Art Psychotherapy
Life can bring experiences that leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or uncertain of how to move forward. Whether you are navigating grief, trauma, anxiety or a significant life transition, therapy can offer a space to pause, make sense of your experience and reconnect with yourself.
Sessions are available in Therapy Spaces Putney, my art studio in Checkendon, or online.
Sessions are available in Therapy Spaces Putney, my art studio in Checkendon, or online.
"Lilly’s studio provides my son a nourishing and safe space to play and explore through art making. He is always lit up after working with Lilly and has created some incredible paintings on canvas. After our family experienced great change Lilly was a safe and creative beacon for him that helped him return to self expression. Lilly’s work made a profound difference in our lives through her gentle and fun approach. I cannot thank her enough for holding space for his needs and emotions"
-Helen
-Helen
I am a trained Art Psychotherapist working with children, adolescents, adults and families. My work combines talking therapy with creative and art-based approaches, offering different ways to explore experiences, emotions and relationships. Sometimes words are the most helpful way in; at other times, creative exploration can help express what is difficult to put into words. There is no expectation to make art, and we can find an approach that feels right for you.
I support people with a range of difficulties and life experiences, including anxiety, trauma, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, grief and bereavement, life transitions and significant change. I also work with people experiencing fear, shame, self-doubt, negative self-talk, people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-criticism, difficulties with boundaries, uncertainty and stress.
My approach is integrative and tailored to each person. I draw on psychodynamic, developmental and creative approaches, as well as psychosynthesis and spiritual perspectives, to understand your experiences and support meaningful change. I believe our early relationships and experiences can shape how we see ourselves, relate to others and respond to the world. Together, we can gently explore these patterns and the ways we have learned to cope, developing greater self-awareness and a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself.
I may also incorporate body-based and imaginative approaches such as visualisation, breath awareness and creative exploration. These can offer different ways of connecting with and understanding emotional experiences, particularly when feelings are difficult to put into words.
Above all, I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to therapy. Feeling safe, understood and able to be yourself provides the foundation for meaningful therapeutic work.
Training & Experience
I hold an MA in Art Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton. My training enables me to work therapeutically through both verbal and creative approaches, recognising that art-making can offer an alternative way to explore and communicate experiences that may be difficult to express through words alone.
A significant focus of my professional experience has been bereavement and loss. Before establishing my private practice, I worked within specialist bereavement services, including St Christopher's Hospice and Wandsworth Bereavement Service, supporting children, adolescents, adults and families affected by grief and loss. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the complex and individual ways that bereavement can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity and family life.
Alongside my core training in Art Psychotherapy, I have completed further professional training in Family Therapy. I am committed to ongoing professional development, which continues to inform and deepen my therapeutic practice.
I access regular Clinical Supervision and practice in accordance with the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. I also hold professional indemnity insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Sort of Person Goes to Art Therapy?
Art Psychotherapy is beneficial for people from all backgrounds who are struggling with difficult feelings, thoughts, or behaviors. Whether you’re a child, young person, adult, parent, or part of a group, art therapy can help resolve the challenges you’re experiencing.
Do I Have to Be Good at Art?
No artistic skill is required to benefit from art therapy. The focus is on the therapeutic process of making art, not on creating aesthetically pleasing or diagnostically significant work. The relationship between the client, the art, and the therapist is what matters most.
How Will I Know If Lilly Is the Right Therapist for Me?
Choosing an Art Psychotherapist is personal and should be based on comfort and connection. I offer an initial, no-obligation telephone consultation to discuss your needs. If you feel comfortable after our chat, we can arrange a meeting to explore treatment options further.
Can I Be Present During Lilly’s Individual Sessions with My Child/Partner/Friend?
To maintain a safe therapeutic environment, individual sessions are confidential. However, if your child wishes to share something specific with you, we can discuss it during a review meeting. Joint sessions can also be arranged if that’s preferred.
How Long Should I Expect to Attend Art Therapy Sessions For?
The duration of Art Psychotherapy varies based on individual needs. Some people may need only a few weeks of support, while others benefit from longer-term treatment over several months. We’ll assess progress together and decide when it’s the right time to conclude therapy.
What Happens to the Images That I Make During Art Therapy Sessions?
The images you create are stored securely and confidentially. At the end of therapy, you can review your artwork and decide what to do with it—whether to keep it, leave it with me, or even perform a ritual. The decision is entirely yours.
Does My GP or Employer Need to Know That I Am Attending Art Therapy Sessions?
Your attendance is confidential and will not be shared with your employer unless you request it and provide consent. I will ask for your GP’s details and consent to share brief information about your attendance, but session details remain private.
How Confidential Are Art Therapy Sessions?
All information shared in sessions is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality. However, if there is a concern about the safety of a child or vulnerable person, I am obligated to share these concerns with relevant professionals.
How Are Art Therapists Regulated?
Art Psychotherapists hold a postgraduate qualification (MA or MSc) in Art Therapy and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This ensures they meet national standards. You can verify an art therapist’s registration at www.hpcheck.org. Those working with children and young people must also have enhanced DBS clearance.
For more information on Art Therapy, training, and standards, please visit the British Association of Art Therapists’ website.
