About me
When talking feels hard, confusing or not quite enough, Art Therapy can offer another way to make sense of what you're going through.
Many adults, young people, and children come to see me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to explain what they're feeling. You might know something isn't right, but struggle to put it into words - or find that talking alone doesn't fully capture it.
Art Therapy combines creative work with conversation. You don't need to be artistic. The art-making simply provides another way for us to explore thoughts and feelings that can feel too tangled, intense, or unclear to talk about directly. Sessions can involve talking, creating, or a mix of both, depending on what feels right for you.
I work with children, young people, and adults who may be:
- Feeling anxious, low, stressed, or emotionally overwhelmed.
- Struggling with big feelings, changes, or uncertainty.
- Finding that emotions show up through behaviour, withdrawal, or shutdown.
- Coping with past experiences that still affect day-to-day life.
- Feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward.
I work in a calm and supportive way, informed by an understanding of trauma and its impact. I aim to offer a space where you can move at your own pace, feel heard, and start to make sense of what has been building up for you, without pressure to have all the answers from the start.
I offer Art Therapy in person in South Queensferry (near Edinburgh) and online, working with children, young people, and adults.
If you're wondering whether Art Therapy might be helpful, you're very welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation to see if we might be a good fit. For more information, you can also visit my FAQ page: https://www.jenni-johnston.co.uk/faq
This short video from the British Association of Art Therapists, also gives a great overview of what to expect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCMcsA5Ic8c
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience working across the NHS, education, the third sector, and forensic services.
My professional background includes working in:
- Acute, community, and rehabilitative psychiatry
- Child and adolescent mental health settings
- Schools and specialist education settings
- Forensic and prison services
- Drug and alcohol recovery services
- Family and systemic therapy contexts
I have extensive experience supporting adults, children, and families with:
- Complex mental health needs
- Trauma, emotional distress, and dissociation
- Social, emotional, and behavioural needs in school settings
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Substance misuse and relapse prevention
I currently work as Team Lead for NHS Lothian’s Arts Psychotherapies inpatient service and run a private practice offering therapy, supervision, and reflective practice.
My work is grounded in:
- Psychodynamic theory — understanding how past experiences shape current patterns
- Mentalisation-Based Treatment (MBT) — strengthening emotional understanding and relational awareness
Qualifications:
MSc Art Psychotherapy (2007)
BA (Hons) Illustration (2004)
HCPC Registered
BAAT Full Member
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 - £110.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Individual Therapy (50 minutes)
£65-£75/session
Individuals (Children, Young People, and Adults)
Online or in-person at Forth Physio: £75
Students/Concessionary:
Online or in-person at Forth Physio: £65
Clinical Supervision/Reflective Practice (1 hour)
£90-£110
Individual professionals:
Online or in-person at Forth Physio: £90
Employer-funded (NHS, third sector, private):
Online or in-person at Forth Physio: £100-£110
Longer sessions (e.g. 90 minutes) are available by agreement.
When I work
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Further information
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to have questions. You’re welcome to get in touch with any questions, including about availability, how sessions work, or what to expect.
