Psychotherapy for Artists and Creatives
- aphillipsarts
- Nov 28, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 28
A Therapeutic Space sensitive to the values of Artists, Writers, Musicians and other Creative Professionals
Full details of my practice can be found on the Psychotherapy page of my website.
As an Art Psychotherapist working online across the UK, I relish working with people whose lives involve a passion for transforming inner experience and imagination into outward expression. Whether you would describe yourself as an artist, or more generally as someone who finds their vitality and purpose through creative inspiration, we can work together to explore whatever is calling for attention in your life.
Firstly, I would like to emphasise that you don't necessarily need to identify a problem or difficulty in order to begin psychotherapy, and my work with people focuses just as much on strengths, creating a desirable future, and finding deeper meaning in the present.
Alternatively, I also offer Creative Mentoring, which might suit you better if you feel that psychotherapy is not what you need. You can find information about that on this page of my website.
How My Work With Artists Differs From Some Approaches to Therapy.
My experience as both a psychotherapist and a visual artist has given me an understanding of the fears that creative people sometimes have about entering into therapy. Whilst we will acknowledge the vital role that creativity holds within your life, therapy isn't necessarily about analyzing your art and processes. In a broader sense, my approach follows that of Carl Jung and James Hillman (amongst others) who consider image (including dreams, fantasy, daydream, imagination, etc) to be the primary way in which the psyche functions, the most direct reality it experiences. For Hillman this images are not merely something we see, but "the way in which one sees," meaning how we experience ourselves and the world in which we live.
There could be a concern that the therapist will diminish the importance of art, imagination, and creativity in general - a bit like what might happen at home, school, or mirroring attitudes in society at large. Some therapeutic approaches and therapists may take a reductive view which regards your art as 'nothing but' an expression of attachment 'issues' stemming from childhood, or seeing only pathological elements (meaning that making the work is merely a substitution for something else, and simply describes what is 'wrong' with you).
My stance is that art and creative work certainly can include elements that might help us to understand your life, relationship to self and others, and how you meet the world. We would be doing you a disservice to deliberately ignore that possibility. But our consideration of your art will be done in a way that emphasises the richness and nuances of the creative act, even where the work may appear to contain 'darker' elements. I will not be telling you about yourself (as if your art allows me to know you better than you do), but assisting you to explore it in a new way, towards a sense of self-discovery. Fundamentally I believe that art and the creative impulse is also about so much more, and can reach to the most profoundly meaningful depths of who a person truly is.
Why Creative People Seek Psychotherapy
It seems to me that creative people often move between inspiration and doubt, revelation and inactivity. This can bring particular challenges, including:
Feeling blocked or stuck in your creative practice
Struggling with self doubt, perfectionism or fear of exposure
Burnout or overwhelm from sustaining creative output
Difficulty sustaining motivation, meaning or purpose
Emotional cost of working in solitary or unconventional careers
Challenges with identity, belonging or self expression
The impact of trauma, loss or inner conflict on creative life
Psychotherapy with me offers a supportive, containing and imaginative space to explore these experiences. It can help what feels stuck or fragmented to find expression and meaning again.
My Approach
My work is informed by Depth Psychology, psychodynamic thinking and transpersonal perspectives (meaning spiritual, or connection with something more than the individual self). I am a qualified and registered Art Psychotherapist (MA, HCPC) and I currently work exclusively online.
Sessions may include conversation, image making or creative work, depending on what feels most natural for you. You do not need to be skilled at art. The focus is on meaning, finding truth and the unfolding of your inner life, rather than technique or aesthetics.
Each session is shaped by what you bring to it, and what you need from it. This might include emotion, memory, dream, symbol, image, creative impulse or personal reflection. We work together with care and attention, following what emerges in a way that feels grounded, respectful, and can also welcome a sense of humour when appropriate.
What Online Sessions Offer
Online therapy removes geographical limitations and makes it possible to work together from wherever you are in the UK. All that is needed is a quiet private space, a stable internet connection and a device with a camera.
This format offers privacy, flexibility and accessibility. Many clients find that being in their own space helps them to settle more easily and to speak more openly.
