I am Clare Boyd and I am a HCPC (Health and Care Professionals Council) and BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) registered Art Psychotherapist with over ten years of clinically supervised experience.  I work with children and young people aged 4-18 years and adults, on a one to one and group basis. I have extensive experience in working as a Schools’ Counsellor in Northern Ireland.   I am also a qualified Clinical Supervisor and can offer Creative Supervision across the age range to therapists working with clients.  I offer these services in the Mid Ulster area.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Art is used as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing.  Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.

Art therapy is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients’ needs. It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.  Art Therapy offers a means of communication through art making and can help self-expression where words are difficult or cannot be used.

Training and Experience

I have extensive training and experience in working with children, young people, adults and trainee Art Therapists.  I use a trauma-informed approach in my work and use the creative process to enable clients to address the impacts of trauma and identify coping mechanisms to help recovery.  I have worked with children in schools, in the community and those who are ‘Looked After’ or in the foster care system.

I have experience in working with the following presenting issues: self worth; bullying; bereavement; family separation; sexual abuse; anxiety and anger.  I have worked with young people with AD/HD, Autism and Learning Difficulties.  I have also worked with adults in the care of the Justice System (PBNI) in Northern Ireland.  I can work with children, young people, adults and facilitate group work.