Person-Centred Art Therapy
The Person-Centred approach is non-directive and non-interpretive, based on the belief that individuals are both responsible for, and capable of, self-determination. This form of counselling and psychotherapy was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950s.

Liesl Silverstone married the tenets of Person-Centred theory and practice with her experience and formal training as an art therapist in London. She pioneered and established Person-Centred Art Therapy. I trained with her in 1989-1991. 

When any of us express ourselves - whether it is in a drawing, a painting, a sculpture, a musical composition or poetry - we are always making visible a part of ourselves.

These expressions of ourselves can help us by revealling meaning that we were unaware existed. 

Only you, the creator of these artistic expressions, can know what they mean. 

So what does the art therapist do? 
My job is to enable you to make sense of your creation - to bridge the gap between what you have created and its unique symbolic meaning.

I do this by acting as a mirror of your creation and of you - I reflect what I see, what I hear and what I sense.

I do not have a chart that tells me what your creation means - I do have the sensitivity and training to cross the bridge with you to further understanding and some resolution. 

What is the difference between talking and art therapy?
Words are useful expressions in themselves and are vital to our daily communication and relationships.

When we use other forms of expression we often by-pass thought and follow our intuition. This can lead to self-discovery and insights.

Images and creative arts are an integral aspect of our lives. Creating images and working with them provide opportunities for self-expression, exploration and discovery. 

You do not need to have any artistic ability to benefit from this form of expression!