Case Studies &Testimonials
Art Psychotherapy in Adolescent Mental Health
Dr Richard Corrigall, consultant psychiatrist speaks about art psychotherapy at the Snowsfield Adolescent Mental Health unit in London:
“Having art psychotherapy is a big asset for the mental health team. It is a valuable addition to the more conventional forms of assessment and therapy. I greatly enjoy joining the art psychotherapy group every week. Finding creative ways to communicate with others through art is just as important for clinicians as it is for service users. The use of art psychotherapy acts as a complement to the medical understanding of mental illness.”
Janice Galloway, Living Well Co-ordinator at Jewish Care explains how art therapy supports the elderly residents in two of their care homes.
“The art therapy sessions are always welcoming and inclusive to our residents. The therapist is very creative in responding to different needs and adapting the practice to suit diverse sensory needs, motor skills and cognitive abilities. The residents are able to express their feelings both verbally and non-verbally though the art, whilst enjoying the social aspect of the group.”
Art Therapy group for Neurodiverse children
Art Therapist, Irene Whitehead tells us about the art therapy group she runs for pupils aged 10-12 at Jack Tizard School:
“These plasticine models were made by pupils at a school in West London, who have a range of severe learning difficulties. Art Therapy is offered weekly as part of a life-enhancing education program at the school. It creates a playful atmosphere and increases interaction and communication, encouraging inventiveness, self-awareness and achievement.”
Individual private art therapy sessions:
My personal experience of one-to-one art therapy by Jane Beinart:
“For me art therapy has worked on such a deeper level than any other form of therapy and it’s hard to describe why in words… It’s like there is another presence in the room, which helps you express how you feel. You can do things with your hands rather than just talking, you can see more clearly and you can make a mess. I wouldn’t say it was easy – not at all, it was very hard work… but ultimately overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend it as a form of therapy to anyone who is considering having therapy or counselling.”
Art Therapy for PTSD
War veteran, Richard Kidgell shares his experience of art therapy:
“I was offered Art Therapy whilst at ‘Combat Stress’ to treat PTSD. The results were dramatic. The symbolism and direct access to my subconscious broke through years of rigid self-discipline and released suppressed emotions and memories, so that they could be dealt with at last. Without Art Therapy and ‘Combat Stress’, I do not think that I would be alive today.”
