Art Therapy Ireland

All forms of psychological suffering are addressed. These include: Anxiety, panic-disorders, depression, chronic pain, bi-polar disorder bereavement, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder, stress, addiction, sexuality and paranoid schizophrenia. Treatment provides the time and space to speak about oneself beyond a diagnosis and to speak about what matters most in a non-judgemental and safe environment. Low rates are available for students, those who are in financial difficulty and in other certain circumstances. Therefore there are no fixed rates. All rates are negotiated in the first consultation.

Using art materials in therapy is a safe and creative way to express oneself. Through artistic mediums and individual can access unconscious patterns sometimes more readily than through speech alone. No artistic skill is required - everyone is innately creative.

Psychoanalysis is a praxis which is based on the acceptance of the unconscious mind and an exploration of its manifestation in our daily lives. Together the analyst and the analysand explore how unconscious wishes and desires impact on our choices and decisions in life. Accepting the reality of the unconscious mind awakens our awareness that unconscious desire is the ultimate driving force in our lives.

Art Psychotherapy or Art Therapy (the titles are interchangeable) is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication and it is practiced by qualified, registered Art Therapists and Art Psychotherapists. Art Therapy uses various therapeutic techniques to promote the healing process of people with all types of physical and mental health problems and disabilities as well as personal growth and self esteem. Art Psychotherapy may be provided for groups, or for individuals, depending on the clients needs. Clients do not require previous experience or skill in art. The Art Psychotherapist is not concerned with making a judgement or diagnostic assessment of the clients image. The overall aim of its practitioners is to enable a client to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment. Art Therapy differs from other psychological therapies in that it is a three way process between the client,the therapist and the image. Thus it offers a different opportunity for expression and communication and can be particularly helpful for people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.

One-day session - 3 to 6 hours @ €100 per hour

Art Therapy makes use of various art materials such as paint, clay and collage to facilitate the expression and exploration of emotional issues. Through creating art and reflecting on the artwork with the support of a professional Art Therapist, people can work through emotional difficulties, which the individual may otherwise find difficult to understand or put into words. The overall aim of Art Therapy is to enable an individual to effect change and growth on a personal level in a safe and confidential environment. Together with the client, the Art Therapist explores and reflects on the artwork and the process of creating it. The Art Therapist does not interpret the artwork, only the creator knows what the artwork means. This empowers the individual to disclose only what feels safe for them. Art Therapy offers an alternative to other forms of psychotherapy for people who may not know what the problem is, or may find it difficult to know where to start. This may be the case for adults who have experienced problems such as bereavement or childhood abuse, or for children who are unable to understand their problems or put them into words. Art Therapy is suitable for individuals with conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome and A.D.H.D. and is helpful for people of any age who find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. Art therapy is not about learning art skills or producing great works of art. No artistic ability or previous experience is required in order to benefit from the therapy, and all materials are provided by the therapist. For more information about art therapy or to arrange a consultation, please telephone Lorraine Shanahan, Art therapist at the Lismore Clinic.

Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to better understand ourselves and how we live.  It can be the difference between surviving and thriving. Integrative psychotherapy does not try to fit the client into one type of therapy as it utilises many different therapies and can tailor-fit the therapy to the individual needs of each person.

Exploring the interactions between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours is a well researched approach to therapy.Using CBT techniques to identify difficulties and make changes in our lives is very effective.  Contact me for further information.