Question 1

What is art psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Art psychotherapy uses creative materials and approaches alongside talking therapies to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences. It can offer a gentle way to express what may be hard to put into words.

Question 2

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with adults, young people, and I keep a couple of slots for children too. I offer one-to-one sessions.

I also do group work, and offer therapeutic art workshops for adults and young people.

Question 3

Do I have to be good at art?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. You do not need any previous art experience or special skills. Art therapy is not about artistic ability, creating beautiful pictures or producing finished artwork. Art therapy is about the process of making, exploring and reflecting only. Whilst many feelings can arise around the creative process itself, and these can be very useful to explore, there is no pressure or judgement involved. It is simply about  finding new ways of expressing what is inside of us, so that processing and meaning can be found.

Question 4

What happens during a session?

Accepted Answer

Each session is shaped around your individual needs. As things arise, you may be invited to experiment with different art materials, create images or objects, or talk about what is happening in your life. Sometimes you may work quietly and reflect on your artwork; at other times, you may prefer to talk. It is important to understand that your sessions are your space to use as you wish. There is no pressure to create something or share more than you feel comfortable with.

Question 5

What can art therapy help with?

Accepted Answer

Art therapy may support people experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:
Anxiety, stress and low moodGrief, loss and significant life changesTrauma and difficult past experiencesLow self-esteem and challenges with identityRelationship difficultiesFeeling overwhelmed, disconnected or stuckDifficulties expressing or understanding emotions
You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit from therapy. You may simply want a space to reflect, develop greater self-understanding or explore a period of change.

Question 6

Who is art therapy for?

Accepted Answer

Art therapy can be helpful for children, young people and adults. I work mostly with adults and young people. Though I keep a couple of slots for children too. It may be particularly useful for people who find it difficult to express themselves verbally, although it can benefit people who enjoy talking as well.

You may find you can speak about most things, but there are specific areas which cause difficulty. Our sessions can look at these.

Maybe you have tried other forms of therapy, but still feel stuck. Or you might feel you can talk fine, but don't get relief or release from it.

Creative approaches simply offer alternative pathways for expressing whatever needs to be expressed.

You do not need to know exactly what you want to work on before beginning.

Question 7

Do I have to talk about my artwork?

Accepted Answer

No. Your artwork is not something that needs to be explained, interpreted or analysed. You are welcome to talk about what you have made, what it feels like to create it, or what you notice when you look at it. You can also choose not to discuss it.The meaning of your artwork belongs to you. I will work collaboratively with you to support you in expressing that meaning in a way which feels right to you.

Question 8

What if I don't know what to create?

Accepted Answer

That is completely fine. You do not need to arrive with an idea or inspiration. I can offer gentle prompts, suggest materials or help you explore what feels manageable in the moment. You are also welcome to sit, talk or take your time before deciding whether to make anything.There is no right or wrong way to begin. And there is no pressure to create anything at all. These sessions are about process. Uncertainty is welcome.

Question 9

What art materials will I use?

Accepted Answer

This very much depends on your preferences. Pastels, paints, clay, collage, pens, postcards are all options. And so is music and sand tray. Each material has different sensory properties which might help you express differently at different times.  Equally you may wish to use sound or music, or objects in the room. You may simply work with your body and how it feels and exists in the space. You will be supported to explore materials at your own pace, with no expectation that you use anything you do not feel comfortable with.

Question 10

How long/often are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions are 50 minutes long, and are most commonly weekly.

Question 11

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your needs, circumstances and goals. Some people benefit from short-term work focused on a particular difficulty, while others prefer longer-term therapy. We can discuss possible options and review how things are going as the work progresses.There is no expectation that you commit to a fixed number of sessions. We will work with what feels right for you.

Question 12

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity to get to know one another, discuss what has brought you to therapy and explore what you hope to gain from the experience.

In the first couple of sessions, we may explore the circumstances which bring you to therapy, current difficulties and relevant background. You do not need to share anything you do not feel comfortable with and it is ok to take things as slowly as is wished for.

It is important you find a therapist and approach you feel you can work with, so do feel free to ask questions.

Question 13

Is everything I say confidential?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy is important. What you share in therapy is treated confidentially, subject to professional and legal limits. We would go over these, and any questions you have around this, before your sessions began.

Question 14

Do you work online?

Accepted Answer

I work predominantly in person, as shared access to specialist materials and space can be useful in the work. However, if you wish- or need- to work online please do contact me. We can see if this is possible and would suit your needs. If I cannot accommodate you, I will do my best to direct you to someone suitable.

Question 15

How much does art therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are £80.00 each. We will discuss fees, payment arrangements and cancellation policy before you begin.

Question 16

What if I decide art therapy isn't right for me?

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic relationship is the best indication of therapeutic success. Therefore finding the right therapeutic approach and the right therapist is key.

It is ok to speak to a few different therapists and to try different approaches to find the right fit.

The first couple of sessions are mostly about considering if how we work together and if will suit your needs. Should this not be the case, I would do my best to support you in finding something more suitable. Whether the first session or the 41st session, you are always welcome to ask questions and to discuss concerns along the way. Considering these together can bring a rich opportunity to deepen the relationship, or to support you in moving on positively.

Question 17

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to get in touch to arrange an initial conversation or consultation. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss what you are looking for and find out whether the practice may be a good fit for you.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Being curious about whether therapy could help is enough to begin.
Ready to find out more?If you have questions about art therapy or would like to explore working together, please get in touch via the contact form, or leave me a message on 07856424110.

I would be happy to discuss your needs and help you decide on the next step.

Cass Thomas Therapy

Integrative Arts Psychotherapist

Areas of Expertise

Why a creative approach to therapy?

I work across 7 art forms

Frequently asked questions