About

Hello! I’m Katherine, and I’m a qualified Art Psychotherapist based in Northern Ireland.

Things that have always been constant in my life are trying to support others, curiosity and creativity. Before qualifying as an Art Therapist, I worked within Arts and Health for many years and have seen first hand the amazing things that can be achieved with the use of creative interventions. Art Therapy felt like a natural progression to understand on a deeper level how the arts can help.

I studied my degree and masters of art with a specialism in printmaking and photography, and I continue to make and exhibit my artwork and run print workshops outside my work as a therapist.

Approach

I aim to provide a safe, encouraging, non judgemental environment for making, because it is really important that the client feels comfortable talking about sensitive issues. I take a strengths based approach and wholeheartedly believe in positive reinforcement. I work with the person to make goals that feel relevant to you with the intention of working towards them. These are not set in stone and may change over time in order to achieve the best outcome.

I draw upon a variety of theories and practices and use a pluralistic, trauma informed approach which means I consider what you tell me and adapt the session to best suit you. For example, if you have sensory issues I ensure the environment will not be triggering for you. Most importantly I listen and without judgement.

A variety of art materials are available to use and can be experimented with until the one to best express your feelings on the day is discovered.

Once the artwork is created, we consider any connections or meaning it may hold for you. Sharing together within a safe, supportive therapeutic space provides a unique opportunity to self reflect and explore your own thoughts and feelings.

Experience

I have experience working with children, young people, adults and elderly. I have worked with young people within a school environment, adults and elderly within a community setting and women within domestic violence refuges.

A some of the issues I have worked with are: bullying, learning difficulties, self-esteem issues / low self worth, addiction, self harm, Autism, AD/HD, anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, sexuality, family separation, gender identity, bereavement and grief, domestic abuse and dealing with change.

Training

I am a qualified Art Psychotherapist and wrote my dissertation on Art Therapy and Grief. While this is a particular interest of mine, it is not the only area that I work with.

CPD

• How to do counselling online
• Psychological First Aid

Principles

I abide by BAAT Code of Ethics and Principles, and the Standards of Proficiency of Ethics and Professional Conduct from the Health and Care Professions Council, the Art Therapy Statutory Regulator.

I am registered with the HCPC (Registration number is AS018347), and I am a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and a committee member of the Northern Ireland Group for Art as Therapy (NIGAT).