Question 1

How is confidentiality maintained in art therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, confidentiality is strictly maintained during all art therapy sessions. Chloé follows the guidelines set by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). Your privacy and trust are paramount. Chloé is also registered with the ICO and adheres to all their guidelines.

Question 2

What can I expect during an art therapy session?

Accepted Answer

During an art therapy session, you will have the opportunity to explore and express your feelings through various art materials. The session is conducted in a non-judgmental space, allowing you to create freely. Chloé will guide you through the process, helping you to connect with your emotions and thoughts in a safe environment.

To get a feel of what to expect in a session, please see here

Question 3

Do I need to be good at art to benefit from art therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. There’s no pressure to make anything “beautiful” or “finished.” The focus is on how the process feels, not what it looks like. Some people use colour and shape; others use texture or movement. It’s about connection, not perfection.1

Question 4

What kind of materials will I use?

Accepted Answer

You’ll have access to a range of materials like pastels, paints, clay, pencils, collage, and more. You can choose what feels comfortable or interesting and I’ll be there to support you in exploring them gently.

Question 5

Will I have to talk about difficult things?

Accepted Answer

You only need to talk about difficult topics if and when it feels right. Art therapy offers various ways to express yourself, so even if something feels too big or unclear to discuss, we can explore it together through images, symbols, or metaphors.

Question 6

Is art therapy suitable for my child or teenager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, art therapy is a natural and accessible way for young people to express what they might not yet have words for. It can support emotional regulation, confidence, identity, and help them navigate and process significant life changes.

Question 7

How often are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Most people attend weekly or fortnightly sessions. We’ll discuss what feels manageable and supportive for you.

Question 8

Where do sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are in-person at a calm, private space in Manchester. I don’t currently offer online sessions.

Question 9

How does art therapy affect your brain?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in creative expression during art therapy activates areas of your brain involved in emotional regulation, memory, and sensory processing. This process can help calm your nervous system, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, and integrate emotional experiences with logical thinking, supporting healing on both emotional, cognitive and physical levels.

Question 10

Does art therapy really work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, art therapy is an evidence-based and peer-reviewed form of psychotherapy, backed by research in psychology, trauma studies, and neuroscience.
 It has been shown to be effective in supporting people with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and emotional dysregulation (British Association of Art Therapists; NICE guidelines for PTSD & complex trauma).
 That said, the “success” of therapy often depends on the relationship, the sense of safety, and your own pace and I honour that deeply in how I work.

Question 11

What’s the difference between art therapy and counselling?

Accepted Answer

While both are forms of emotional support, art therapy is a regulated psychological therapy (HCPC registered) that uses both verbal and non-verbal methods  such as image-making  to access and work through difficult experiences.
 Counselling typically relies more on talking.
 Art therapy can reach emotions or memories that are stored in the body or unconscious mind , especially helpful if you find it hard to talk, or if past experiences are felt more than remembered.

Frequently asked questions