Hello
I'm Maddy (She/Her) and I am an HCPC state registered art psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, with over 11 years of experience. I am a child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS) specialist, work in private practice and in schools, and provide 1:1 art therapy for children and teenagers who might be struggling with their emotional or mental wellbeing. I can also work with adults who would like to explore their mental health difficulties through in depth, psychodynamic based art psychotherapy.
Art therapy isn't just about making art.
It is a non-judgmental, confidential space to discuss and express whatever is on your mind.
Helping Children and Young people
I've gained many years of experience training and working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) including within the neurodevelopmental team; Mental Health Support Teams (MHST); schools and charities. I've helped to support children and young people with a range of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, the uncertainty of life changes such as separation and divorce. I've also worked with children and young people with life long conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and Global Developmental Delay, as well as individuals who are neurodiverse.
Helping Adults
There is increasing emphasis on referring adults to 'talking therapies' which is not always accessible or useful for all adults. Art Psychotherapy offers an alternative which can be long or short term. As an adult, perhaps you want a confidential space to think about and explore your identity. This might be helpful if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or you want to explore your cultural background, but don't want 'solutions' per se and would just like someone who understands and supports your self-exploration.
Maybe you need a space to understand your past and how your experiences may be influencing your present; or you need a space to think about current changes or difficulties in your life such as relationship breakdown, loss and bereavement, thinking about your sexuality, feeling burnt out, experiencing anxiety or depression. Art therapy isn't just about making art. It is a non-judgmental, confidential space to discuss and express whatever it is on your mind.
Whatever the difficulty that you want to explore with me, I ensure we discuss what is important to you, considering your family's or your own unique experience and background.
My Story
I've been an Art Psychotherapist since 2012 when I completed a Masters in Art Therapy from the University of Hertfordshire with a Distinction. Since then, I have worked in various settings with both adults and children within the NHS, Schools and charities. In the last 9 years, most of my work has been to support children and their families in partnership with schools, through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or the Mental Health Support Teams (MHST).
In the early days of my working life, I became a graphic designer. However, I realised that I wanted to help people and initially thought about changing my career to teaching or counselling. I took time to explore this and on this journey, I gained experience working with people with disabilities and Epilepsy; volunteered in the Middle East; and even lived in Japan teaching English to children and adults. However, I have always returned to my love of art and the experience of discovering something about myself through it.
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I realised that I had used art and the freedom of creativity, as the main way of exploring my feelings when I didn't understand them. It had particularly helped me get through difficult times and express things that I hadn't realised I was feeling. But when I first experienced Art Therapy as a client, it was then that I truly understood just what a difference it made to have a therapist be there with you, to bring it all together and help make my confusion into something more tangible. Art Therapy helped me through pain and difficulties, and I realised that this was how I wanted to help people too.
When I eventually qualified, I led therapy groups with adults who suffered from mental health difficulties, addiction and homelessness. Later, I specialised in working with children and young people in CAMHS and schools. Additionally, I completed the CYP IAPT Supervision PG Certificate as part of my role with the West London Mental Health Support Team (WL MHST), and have managed and supervised various mental health practitioners who provide therapeutic interventions in schools.
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Over the years, I have been fortunate to learn from fellow professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists; refining my practice to incorporate psychoeducation, as well as emphasising the mind/body connection.
Ultimately, evidence and research continue to inform my practice. However, I place great emphasis on understanding each individual client's history, culture, identity, and family circumstances so that we can work together to understand each person or child's needs. Everyone has a story to tell, and I am ready to listen.
Where to Find Us
LONDON
