Emma Compton is an art therapist in Kineton and online


What attracted you to become a therapist? 

I have always been interested in helping others to feel heard and to reduce the pain people carry around with them and isolate them from others.


Where did you train? 

I have studied at the University of Warwick, Nottingham Trent and Leeds Becket


Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise? 

I trained to be an art psychotherapist. This means that I am comfortable assisting people to use art materials to help them to make sense of their difficulties. It doesn’t mean that people will use art materials, but rather that the opportunity is there. Sometimes creating images or using different media can help to see things in a way that had not been obvious before.


How does art therapy help? 

Art therapy can help people in many ways through use of a safe space, therapeutic relationship with the therapist, and the use of art materials. Over time these three elements can assist in easing of symptoms.


What sort of people do you usually see? 

My experience has mostly been working with teenagers who suffer with anxiety and depression. The young people I have worked with have at times had traumatic pasts and struggle with self-harm, suicidal ideation and also at times encounter auditory and visual hallucinations. Young people have also experienced depersonalisation and difficulties connecting with other members of their family.

I have also worked with parents and adults who feel very isolated and struggle with similar difficulties.


What do you like about being a therapist?

I really value the people I work with and I enjoy assisting them to unpick difficulties and feel more empowered in their lives.


What is less pleasant?

There isn’t anything I don’t find interesting about therapy.


Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

I am a fan of Carolyn Spring and have enjoyed and recommend her books a lot.

   


What you do for your own mental health?

I love walking and animals. I have friends nearby and enjoy last minute plans with them.


What’s your consultation room like? 

I work at home in the evenings either in the summer house in my garden or online. The room is cosy and safe and a space where things can be said without fear, in hope to create more clarity and understanding for the future.


What do you wish people knew about therapy? 

I am not sure what people know or don’t know about therapy, but would like people to feel reassured that as a therapist I believe it is my responsibility to really listen and to ensure that I value the words spoken in order to work with someone to ease their suffering. 


What did you learn about yourself in therapy? 

I learnt that you need to have faith; therapy can be difficult and it requires commitment and personal engagement in order to see outside of ourselves, our stories and fears in order to heal.  


Contact Emma here

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