What is HICAT and what do the words mean?

Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy

• Holistic emphasises the interconnectedness of the individual's mind, body, and spirit, considering the whole person and addressing their well-being on physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual levels.

• Integrated: Means combining meditation, physiology well-being, spirituality and brain health awareness with crafts, drawing, music, dance, or writing, this approach provides a holistic well-being strategy. It's more than expressing emotions; it's about feeling at ease physically, thinking clearly, and connecting socially. This approach nurtures personal growth through a guided journey of discovery using various creative activities.

• Creative Arts therapy utilises the different modalities such as visual arts, music, dance, or writing for self-expression and exploration, providing a non-verbal avenue to delve into emotions, access the unconscious, and communicate symbolically. It offers a cathartic release, allowing individuals to alleviate built-up tension, stress, or suppressed feelings.
  

What are the benefits of seeing you?

• You'll gain grounded and practical insights through art, craft, play, and mindful meditation/breathing techniques

• You experience a supportive space to explore and discuss challenging emotions.

• Your imaginative and creative expression is encouraged, fostering self-discovery.

• You develop skills to effectively manage emotions and enhance resilience.

• Guidance is provided to improve your focus and organizational abilities.

• You discover ways to boost your self-confidence and enhance communication skills.

• Relaxation techniques are offered for stress and anxiety relief.

• Together, we identify and overcome barriers to emotional expression and personal growth.

• You gain positive insights into self-awareness, relationships, and various life situations.

How long do the sessions go for?

• Individual sessions usually run for 50 - 60 minutes. Your booking will always show you the length of time for your session.

How often will I see you?

This depends on what you need or require. After our initial consultation I will have a clearer picture of what you would like to do. All said and done you are in control of this process and it is up to you how much or little you would like to do.

Do I need any art skills and what art materials will I need?

Absolutely no art skills are needed to begin your creative journey with me! It's a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of artistic background. You don't need to worry about your skill level—just an open mind and a willingness to explore.

As for materials, simplicity is key. Basic materials like a pen, paper, crayons, watercolour paint, or felt pens are all you need—no need for anything fancy. However, please don't feel pressured to invest in an elaborate art kit. You really don't need much to get started!

Each session will come with information in advance, so you'll have time to gather what you need. Remember, there's no need for expensive art supplies; we're here to focus on the joy of expression, not the cost of materials.

Will you be teaching me how to do art, draw and paint?

HICAT Art therapy sessions are not like an general art class. There is so much more to discover such as meditation, breathing and relaxation techniques to name a few.

I'm not here to teach you how to make art or draw. While you might discover new creative things along the way, the main goal is to creatively learn more about yourself during our sessions.

By embracing these practices, you'll continue to discover your inner creative essence, joyfully engaging in activities such as crafting, drawing, painting, journaling, and more. This journey allows you to deepen your connection with your creative self and explore the limitless possibilities of self-expression.