Clare Turner

Thank you for clicking and taking the time to find out about what Art Therapy and I can offer. My name is Clare and I appreciate that navigating though the current mental health services and organisations can be overwhelming, confusing and frustrating. Hopefully you will find some answers here and I am only too happy to talk further about appropriate choices for you.

I work as an Art Psychotherapist across the age span, with children (age 10+), adolescents and adults, both individually and in groups. I can offer long and short- term therapy. I have rooms in Sheffield City Centre for in-person work (observing current government guidelines for Covid-19 safe practice), or can offer sessions online at a compatible time to suit busy lifestyles. I usually see clients once a week at a set regular time, but I can be flexible to suit a busy lifestyle.

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a process of exploring, expressing and making sense of difficult thoughts and feelings through creative processes. Sometimes finding the right words and having the courage to talk to others about problems or worries can be a challenge; therefore the use of ‘art media’ (images, art, objects, stories, ideas, sensory experiences, colour, symbols and metaphor) can offer another, sometimes less constrained, way to communicate.

Art Therapy is not an art lesson, recreational activity, or diagnostic tool; it is a form of psychotherapy which is researched, respected and regulated. An individual doesn’t need any previous experience or art expertise, just a willingness to engage with art media at a pace and in a way that is comfortable for them.

Images can either be created within the session or we can use ‘found’ images (for example a photograph) or ‘imagined’ images perhaps inspired by a film, story, dream or music. It all depends on how you want to work; some clients never pick up a paintbrush at all during their therapy, while others make art every week. Typically in a session the therapist will sit with a client and explore an image or concept together, to help facilitate thinking about what that image might mean and how it relates to them. Using art media therapeutically can create a psychological space where individuals can work through difficult thoughts/feelings/situations and think about ways to cope or move forward. I have been told by clients that having a third thing in the room (the art media) can ‘take the pressure off’ and enable them to approach difficult subjects in a gentler way.

Is Art Therapy right for me?

You may know why you want to access therapy; you may have experienced difficult times, experiences or emotions that you are left struggling with. Alternatively you may not have a clear idea of why, but have a general sense of disconnection, frustration or unhappiness in your life with no immediate recognisable cause. You may equally just want to find out more about yourself, how you think, behave and interact with others. All of which can be given space to explore within art therapy.

I recognise that we are all individual and unique, which is why I work in an inclusive and non-judgemental way. Our sessions and their content will be held in confidence and respect confidentiality, creating a ‘safe space’ that will respect your personal history and your relationship to it. The therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is a special one which I honour and respect through the development of trust and my compassionate and curious nature.

I won’t tell you what to do and I don’t advise. I will help and support you in finding your own path and developing your own understandings.

• Being cared for or a Carer
• Health issues and Illness
• Life changes
• Loss
• Personal development
• Self-Esteem and Confidence
• Sleep problems
• Social Isolation
• Performance Anxiety

I offer an initial  meeting of 1.5 hours, where we can meet each other, ask questions, and decide if we want to enter into some therapeutic work together. The cost of this meeting is £35.00.

I tend to book sessions in monthly blocks (payable in advance) and suggest a ‘10 week review and continue if required' plan. Therapy sessions are 1 hour long, cost £55.00 each and take place once a week. On average clients have 15-20 sessions but I can work longer term. 

I can offer a very good fee discount for training counsellors/therapists/art therapists and can provide longer sessions if wanted.  I don't charge these students for an initial meeting, if this is undertaken on-line.

I can further offer a time-limited fee discount for those on benefits or a low income and a fee discount for NHS medical workers who have been affected by working on the front-line during the pandemic. 

Testimonials

"Clare made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I started art therapy with her during the lock-down at a time when I felt confused and anxious. She made me feel at ease and I looked forward to our sessions each week. Our sessions really helped me to explore the feelings that were overwhelming me at the time. She really helped me to address the things that I couldn’t on my own. She was able to create an environment where I felt safe to explore some of the thoughts I was trying to avoid. She helped me to make sense of things again and I am grateful for our sessions as they have had a lasting impact" (Art Therapy student - long-term therapy work).

"My son was going through a really difficult and challenging time and I didn't know how to help him. Clare enabled him to work through things and he is now much more confident about himself and getting more out of life. She provided guidance and insight for me as a parent too and my relationship with my son has grown into something joyful. I am so grateful that we chose art therapy with Clare, it has made such a difference" (Parent of a 14 year old - 16 weeks of therapy).