Calleya Creative Therapy

Natalie Mitchell

Art Psychotherapist

Supporting mental health and connection through creative expression

All images on this site are my own unless otherwise credited, quotes and feedback offered with consent

What is Art Therapy

People have always used art and creativity to express themselves, it is well known that making art can calm both the body and the mind. Because of this, art therapy offers a creative and supportive way to explore and share your thoughts and feelings. With the guidance of a trained therapist, you can reflect on the art you create and begin to make sense of your emotions, experiences, and challenges.When we feel overwhelmed or have experienced trauma, parts of the brain that help us think clearly or find the right words can temporarily shut down. As a result, it can be very hard to explain how we feel. In these moments, making art can feel safer and more natural than talking and offers a connection to your physical self. By expressing yourself creatively, you can start to process difficult emotions, understand them more deeply, and gradually move forward.As you continue creating in a safe and supportive space, the relationship with your therapist becomes an important and collaborative part of the process. Through gentle guidance and thoughtful questions, you are encouraged to explore feelings and issues that may otherwise be too difficult to put into words. Over time, this can help you understand yourself more clearly, build confidence, reduce stress, and develop greater self-acceptance.Ultimately, art therapy helps you take ownership of your emotions by understanding what you are feeling, where you are feeling it, why you might be feeling that way, and how to express those emotions in healthy ways.

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About Me

Hi, I'm NatalieI am an MSc qualified and HCPC registered art psychotherapist, with 12 years as a primary school teacher, specialising in teaching art. I have also worked as a support worker in the community with adults with learning disabilities. I have experience working therapeutically with schools and with adults with learning disabilities.I currently support children and young people, currently offering art therapy to non-profit organisations in Edinburgh, Midlothian and Fife. I support children and young people with their emotions, thoughts and feelings, and to help them find ways to understand their worries, problems and challenges through artmaking and creativity. I also work with families and wider networks and agencies to contribute to supportive and collaborative care for the child or young person.As well as art materials, I enjoy offering other creative ways to explore, like music and sound, song writing, story writing, the natural environment, drama, movement, and play. I have personal interest in how nature can support our wellbeing. I use the Celtic Wheel of the year as a means of informing, inspiring and supporting my own creativity and wellbeing.

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what i can offer

I can offer creative therapeutic support with

- Neurodivergence in children and young people
- relational trauma
- fear, anxiety and panic attacks
- bereavement, loss and change
- learning disabilities
- LGBTQ+, gender, sexuality and identity
- chronic illness or pain
- mood disorders
- eating disorders
- personal growth and development

I am currently working onsite with non-profit organisations. However, I have some availability to offer the following:

- individual and group art therapy, in person or online
- individual and group art therapy in schools
- walk and talk therapy
- environmental art therapy

Please contact me if you would like to connect!

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My Values and Approaches

My training is psychodynamic, person-centred and trauma-informed, and my approach is curious, empathic and nurturing. I aim to offer gentle yet empowering spaces in which to help the people I support navigate emotions, feelings, thoughts, and relationships through creativity. This could include play, movement, sound, and being in nature as well as using art materials.My way of working with you is psychodynamic, holistic and person centred - this means that together we hold in mind the relationships and events in your life whilst being creative in different ways, and you lead the way. My hope is that our relationship is collaborative - if you’re not feeling able to lead the way, I will be alongside you in your art therapy journey.I work on my personal and professional development as an art therapist, holding community and collective in mind throughout. I receive regular clinical supervision, ensuring I am accountable and self-reflexive in my practice. This also ensures I hold a commitment to developing an anti-oppressive practice.Examples of courses attended:

- HCPC:
HCPC standards for art therapists
- Lexxic:
Fuelling Creative Minds;
Neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ - the double rainbow
- The Embody Lab:
Healing Trauma and Restoring Wellness
- BAAT:
The Space we Hold - Motherhood as an art therapist;
Art Therapy with Groups of Children;
Attachment and the Arts Conference;
Art therapy with young people who self-harm and/or express suicidal ideation
- Child Bereavement UK:
Supporting bereaved children

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when looking for an art therapist

- Art Therapists have a post graduate qualification (usually at MA/MSc level) in art therapy and their professional body is the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)- Art Therapy is a state regulated profession and it is a legal requirement to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to practise anywhere in the UK as an Art Therapist or Art Psychotherapist. My registration can be found here https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/- Art Therapists abide by the code of conduct and principles of practice set by BAAT- Art Therapists are required to be in clinical supervision and to maintain their continuing professional development- I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), to ensure I am adhering to data protection policy and privacy- I am registered with Disclosure Scotland

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QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS you might have

is it for me?

