One to one and group art therapy
in person and online
I welcome work with all ages and genders at my home studio, and in the Skibbereen community and family resource centre.
I am also available for visits to schools and healthcare settings.
My approach is somatic, trauma-informed, accessible and inclusive.
I work with the person and symptoms that present to me, and what is needed in that moment, rather than taking a prescriptive or standardised approach.
I offer space for safety, understanding, reflection and transformation and can work with a wide range of conditions (physical, mental and emotional).
My broad professional background informs my art therapy practice, so that yoga, movement or reflective writing can be incorporated into sessions for those who wish to explore a multidisciplinary approach.
My home practice is held within a quiet, private room surrounded by nature.
I am also available for visits to schools and healthcare settings.
My approach is somatic, trauma-informed, accessible and inclusive.
I work with the person and symptoms that present to me, and what is needed in that moment, rather than taking a prescriptive or standardised approach.
I offer space for safety, understanding, reflection and transformation and can work with a wide range of conditions (physical, mental and emotional).
My broad professional background informs my art therapy practice, so that yoga, movement or reflective writing can be incorporated into sessions for those who wish to explore a multidisciplinary approach.
My home practice is held within a quiet, private room surrounded by nature.
What is art therapy?
From IACAT website: Art therapy is an allied mental health profession. IACAT-accredited art therapists use art media and creative interventions to encourage self-expression and reflection within a therapeutic relationship. The aim is to improve mental health and maintain emotional well-being.
What happens in a session?
The client makes art using a wide range of 2-D or 3-D materials, such as paint, pencils, clay, charcoal, paper, fabric, wool and natural materials. I also use a technique called "sand tray".
The work can be directed (a theme or art-making task is suggested by the therapist) or non-directed (the client chooses the task and theme), or a combination of both.
The therapist empowers the client to discover their own themes, interests, what materials they prefer.
Sometimes there is a lot of conversation, other times a lot of silence as the art-making takes priority.
Themes can arise relating to clients' mental, emotional or physical state or being, life experience,past history or present life situations.
The therapist offers compassionate listening and support for the clients themes to be explored, expressed, digested and understood.
I may use techniques from yoga or movement to support the work within the sessions, or to offer clients techniques that may support them in their daily life.
The work can be directed (a theme or art-making task is suggested by the therapist) or non-directed (the client chooses the task and theme), or a combination of both.
The therapist empowers the client to discover their own themes, interests, what materials they prefer.
Sometimes there is a lot of conversation, other times a lot of silence as the art-making takes priority.
Themes can arise relating to clients' mental, emotional or physical state or being, life experience,past history or present life situations.
The therapist offers compassionate listening and support for the clients themes to be explored, expressed, digested and understood.
I may use techniques from yoga or movement to support the work within the sessions, or to offer clients techniques that may support them in their daily life.
Claire's training and experience
I have a degree in art and design, specialising in community art. I worked as a community artist for a number of years, specialising in work in residential psychiatric units in cork city, as well as using it during community projects that combined community gardens with arts programmes in cork city and county.
In 2024 I completed a Masters in art therapy at MTU in Cork.
I have worked with primary school children, with teenagers in CAMHS, and adults with sensory needs, ABI (Acquired Brain Injury), autism and special earning needs through REHAB care in Bantry, as well as working with private clients in my home studio.
I am a member of IACAT (the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists https://www.iacat.ie/) and maintain a professional standard of practice by attending CPD trainings, and ongoing supervision and personal therapy.
In 2024 I completed a Masters in art therapy at MTU in Cork.
I have worked with primary school children, with teenagers in CAMHS, and adults with sensory needs, ABI (Acquired Brain Injury), autism and special earning needs through REHAB care in Bantry, as well as working with private clients in my home studio.
I am a member of IACAT (the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists https://www.iacat.ie/) and maintain a professional standard of practice by attending CPD trainings, and ongoing supervision and personal therapy.
Get in touch
To organise a free, no obligation conversation and art therapy for you or someone that you care for, please get in touch.
Costs
Sliding scale of 50-70 euros for an hour, depending on your financial circumstances.
Costs
Sliding scale of 50-70 euros for an hour, depending on your financial circumstances.
