Ellen Bowler-McCartney

 Art Therapy for Chronic Illness 

Nobody chooses to be ill. But when life feels smaller or like a constant uphill struggle because of chronic illness, you do deserve support.

Isn't art just for kids?
No way! Creativity isn't just for the kids.  Us adults need it now more than ever! We can gain so much from making art and putting ourselves in a creative and playful mindset, especially when we are facing challenges. 

I know it might seem strange to make art around serious topics such as illness  but it actually helps. It helps in ways that talking just can't access. 

I promise the art is not the hard bit. Trying to struggle through without support is so much harder. 

So Ellen, how can Art Therapy help?

• If you feel unseen or burdened by chronic illness, art therapy can help you to feel supported and understood.
• The act of creating something new and unique can help you to practice  re-imagining your life from here. 
• you could use your art to create some new goals that work with your health circumstances in mind.

It's entirely up to you.

Freedom is one of the reasons I enjoy this work so much.  I provide support that is spontaneous and follows your lead. 

I don't have a script and I won't pretend to be an expert in you or your health condition.

I'm an expert in Art therapy which means I will be open, attentive and curious. I will offer my insights and creative skills to help you get the most from our sessions together.

Still need convincing? Ok here are even more ways art therapy can help

• You could recreate old stories or memories, look at them and alter them. How liberating!
• You could destroy your art and start anew. Great! Art is a safe way to exercise that power.
• You could use your art to experiment or make a mess. Life isn't tidy so draw it like it is.
• You could use the art to relax and think about your energy levels that day.
• We could explore what comes up for you when you make something imperfect or unpleasing.

I have more ideas and tips in my blog so do have a nosey at your leisure.

It isn't all art and no talking

Some days you may just want to talk and that's ok. Poor health can zap the creative spark right out of us. On days like this we can still use the sessions to;

• think about the stress of having to manage your health on top of everything else.
• Explore how hard it is to set boundaries with ourselves and others especially when they don't fully understand.
• reflect upon how difficult it can be to adjust to treatments but no cure.
•  we could explore any worries you have about the future.

I could go on endlessly but you catch the drift.

So finally why choose to work with me?

As your art therapist, I won’t shy away from the real challenges that come with chronic illness.

I know how frustrating it is to feel changed by poor health—how unfair and isolating it can seem at times. Illness and anxiety can chip away at our self-image and confidence. 

As someone with a chronic illness myself, I understand the limits it can place on your life.

But

I also know that within those limits, there is still room for creativity, growth, and self-discovery.

Thank goodness for art.

It has given me something concrete to hold onto during the hardest times. It can do that for you too.

If this sounds like something you need in your life right now then please do reach out. I know your art can help you...if you let it.

• Chronic illness
• Chronic Pain
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Life Transitions
• Relationship Issues
• Sleep difficulties or Insomnia
• Stress

Our first 15 mins chat is free.
The Assessment appointment
and each therapy session are 50 minutes long and cost £55 each
I use bank transfer and PayPal.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact me as soon as possible preferably at least 24 hours prior to session.

Do let me know if there are holidays or events that prevent attendance and these can be accommodated. 1 week’s notice is requested.

Life gets busy sometimes but repeated late cancellations may result in your case being closed.

I reserve the right to charge a full fee for missed or late cancellation appointments.   

I can be relatively flexible regarding times depending on your situation. Let's just talk and see what suits.

Top Specialities: Chronic Illness and anxiety
In 14 years of practice I have earned some useful skills to help with most issues you might be facing. Whether it is anxiety, feeling stuck, relationship or work problems we will untangle your worries, recognise patterns or triggers and use the art to imagine different stories for you. Visit my website or Art therapy with Ellen on Facebook for more info.