Whether you live in a remote location, have a demanding schedule or simply prefer the comfort of online sessions, this way of working can support a consistent and meaningful therapeutic journey.
Who This Work Is For
Although I use the headline 'Psychotherapy for artists and creatives', this work may resonate with a wider range of people:
Visual artists, painters, sculptors and makers
Writers, poets and storytellers
Musicians, composers and sound based artists
Performers, actors and dancers
Anyone who lives with creative impulse, even if not working professionally
People who feel creatively blocked or creatively lost
Those seeking a deeper or more soulful connection with life and inner world
People drawn to symbolism, imagination, depth or personal meaning
How we Begin
If you feel drawn to explore this work, you are welcome to get in touch to arrange the first conversation. You can use the contact form on my website or email me directly.
You may wish to share a little about what brings you to therapy, although there is no need to go into detail at this stage. I usually respond within forty eight hours unless I am on leave.
Your creative life is part of your psychological life. Attending to it with care, curiosity and compassion can open new paths in your work, your relationships and your sense of self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Psychotherapy for Artists and Creatives?
Psychotherapy for Creatives is a depth oriented therapeutic approach that supports people whose lives are shaped by imagination, expression and creative work. It combines conversation with the option of image making or symbolic exploration. It is suitable for artists, writers, musicians, performers and anyone who experiences creativity as part of their inner life.
Do I need to be good at visual art to benefit from this therapy?
No. Art Psychotherapy is not about artistic skill. You do not need any previous experience in visual art. The focus is on communication, expression, and exploration, not technique. Using art materials is simply one possible language for what you are exploring.
Are all sessions online?
At the present time I offer therapy only online. You can join sessions from anywhere in the UK as long as you have a private space, a stable internet connection and a device with a camera.
Who is this therapy suitable for?
This work is ideal for people who identify as creative or who feel drawn to imagination, art, symbolism or depth. It can help visual artists, writers, performers, musicians, designers, makers and anyone experiencing creative blocks, stress, emotional overwhelm or a search for meaning.
How long is each session?
Weekly or fortnightly therapy sessions last one hour. I also offer monthly consultations of one and a half hours. Some people choose short term therapy with a defined number of sessions at the outset, while others prefer an open-ended arrangement which offers the potential for working in greater depth over time.
What is the cost?
You will find details of my current fees on this page. Payment is made by bank transfer either in advance or at the time of booking.
Is there an introductory call?
Yes. I offer a free introductory phone call (up to twenty minutes) if you would like to talk prior to arranging a first appointment. You can ask me about my practice, and we can consider whether the work I offer may be suitable for you.
What can I expect from the first session?
The Initial Consultation is an opportunity to get to know one another and see if we may be well suited to working together. This will be a conversation rather than a formal assessment, where we can begin to think together about your reasons for coming to therapy, and the hopes and expectations you may have for it. There is no pressure to reveal anything you are not ready to share. Therapy begins by mutual agreement between us. So you will need to feel that it is something you would like to try, and I need to have the sense that what I offer may be able to benefit you in the ways you would like it to.
Can I use creative materials in online therapy?
Yes. You are welcome to use any basic materials you have at home, such as pencils, pens, crayons, chalks or simple art supplies.
What if I do not want to use art at all?
That is completely fine. Many people work entirely through conversation. The choice is yours, and we follow what feels most natural and helpful for you.
How do I get started?
You can get started by contacting me through the form on my website or by email. I usually respond within forty eight hours unless I am on leave. From there we can arrange an introductory call or move directly to booking an initial consultation.
Andrew Phillips is a Visual Artist, Psychotherapist, and Creative Mentor in south Wales.
Thank you for reading this article. You are welcome to contact me with your questions and enquiries. Please use the form or email address found at the foot of each page on my website.
Psychotherapy sessions online by video in the UK.
Online Creative Mentoring sessions to enrich your vision for life. A Soul-oriented approach to key themes including art & creativity, spirituality, nature & psyche, including reflective practice for professionals. This is available for clients worldwide.
Shop Original artwork can be purchased from my website. UK delivery is included in the prices shown, and global shipping can be easily arranged.
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