FAQs

If you don’t see an answer to your question just get in touch :)

Reasons to do art therapy:

• supports mental health

• relieves anxiety + stress

• uplifts mood

• become more self-aware

• process difficult emotions

• improves self-esteem and confidence

WHAT IS ART THERAPY?

Art therapy or Art Psychotherapy involves using art and discussion  in a safe environment with an Art Therapist. Building a therapeutic relationship within a safe and trusting environment can offer positive experiences of relating to others. When feelings are confusing or overwhelming and words can seem inadequate, this approach can help you think about, make sense of, and communicate what is on your mind.

The art making can be used as a means of non-verbal communication to help you to express your thoughts and feelings and it can provide another way of communicating when it is hard to talk. The importance lies in the process of art making, not in your ability to produce technically competent work. You don’t have to be ‘good’ at art or have any previous experience to receive Art Therapy. It is not about creating a masterpiece or judging the images you make. Instead, art therapy is an invitation to express yourself creatively. I will encourage you to use art materials and support you to explore your feelings and identify what meanings the art may hold for you.  

You will make art and talk (which may be done at the same time) or you can make art in silence if that’s your preference.  When making art, a wide range of art materials are available for you to experiment with and use e.g., paint, pastel or clay, or you might make a collage. You can take part at your own pace. Engaging with creative materials can also be fun and enjoyable. All sessions are private and confidential.

HOW CAN ART THERAPY HELP?

Art therapy can help you recognise and understand feelings that can seem too difficult to put into words.

Through the support and in partnership with the Art Therapist, you can gain a better understanding about yourself, this can enable you to recognise your strengths and weaknesses. 

Art Therapy also provides an outlet for creativity and social interaction.  It can help to stimulate the mind and senses, bringing a healthier sense of wellbeing on both neurological and psychological levels.

WILL THE WORK I DO BE CONFIDENTIAL?
The artwork made in art therapy and any information shared with me in my role as your art therapist will be treated as confidential. There may be times when I need to share information that you have talked to me about, this would only occur if you or another person may be at risk. The work you do in art therapy may also be shared with my clinical supervisor.
Some details of your therapy may be recorded either on paper or on computer systems; this information is strictly governed by the Data Protection Act and only accessible by myself. If you would like more information about this then please do not hesitate to ask me.

CAN I PRACTICE ART THERAPY AT HOME WITHOUT A THERAPIST?

You can use art therapeutically for yourself, but the principles of art therapy are specifically about the therapeutic relationship and working with an art therapist. Art therapy is about using creativity and art-making to help people understand themselves, find a voice, and communicate things for which there are no words.  

HOW IS ART THERAPY REGULATED?

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.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? 

I am based in Glasgow, I work from my studio, across Glasgow, Lanarkshire and online. 

My therapy space is at Newton Place, close to Charing Cross. The studio is conveniently located close to the city centre.  Rail, underground railway and major bus routes are close by. (6 mins walk from Charing Cross train station, 12 mins walk from St. George's Cross train station and 12 mins walk from Anderston). Access is via two flights of stairs.  

DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES?

Sessions can be weekly or fortnightly, lasting for 50 minutes and cost between £40 to £65 in person or online.

I am acutely aware of the challenges people are facing due to the current cost of living crisis. As a result, please don't be put off if you think you might not be able to afford sessions, get in contact as there are alternative payments based on income.  I am committed to ensuring that my services remain accessible to those who may be facing financial difficulties. Please contact me to discuss.  

If the full fee is not currently affordable for you, please let me know when you make your initial enquiry so we can discuss this prior to our first meeting. I keep a number of appointments for clients who require a concessionary rate, but these may not always be available. 

HOW LONG DOES EACH ART THERAPY SESSION TAKE?

Each art therapy session lasts 50 minutes.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Everyone is different, but I would normally suggest four to six 50 minute sessions to start with depending on your individual needs. Working together we would agree regular review sessions which will give us the opportunity to look at the progress of our work together and ensure that you are seen for the right amount of time for you.   

IS THERE CONTACT BETWEEN SESSIONS?

I cannot guarantee to be available if you need to speak to me urgently between sessions. If you need a reply before our next scheduled session, please state this clearly in your message. Please note that outside of my normal working hours I might not check my emails or phone.  If you are in crisis there are organisations that can provide assistance: 

• Call 999 for emergency support

• Contact your GP or 111

• Reach out to listening services, staffed 24/7 by trained volunteers. 

• Childline (call 0800 1111)

• SHOUT text service (text SHOUT to 85258)

• Samaritans phone service (call 116 123)

• Samaritans email service (jo@samaritans.org)

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANCEL OR MISS A SESSION?

I understand that life can get in the way sometimes and emergencies happen which may mean you need to miss or cancel sessions. I ask that you allow 3 working days' notice of any cancellations. Missed sessions or cancellations made with less notice would need to be charged at the full rate of the session. If an emergency, illness, or personal reason arises within the 3 working days please contact me to discuss the fee and if possible I will try to find an alternative day and time for you that week, however this cannot be guaranteed.

HOW DOES THERAPY END?

You are free to end therapy at any time as there is no fixed time for psychotherapy.  I would recommend that we have 4 sessions at the end to work through an ending process as endings in therapy work best when they are thought through together and will play out differently for each individual.  

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS

To arrange a first phone or zoom consultation free of charge or to ask any queries regarding therapy, feel free to contact me on 07305361362 or hello@kimcouttsarttherapy.co.uk

CAN YOU SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS?

Yes! Please get in touch to discuss the commissioned services that I have designed such as art therapy programs, as well as for training, CPD sessions, experiential days and consultations, please contact me for a quote tailored to your requirements. I look forward to answering any questions you might have. 

HAVE A QUESTION THAT I DIDN’T ANSWER FOR YOU HERE?

Please feel free to email me with any of your questions - I look forward to hearing from you!