Gemma Camlin
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About me
There are times when life feels incredibly challenging, and all the ways that used to help you cope no longer seem to work. You may feel anxious or overwhelmed. Or you may feel alone with difficult thoughts and feelings. Perhaps you feel disconnected from yourself and from your loved ones. You may be a parent, or there is someone in your life who is struggling, and you want to find some help that will support them. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to go through it alone.
I support adults, young people and children in a space where they can feel heard, accepted, and understood. This is important for all of us, especially when we are going through difficult and confusing times. A safe space can help us begin to make sense of these experiences and start to see and treat ourselves with compassion and care. My approach is warm, thoughtful and collaborative, rooted in the relationship that we build together. Together, we work at your pace, giving you the time and space to explore what’s happening for you without the pressure of having it all figured out. We can use both talking and creative exploration to support the therapeutic process. There is no expectation to be creative; we can find a way of working together that feels right for you.
Alongside my private practice, I have worked therapeutically in charities in London, in the NHS, and I have set up the Arts Therapy provision at Maggie’s, an oncology charity, at the Royal Marsden. Prior to working as a psychotherapist, I worked as a primary school teacher in London for many years and, alongside my therapy practice, I continue to support families and young people through educational transitions.
Having experienced my own difficult periods, I understand how unsettling these times can feel. I also know, with the right support, how these times in our lives can open up possibilities for new ways of being, ways that perhaps right now don’t feel possible or even imaginable. Asking for help can feel vulnerable, so whether you are asking for help for yourself or a loved one, we can begin with where you are.
Colleague Endorsement
"I find Gemma to be an insightful, joyful and deeply thoughtful therapist. I don't hesitate to recommend clients to her, as I know the level of psychotherapy will be outstanding."
Lorena Villa, Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, HCPC.
Areas I work with
I work with adults experiencing:
- Life changes and loss. These may include: bereavement, relationship breakdown, parenthood and going through the menopause or hormonal difficulties.
- Questions around identity, including sexuality, gender or neurodivergence (ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodivergence, including AuDHD).
- Feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, low self-esteem or feeling disconnected from yourself
- Experiences that can feel difficult to put into words
- A sense that traditional talking therapy doesn't quite fit
Working with children, young people and families
Art psychotherapy can be a gentle and effective way to support children and young people who are struggling, particularly when difficult experiences are affecting their mood, behaviour, relationships, or sense of safety.
These experiences might include parental separation, bereavement, trauma, bullying, or changes within the family, such as the arrival of a new sibling. Sessions are tailored to each child's or young person's individual needs and pace, supporting emotional expression, co-regulation, resilience, and a renewed sense of agency.
Training, qualifications & experience
- MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy, IATE, University of East London
- Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling using the Arts – IATE, University of East London
- Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Arts -IATE, University of East London
- Advanced Diploma in the Therapeutic & Educational Application of the Arts, IATE
- Certificate in Child and Adolescent Counselling Skills, IATE
I am an accredited member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), one of the professional bodies that regulates mental health professionals in the UK. I am also a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). I work in line with the professional and ethical standards set by the HCPC and BAAT.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Fees
£50.00 - £100.00
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Sessions take place in a comfortable, quiet and bright specialist art therapy studio overlooking the London skyline. After an initial conversation by phone or video call, we can meet for a first session. This session lasts 50 minutes and allows you to ask questions, talk about any difficult feelings you may be experiencing, and explore why you have come to psychotherapy at this point. You are free to discuss anything which may help you decide whether you would like to go ahead with the therapy.
If you decide to continue with therapy, we will discuss some practicalities, and I will share a basic contract with you. Together, we will agree on a time that works and whether the sessions will be online or in-person. We can also discuss whether you would like the work to be more long-term and open-ended or short-term with a specific focus.
Sessions are normally weekly and last 50 minutes. They are charged between £50 and £100 per session depending on your financial situation. I believe everyone should have access to mental health support when they need it, so please do get in touch to discuss what may work for you.
When I work
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