A common question I get asked when I facilitate therapy in schools is “what is the difference between art therapy and and an art lesson?”

Art Therapy is facilitated by a highly trained mental health progressional ; it is a form of psychotherapy. They are registered with the Health and Care professionals council.
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Art therapy is not used as a diagnostic tool but a form of self expression and communication. It can be 1:1 or In groups depending on the needs of the people involved.

Art therapy can be for anyone and clients come with a range of mental health difficulties and diagnosis.

There is no pressure to be ‘good at art’ , it is not a lesson!
The art is used as the aid and or tool of communication within the therapy room to help when things are difficult to talk about or explain in words.

For more information on art therapy for yourself, your child or as a provision for your school please do not hesitate to contact me;
cektherapy@gmail.com
07730569162
www.ckpsychotherapy.co.uk
#arttherapy #artpsychotherapy #mentalhealth #HCPC #therapy #therapist #awareness #mentalhealthawareness #support #arttherapyvsartlessons

Brilliant information : Shared images from @theblurtfoundation
Crisis support :
If you feel like your life is at risk call 999 or go straight to A&E if it is safe to do so or call your local crisis number.
Samaritans phone 116 123
Papyrus phone 08000684141
Further help and support websites:
- https://www.blurtitout.org
- https://www.papyrus-uk.org
If you’d like to talk to me more about suicide prevention and professional help email : cektherapy@gmail.com
#suicideprevention #youngminds #papyrus #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport

Brilliant Breathing exercises!
Take a look at these breathing exercise cards...
Perfect for grounding techniques for adults and children.
From Balloon to bubble to bumble bee breaths whichever works best for you
#selfcare #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthtips #breathwork #breathingexercises #therapy #bumblebeebreaths

One of the most empowering things I learned whilst training to be a therapist was the power of shame and vulnerability!
The way we use words and language towards ourselves and others can drastically impact upon our thoughts , feelings and emotions.
Shame is “I am bad”
Guilt is “I did a bad thing”
Thinking about these two sentences we can see which feels able to accept , process and repair from ? And which feels stuck, judgemental and self sabotaging?
I was introduced to the concept of shame by the brilliant Brene Brown.
Her TED talks on listening to shame are a great place to start in helping to understand the power of vulnerability , courage and importantly listening to what shame we carry.

​April is PMDD awareness month : sharing and understanding about PMDD can help save lives hear.
I wanted to share these brilliant drawings by @adhd_couple that help raise awareness and encapsulate the difficulties around PMDD.
What is PMDD?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause many emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before you start your period. It is sometimes referred to as 'severe PMS'.
While many people who are able to have periods may experience some mild symptoms of PMS, if you have PMDD these symptoms are much worse and can have a serious impact on your life. Experiencing PMDD can make it difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships. In some cases, it can also lead to suicidal thoughts.
PMDD is often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder or one of several "personality disorders" but it's neither of these, although they can co-exist. Tracking symptoms is the best way to see if there's a pattern. PMDD causes illness and symptoms only SOME of the time and the person experiencing it can feel well for the rest of the month (often only a week out of 4). If you think you may have PMDD, track from now and speak with your GP for advice.

What is PMDD guide : https://www.mind.org.uk/.../premenstrual.../about-pmdd/...
A video on real people talking about PMDD and how it affects them :
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-53559904
For further help and advice you can contact me via email : cektherapy@gmail.com
Or visit some of the great websites :
I am PMDD.org
Www.viciouscyclePMDD.com
www.mind.org.uk

Shared post : 
BAAT - The British Association of Art Therapists
30 March  · 
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK
Art Therapy can offer a way of supporting children with autism spectrum disorders in their self-expression.
This World Autism Awareness Week we would like to share an article by Celine Schweizer et al. which contributes to the evidence base on the topic and explores the typical elements in art therapy with children with autism spectrum disorders that contribute to treatment outcomes.
BAAT & AATA members have full access & article summary is available to all here: https://www.tandfonline.com/.../10.../17454832.2019.1632364

We learn as babies how to self sooth, however many empathetic people struggle and so it’s important to regularly practice such techniques to help prevent feeling overloaded from small and big world stresses.
Important self soothing techniques;
1. Use Conscious breathing.
2. Engage in positive self talk.
3. Develop a witness state - remind yourself you’re bigger than your feeling.
4.remind yourself you are not responsible for the karma of others.
5. Visualise positive places or feeling.
6. Place your hand on your chest like a mother would a baby.
7.practice self compassion.
For more tips and information on empathy and self soothing techniques this article on psychology today is brilliant : https://www.google.co.uk/.../self-soothing-strategies-8...
With thanks to @crazyheadcomics for the additional self soothing ideas imagery.
#selfsooth #selfcare #mentalhealth #ideas #care #therapeutic #emotionalregulation #empaths #empathy #selfcompassion #therapy #therapist