What is art therapy - Herts Art Therapy

I am an Art Psychotherapist trained both in Germany (Dipl.) and in the UK (MA) and currently practice in mainstream and specialist education in Hertfordshire and North London, however, I also engage internationally.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, I have worked within a large NGO providing Art Therapy for vulnerable children and young people from the Inner city of Johannesburg. Furthermore, I have initiated a project with refugees and local communities near Stuttgart, Germany, that aims at long-term integration and the creation of a space for cross-cultural dialogue.

Although I have been working therapeutically with individuals from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of challenges (psychiatric and non-clinical settings), I feel as passionate as when I began my journey into the profession over a decade ago.

My aim is to enable every client to access their own potential through creativity and to encourage personal growth by providing a safe, non-threatening and non-judgemental space.

My theoretical orientation is based on psychodynamic and object relations theory, however, also complemented by my previous humanistic, person-centred and cognitive/behavioural approaches, giving me a rich ‘tool box’ to allow me to meet each client’s particular needs best.

The high value of each individual’s unique creative expression is reflected in my approach to my own practice as an artist. It is my belief that creativity in the therapeutic space can be a way to explore difference, to negotiate interpersonal boundaries and to experiment with new ways of being.

Art therapy is a therapeutic technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. Art, either the process of creating it or viewing others’ artworks, is used to help people address issues which may be confusing and distressing. As a form of psychotherapy, creative media are used to explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and work on social skills.

As Art therapists we work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. It can be provided in groups or individually, depending on each client’s needs. Service-users may have a wide range of difficulties or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.

A containing therapeutic relationship is established between the client/s and the facilitator/s to become a trusting, safe and supportive environment where long-lasting and sustainable change can happen.

Throughout history and across cultures, engaging with the arts when facing challenges and adverse life experiences has been proven to enable personal growth and instil hope.

Do you or the client group
you’re caring for (pupils, patients etc.) …

Struggle with verbally expressing themselves?
Experience prolonged mental health issues, such as depression, panic attacks etc?
Have difficulty processing changes in your/their home/work environments?
Have a bereavement in your/their family, community or other social contexts?
Feel over-worked and stressed at work or in your family?

… Art Therapy might be useful for you!

Why not get in touch with us? Contact us here.

Hanna Leipold
hanna@hertsarttherapy.com
073 95830464

About
me.

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