Art therapy is a personal choice; some people may feel more at ease than others. It is a good idea to do a bit of research into art therapists and therapy sessions near you to find out more. If you are curious and open to using art materials and creativity in your wellbeing, then it may be of benefit to you.

I’m nervous about starting, I don’t know what to expect!

That’s ok! Understandable! Our journey will begin with a conversation where I will learn more about you and understand why you are interested in art therapy, and what you are hoping for. I can offer you more information about art therapy and we can talk about how it could support you. We can also talk through any questions you may have.

what happens in art therapy

An art therapy session will be a calm, safe space to explore experiences, thoughts and ideas. It isn’t about making art for the wall, but rather use the time to explore emotion through your creative expression – the process is often the key.I would ask questions or offer thoughts on your art or what is happening in the room with you, me, or us. Perhaps, what was going through your mind as you created the image, or what were you feeling when you worked on it. The process is often the insight into your thoughts and emotions. You may notice a change in your mood from starting the piece of art to finishing it. You may feel sensations in your body as you are creating. These are all important and welcome.

Do I need to be artistic or good at art to have art therapy?

What does being artistic or being good at art mean to you?
Having artistic skill is not important at all. This is not an art class so you will not need to have or develop artistic skills. The artmaking is there as a means to explore difficult emotions, thoughts or experiences that can be hard to put into words. However, I can support you with the art materials if you need. As long as you are curious and open to experimenting with different materials, you don’t need to have any previous art experience.

Is art psychotherapy just for children?

It's easy to think this as there is a sense of play and exporation in being creative. But maybe returning to playful and expressive ways of being are what you are looking for. Art psychotherapy is for everyone. Age (including infants and parents), gender, sexuality, culture, illness or disability have no bearing on whether or not you can access the therapy.

Will the sessions be in a group or individual?

This depends on your needs. Art psychotherapy can be conducted in groups or in one-to-one sessions based on your preference. Group art therapy offers more collective support, whereas individual sessions allow a more personally focussed environment.

Will I be expected to talk during my art therapy sessions?

Not necessarily. Art therapy focuses on the means to create something and is not dependent on talking. In the creative process you may begin to find a particular way of using the art materials that appeals to you, or you may have found a way to communicate through colour, shape, sound or movement, or even your senses, rather than through words. There will be some discussion as well, but not in the same way as talk therapy which relies on finding and using the right words. Sometimes we may struggle to find the right words to explain what happened, or how something felt, or what impact it has had on us. Art can be the bridge to help us communicate these difficult thoughts. However, there is no expectation to make art in each session and talking may be what you need at that time. I can support you in this, and each session might be different to the next.

How private is this?

What you share in our sessions is private. I will not share your information, your images or what you tell me, with anyone unless you agree. However, there are exceptions:
- I receive clinical supervision to support me as an art therapist and may share aspects of our work together so I am able to support you better.
- If I believe you are at risk of harm, or someone else may be harmed, I must report this to the appropriate organisation. I will discuss this with you first whenever possible.
- If the law requires me to disclose certain information, I must do so.

Are you analysing me and my art?

An art therapist is someone who understands the art process and has a psychotherapeutic training too. A common idea is that they analyse pictures, and the person. My role is to be alongside you, to collaborate with you, support or guide you to find your own meaning in your images. This is your story and experience.

Is my therapist qualified?

Take your time in researching and finding your art therapist. Art psychotherapists hold a Master’s degree in art psychotherapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They will also be registered with and regulated by the HCPC. Ask your therapist if you need more information about their qualifications, they should be more than happy to talk this through with you.In the UK, the title art therapist and art psychotherapist are protected by law. All UK art therapists must be state registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All registered art therapists can be found on the HCPC’s register.

How do I book with you?

At the moment I offer services through the charities I work with. If your organisation is interested in a taster session for the people you work with, then please get in touch. I have some availability for online sessions, walk and talk, and sessions in the natural environment. Please get in touch via the contact page, email or instagram.

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my creative space

I use art making to inform my thought processes in my work but being creative in my own time and sapce is important to me. Knitting and crochet is my go-to, something about using both hands, and creating something from a ball of yarn. My other art materials will vary, depending on what mood I'm in and what I need in that moment. I hope to share things I might be working on here, come back soon!

my shop

Please send me a message here or instagram if you are interested in any of the items.

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GET IN TOUCH

Or contact me via social media or email

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