will usually be informed before this happens, unless doing so could increase the risk to themselves or others.

 

Important disclaimer:

If you have a medical or psychiatric diagnoses and are on medication for this, please do not stop taking your medication without consulting your GP or consultant. Art Therapy can be a useful addition to primary medical care but cannot replace it.

 

Payment details:

I will send you and invoice after each session.
I accept payment by Paypal or Bank Transfer.
Please pay your fee within 2 days of receiving the invoice.

(If you would rather pay monthly this can be discussed).

Receipts can be provided should you need them, please let me now.

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Fees:

Individuals £45 per 60 minute session.
Couples/families/parent and child £55 per 60 minute session.
 

Session length:

Sessions will last one hour and be held via Zoom (an online video conferencing platform - it is possible to open a free account here. It can be used on smartphone, tablet or computer. There is an option to turn video off if this helps you feel more comfortable at any point). Times must be adhered to strictly.

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Do you offer concessions?

Yes concessionary rates are available to students and people who are on benefits. This is self-identified, no proof is required, it is done on trust. Please don't abuse this. I have a low income myself. Please contact me for details.

 

 

Holidays

Holidays can be mutually agreed between client and therapist by email, with 4 weeks notice if possible.

There will always be a scheduled holiday break over Christmas/new year for 2 weeks following academic holiday dates.

 

Cancellation policy:

Cancellation of single sessions must be in writing by email (info@oneheartnatureconnection.co.uk).

Cancellation by the client within 72 hours of the appointment date will incur a 50% charge.

Cancellation by the client within less than 24 hours of the appointment will be charged at full rate.

If I have to cancel a session for any reason there will be no charge to you and I will endeavour to give you at least 3 days notice.

Please inform me if you wish to end therapy with at least 3 weeks notice so that we can have a well-managed, good, therapeutic ending.