Art Therapy With Anna

Creative expression for emotional healing

Having spent seven years working for charitable organizations  as an art therapist and creative counsellor after undertaking a masters in Art Psychotherapy from the Northern Programme in Sheffield. I have worked at Rape Crisis as an art therapist and place2be as a mental health practitioner then  as a counsellor and supervisor whilst running a project at a secondary school. 

I am person centred and trauma informed, I have worked with so many people who have been harmed by patriarchal wounds both women and men too and have a strong interest In empowerment and work with this model in therapy. I work from a feminist perspective and I am interested in the ways that oppression effects us and want to help un break the ties created by society. I work in a way that is being mindful of peoples backgrounds and cultures and how symbols represent different things for different people. I follow the ethical guidelines set out by HCPC and BAAT, and keep up to date with cpd and training.  I am a warm and non judgemental therapist, I offer compassion and reflection in my creative space. I go at your pace and work to what you feel comfortable with, art is a tool for healing and it is not meant to be perfect, just like life - I like to think of it as an expression of a moment in time. I keep your work stored safely and securely and hold onto it until our work has come to an end, it is up to you what you take with you. Materials are provided by me including paint, collage, ink, clay, pens, textiles feathers, glitter and a whole host of mediums to play with.

When I work with clients I like to use metaphors and imagery, I am interested in peoples stories and what brings them to the counselling space, I believe therapy should be accessible for all and that is our philosophy here at Huddersfield Counselling Hub. During my time in various orginisations I have seen the impact of trauma and how it affects peoples executive functioning, I feel strongly with the power of healing arts that this can really benefit and help us all get out of fight or flight and into the moment, art therapy has been proven to lower cortisol (the stress chemical in the brain) maybe get some joy when things are very hard in life if even just a small moment. 

I have helped people with various difficulties in life including trauma, traumatic injury, poverty, abuse, rape, sexual violence, racism, exploitation,  grief, sexism, homophobia and ablism, neurodivergence, chronic illness and pain, stress, anxiety and depression, and LGBTQ.

My passion is to help people to find their voice in a world that we can all feel lost in, and it is an honor to empower people on their mental health journey. I believe we can all transform if we want to, given the right support. To see people get through some of life's hurdles and hardships to then experience joy again is what inspires me to keep helping people on my own journey as a therapist who has had her own struggles with chronic pain, bereavement and trauma. 

  Anna Malcolm- Registered Art Therapist