I am a British Art Psychotherapist based in Singapore. I completed my Masters in Fine Arts from The Slade School of Fine Art, where I was the recipient of the Euan Uglow Memorial Scholarship. I received the LASALLE Scholarship for MA Studies for my Masters in Art Psychotherapy at LASALLE College of the Arts and validating institutional partner, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK. Additional training includes BAAT CPD, EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy and Art Psychotherapy CPD course) and Tavistock Relationships Certificate in Psychosexual studies.
I work in a trauma-informed psychodynamic, relational and client-centred approach. I specialise in working with adults, adolescents and children with a range of different profiles. This includes but is not limited to; learning differences and disabilities ranging from Autism to ADHD, physical disabilities, trauma and PTSD, attachment disruptions, anxiety, stress, depression, social and relational issues, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
I run individual art psychotherapy sessions at my consulting room in central Singapore. I have also facilitated various community and arts based projects in Singapore, working alongside organisations such as Very Special Arts.
I hold a professional membership and am a registered Art Psychotherapist with the Australian, New Zealand & Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA), the Art Therapist's Association Singapore (ATAS), the Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Singapore (APACS) and an Affiliate Member of Singapore Psychological Society (SPS Membership number AF022001B) and The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilises art media and creative outlets as its primary mode of expression and communication, and is suitable for children, young people and adults.
Art therapy is provided individually or in groups, depending on a client's needs. It is not an art lesson, and the art created within the sessions is not used as diagnostic tool, but rather as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing or distressing for a client. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.
Art Therapy encompasses psychoanalysis, attachment-based psychotherapy, psycho-education, mindfulness and mentalization-based treatments. Within my thesis research, I explored the relationship between neuroscience and art psychotherapy, when working with children with early attachment trauma.
What is art therapy?
Improving self-esteem and self-awareness
Aiding in emotional resilience
Increased insight and social skills
Aid in improving cognitive and sensorimotor functions
Exploring complex emotions (e.g. anxiety or trauma)
Relieving stress
Improve symptoms of anxiety and depression
Aid in awareness of bodily responses to past traumas.
Aid in coping with a physical disability
Aid in coping with a learning disability or difference
This is a free 20 minute consultation, which usually takes place over the phone.
I will discuss what has brought you or your child to seek art therapy, assessment and treatment process, fees and any further questions you may have.
- 60 minute session
- Fill up a short intake form and confidentiality agreement.
- Discuss what brought you or your child to seek art therapy.
- Ask any questions!
With kids or adolescent clients, in the first 10 minutes of this first session I will share more about the art therapy process with both client and parent. After the initial intake the parent can wait in the waiting room for the remainder of the session.
- 50 Minutes
- Weekly
- Individual or Family sessions
- Amount of sessions needed determined on a case by case basis.
- Typically, we will do an initial review after ten sessions.
- All materials are provided.
- Please come in attire that can get "arty", or bring an overall.
- See FAQ for more information.
In sessions various techniques, therapeutic interventions, and art-media will be utilized. All materials will be provided.
These include, but are by no means limited to:
- Painting
- Clay
- Dry media such as colouring pencils and charcoal
- Sand
- Textiles
- Water play and narrative work
- Play and sensorimotor engagement
- Visual journaling with techniques such as blackout poetry
- Process-painting
- Dream work and intuitive image making
The artwork created during each session is an integral part of the therapeutic process. I will keep confidential records of the artwork created and will store it safely throughout the treatment process.
- The ownership of artwork created remains with the client, and is strictly confidential. Art expressions should be kept within the therapeutic relationship and parent's are encouraged not to share images of the artworks created by their children.
- Usually, when treatment ends, all artwork is returned to the client. Artworks can be returned to the client throughout treatment too on a case by case basis.
All treatments are governed by established art psychotherapy principals, boundaries and setting, as stipulated by the Australian, New Zealand & Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA), the Art Therapist's Association Singapore (ATAS), The British Art Therapists Association (BAAT) and The American Art Therapists Association (AATA).
I am a professional member, and registered with ANZACATA (Membership no. 53507848) and ATAS and APACS.
All sessions are strictly confidential. Confidentiality within sessions is strictly goverened by the guildelines as stipulated by the Australian, New Zealand & Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA), the Art Therapist's Association Singapore (ATAS), The British Art Therapists Association (BAAT) and The American Art Therapists Association (AATA).
No! Anyone, with any level of art expertise, can benefit from the art therapy process.
A common misconception is that art therapy requires making images which the art therapist then interprets. This is not the case. The process is organic, and the therapist helps the client to reflect on and identify personal emotional issues, which may be confusing or distressing. The therapist may offer an art directive, or the client may prefer to explore the art media organically.
Sometimes no artwork is created, and the sessions can either be talk-based or a kinaesthetic and sensory exploration of art media, enabling a deeper body mind connection to aid in healing and processing.
Art therapists are well trained, accredited, professional mental health practitioners who have undergone extensive training at Master's level or above and have previous clinical experience. When facilitated by a professional and trained art therapist, art therapy can help support both personal and relational treatment goals. It is particularly effective for people who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, or who have experienced significant trauma.
I strive to provide a safe, held and contained environment, which enables growth and exploration, whilst maintaining ethical boundaries.
No you do not need a referral. You may contact me directly.
Art therapist's often work in collaboration with an extended treatment team, for example a psychiatrist or a Doctor (general practitioner). Art therapists can also refer clients to other medical or mental health practitioners in the event they believe further treatment is necessary.
We do not work with insurance companies. However, we can provide a letter and invoices should you wish to independently claim from your insurer. It is adviseable to get pre-approval from your insurer if needed before starting treatment.
Weekly therapy vacancies are offered at agreed days and times. A weekly therapy session is 50 minutes.
Fees for your chosen vacancy will be discussed and agreed at the initial free twenty minute consultation, after which a confirmation e-mail will be sent along with a copy our terms and conditions.
We accept PayNow, bank transfers or cash.
Session Cancellations
When we offer and you accept a vacancy, this means that the sessions and time(s) are kept for you only and are not made available for anyone else - as such they are chargeable if missed.
You need to inform me at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel, whereupon we will make best efforts to reschedule.
Termination of treatment policy
As vacancies are kept for you only, once you have commenced your vacancy, I require two weeks advance notice if you unilaterally decide to terminate your treatment. The sessions during the notice period are kept for you and will be charged - you may therefore continue to use them.
11 Beach Road #03-01
Crasco Building
CENTENNIAL
Singapore
189675
The clinic is located next door to Raffles Hotel which is easily accessible
by both car and public transport:
-Affordable parking at Bras Basah Carpark.
-The closest MRT stations are Esplanade (Exit F) and City Hall.
-There is a bus station right outside for routes 10, 100, 175, 197, 57, 961.