Vanessa Birley
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MA
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
About me
Art psychotherapy may help to help deal with complex and confusing emotional experiences. There may be things felt to be unable to put into words and easier to express through imagery. There are a variety of reasons for this, but art-making can become a powerful mode of communication.
One of the goals of art psychotherapy is to encourage the creative process to help explore self-expression and from this, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop coping skills. No special artistic skill, talent or ability is required, or in fact any previous experience with art. Art psychotherapy can be beneficial for children, adolescents and adults.
I implement effective art psychotherapy methods to enable clients to seek their own self-understanding and encourage clients them to think about experiences of their inner and outer worlds. I provide a compassionate, open and searching space to find meaning. Sessions may involve art making as well as talking.
Call me to set up a free initial phone call to discuss your requirements.
“One shoe can change your life...” - Brothers Grimm, 'Cinderella'.
Training, qualifications & experience
I trained at Goldsmiths, University of London where I gained my MA in art psychotherapy. I have since been working as an Art Psychotherapist for 13 years, and have experience working with adults and children in educational, psychiatric and third sector settings.
Art psychotherapy has its roots in a visual arts practice, and so combines this with a primarily psychoanalytic, psychodynamic model. I also have a counselling skills certificate from WPF, London and many years working with people in a helping capacity.
Former clients words:
“This is the first time I’ve experienced art therapy, and I’ve found it relaxing and a welcome break. I leave the sessions feeling more peaceful and in a better frame of mind.”
“At the moment I would say it's been very helpful for stress relief, and also to feel connected during this strange situation, so reducing feelings of loneliness.”
“It was very helpful to have this safe, inviting space to unwind during the week - to go and not be judged, but heard."
Member organisations
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.
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
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
Photos & videos
Fees
From £70.00 to £85.00
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
Individual art psychotherapy sessions £70-£85 (dependent on income).
Sessions rates are subject to an initial consultation.
I offer a few low fee spaces - please enquire to see if I have availability.
When I work
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Further information
I am registered with BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) and follow their ethical guidelines. I am registered with HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) who monitor and regulate the caring professions such as art psychotherapy. I am also a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy).
