Q&A
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art and creative materials to help people explore and express their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
It can offer a safe, supportive space to explore things that may sometimes be difficult to put into words. Art therapy is not an art lesson — there is no focus on artistic ability or creating a perfect piece of artwork.
Ruth works with children, young people and adults.
Do I need to be good at art?
Absolutely not.
You don’t need to be artistic or have any previous experience with art. Art therapy is about the process of creating and expressing yourself, rather than how the finished artwork looks.
There is no right or wrong way to create.
Who does Ruth work with?
Ruth works with children and young people from KS1 upwards, as well as adults.
Sessions are tailored to each individual, taking into account their age, needs, interests and what they would like support with.
Can art therapy help with anxiety or emotional difficulties?
Art therapy can provide a safe space to explore anxiety, worries and difficult emotions.
For some people, creative activities can make it easier to express feelings that may be difficult to talk about. Art therapy can support emotional wellbeing, self-expression and exploration at your own pace.
Everyone is different, so an initial assessment helps us consider whether art therapy is right for you or your child.
Can art therapy support autistic children and young people?
Art therapy can be a helpful form of support for autistic children and young people.
Creative activities can offer an alternative way to communicate and express thoughts and feelings, particularly when verbal communication feels difficult. Sessions are adapted to the individual, taking into account their needs, preferences and communication style.
What if my child doesn't like talking?
That’s okay. You don’t have to talk about everything straight away.
Art can provide another way to communicate and express thoughts and feelings. Some people find that creating something helps them explore experiences that are difficult to put into words.
You can work at your own pace, in a safe and supportive environment.
What happens during an art therapy session?
Sessions are guided by your individual needs. You may work with a range of creative materials, such as drawing, painting, clay or collage.
There is no expectation to produce a particular piece of artwork. The focus is on providing a safe therapeutic space where you can explore thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Before starting regular sessions, an initial assessment takes place so that we can discuss your needs and consider whether art therapy is appropriate for you.
How long is a session and how many sessions will I need?
Each session lasts 50 minutes.
Following an initial assessment, Ruth normally begins with 8 sessions. At the end of these sessions, you with Ruth have a review to consider progress and whether continuing with art therapy would be beneficial.
Do parents stay during children’s sessions?
Parents do not normally stay during individual therapy sessions. This gives the child or young person their own private therapeutic space.
Parents are invited to attend review sessions, where appropriate, to discuss progress and consider the next steps.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions for children and young people can take place in Ruth's studio or within a school, where this has been arranged with the school.
Adult sessions take place in Ruth's studio.
How do I arrange or refer for art therapy?
If you are interested in art therapy for yourself or your child, please contact Ruth through this website.
You can discuss your needs and arrange an initial assessment if art therapy is considered appropriate.
Which areas does Ruth cover?
Ruth provides art therapy across South Holland and the Peterborough area.
If you’re unsure whether she covers your area, please get in touch and she'd be happy to discuss this with you.