TESSA Therapist
HCPC registered Art Therapist
Registration no: AS07905
Clinical Supervisor
Professional Qualifications and Training
MSc Art Therapy (QUB)
BA (Hons) in Fine Art (UU)
CPCAB Level 6 Creative Supervision across the ages
Safeguarding Working with Vulnerable Adults and Children (Volunteer Now)
Creating a Safe Space (Volunteer Now)
Mental Health Recovery & Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Level 1 (Recovery College)
My name is Frank, and I am a registered Art Psychotherapist, I have work for over 19 years as a sessional art therapist in Private Practice. I have experience working with Children, and Adults, working within Lighthouse, with anxiety, depression, and families bereaved through suicide. I have worked with Children in Education, one to one, small groups, and working with parent and child group. I have experience working with adults with mental health issues, adults with learning difficulties, and personal growth and development with MSc Art therapy students.
I am a freelance artist who works in Healthcare, within the Arts Care and Belfast Trust Artist in Residence Programme (AIR), communities that I have experience working with, are Adults with Mental Health Issues, Dementia, Learning Disability, and Acquired Brian Injury. For 15 years I have worked within Arts Care Creative Arts Project called Twilight Zone. The Project is an inspiring, regional programme for young people aged 12-18 who are resident in Health and Social Care facilities across Northern Ireland. Project is supported by the Public Health Agency NI. Offering the young participants a safe space to explore and express their unique voice through different art forms.
I offer Art Therapy which is a form of psychotherapy which uses art media as its primary mode for expression and communication. My aim is to provide a confidential space where clients can engage with the art process, access inner strengths, and increase self-worth and confidence.
My Therapeutic Approach
I work from an integrative framework which uses a number of different approaches to meet different client needs, and goals for therapy which includes
Art Therapy- a form of psychotherapy which uses art media as its primary mode for expression and communication.
Person-centred– the therapist holds authenticity, transparency, acceptance, empathetic listening for their client.
Relational and collaborative: the therapeutic relationship and creative process help clients to explore issues and discover new ways of coping in their day to day life. This approach can help build self-esteem, confidence, awareness, and improve relationships.
Psychodynamic– working with the unconscious processes to build on self understanding and growth.
