An Art Psychotherapy group and 1×1 offering for people with Mild-Moderate levels of anxiety.
Definition:
The Project provides adults with the opportunity to discuss their anxiety in a safe online space, facilitated by Art Psychotherapists, using elements of psychoeducation and the practice of art making facilitating communication.
Group work allows attendees to increase their awareness of others and encourages them to be more sociable through shared interaction. This has a positive impact, as sessions are targeted at alleviating feelings of anxiety and isolation
We use Art Making, and Group support, to aid the recovery journey of individuals experiencing symptoms of Mild-Moderate levels of anxiety.
For referral, please ask your GP, Community Link Worker or email liberarts@libertus.org.uk
What is Art Psychotherapy?
Art Therapy is a method of using Art materials which will be provided to express feelings that can be difficult to talk about. There is no need to have prior experience of making art, or using art materials; instead, it is a chance to experiment with the process of art making. It is a therapeutic process so may highlight various emotions and feelings
There is no right way or wrong way to use art materials, and a finished product is not expected; instead, the use of materials is to enable a different way of processing your feelings of anxiety and its effects.
Using Art materials is shown to use a different part of the brain from speech, and so can allow you to process some of the things that may be making you feel anxious or “stuck”
Working in a group
Sometimes the feelings that cause anxieties can be difficult, or even impossible to talk about. Art Therapy can help with the chance to open up and share things either verbally or by how you use the art materials. In a group, you will have the chance to do this with people who share similar experiences.
You will be under no pressure to speak but instead we ask you to experience the group, and others, with an open mind and with the understanding that everyone in the group has a shared goal in progressing their feelings of anxiety.
To help you feel safe in the group, Art Therapy is a confidential space, and we ask that what is shared in the group be kept within the group.
In the first session, we will explore ground rules and the definition of confidentiality. Group members have the opportunity to suggest new ground rules for the group at any point.
The group will be run by a HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist. They will be there to support you, and feel free to ask them questions, or request additional guidance.
Non-directive group
The group will be non-directive. This means that the group facilitators will not tell you what the group needs to work on, and will instead support the group in what is important for them to discuss and create. The Art Psychotherapist may introduce broad themes, or warm up opportunities, with certain materials, but the members are welcomed and encouraged to introduce their own themes and topics.
1 to 1 sessions
This offers a more structured approach, using both art making and discussion. This will explore the relationships between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours in trying to better understand anxiety. You will explore helpful responses to anxiety and strategies for facing anxiety.
For referral, please ask your GP, Community Link Worker or email liberarts@libertus.org.uk
