About me

I am an art psychotherapist registered with the British Association of Art Therapists and HCPC, and abide to their codes of conduct.

In my work I take a humanistic perspective that integrates psychodynamic and attachment theories with a person-centred approach. I adapt sessions to a client's unique needs and work together with the individual to find ways for improving self-esteem and vitalise self-actualisation (the things that make a person feel worthwhile) with warmth, empathy and confidentiality.

I offer individual sessions face to face (based in Old Street), or online via Zoom.

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy which uses art as its primary mode of communication. The use of art media enables self-exploration and the expression of deep emotions. This enables clients to gain insight into, and a better understanding of themselves as well as improving mental health and well being (art therapy 4all website).

Art therapy is particularly useful when words are not enough to express one's feelings. It is a non-intrusive and gentle approach that can help individuals to make sense of, and overcome, difficult or traumatic moments in their lives.

In a session various art materials are made available to choose from for drawing, painting or modelling in a safe, confidential and positive environment. With my support, clients decide what to create, and evolve at their own pace. No previous experience in art is necessary: all images created are valued as an expression of a state of mind rather than for their aesthetic quality.

If working online, individuals can use art materials bought in arts and crafts shops, although I encourage the use of objects that are in the house but forgotten and about to be discarded, or found objects, leaves, pebbles picked on a beach, to create images and shapes that help to tell a story when words feel incomplete.

Areas of interest and experience:

Anxiety and depression caused by work related stress or significant life events such as trauma, loss, bereavement, transition and relationship difficulties.
Depression, anger and loss experienced while adapting to life-long physical and emotional changes following stroke or acquired brain injury, living with a chronic disability or neurological condition. Art therapy is particularly useful for people with Aphasia.
Carers looking after a close family member. When dedicating one's life to care for a loved person's needs there is little time to address personal issues such as changing family dynamics and relationships, stress, mental and physical fatigue. Therapy can provide a regular and precious non-judgemental space to express and make sense of one's thoughts and emotions.

At home art therapy

With the health and safety requirements in place due to Covid 19, I have temporarily stopped home visits until further notice. Online sessions are the safest option to reach out to individuals who require shielding but feel isolated and in need of emotional support.

Art therapy and Brain Injury

In the context of brain injury and neurological conditions, the act of art-making activates different parts of the brain, combining sensory, cognitive and emotional stimuli. This in turn can:

Promote focus and eye-hand coordination
Broaden communication
Improve sense of self-worth
Stimulate emotional vitality
Release stress
Promote autonomy

The finished artwork can also help individuals to remember the stages of their journey throughout the therapy, and to create a personal narrative.

Training, qualifications & experience

MA Art Psychotherapy (University of Roehampton, London 2012)

BA (Hons) Art and Design - Illustration (University of Westminster, London 2001)

Btec Diploma foundation studies in Art and Design (City Lit, London 1998)

I have a wide variety of experience including acute adult inpatient NHS psychiatric unit facilitating ward based art therapy group and individual sessions, and in the charity sector working with adults affected by depression, anxiety, addiction and homelessness.

My interest in working with brain injury survivors and people affected by chronic neurological disorders stems from my previous experience as nursing assistant in an acute NHS neurological ward, where I became sensitively aware of the physical and emotional trauma that patients face after the onset of their condition. I am also aware that the healing process of recovery from such illnesses is often focused mainly on the rehabilitation of the physical body. Yet, the emotional upheaval experienced by those who face life-long changes, as well as their close family members, is seldom addressed thoroughly.

This has motivated me to set up and run, alongside my private practice, an art therapy service for a leading London charity supporting people living with an acquired brain injury, and run individual sessions for its clients.

I also have initiated and am currently facilitating a therapeutic art making project at patients' bedside in a central London NHS stroke and neurological unit. I run a similar project on behalf of a national charity in a North London NHS Hospital.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Post-stroke depression
Aphasia
Brain injury
Parkinson's disease
Multiple Sclerosis
"Invisible disability"

Therapies offered

Fees

Additional information

50 minutes initial consultation with no obligation at this point: £50

If you decide you would like to book regular sessions you pay for your weekly slot until you decide to end the therapy. I use a sliding scale system so my fee depends upon your income (see below).

50 minutes individual therapy:

Up to 25k £50
25k - 40k £60
40k - 60k £70
60k - 80k £80
Over 80k £90

When I work

Face to face session at EC1V: Fridays 13:00 to 19:00

Online sessions: Mondays AM, PM

Fridays: 13:00 - 19:00

Further information

Other languages: Italian, French

Anne Giannotti