Who we are
Arts Psychotherapies are arts based psychological therapies offered across NHS Lothian in Community, Inpatient and Children and Young People Services. See our full list of services
We help people manage how they respond to difficult emotions so they can build kinder and more trusting relationships with themselves and others, feel safer in relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives
As relational psychotherapists we use arts based activities within a therapeutic framework to help people see themselves and others differently. We aim to help people handle difficult emotions better and therefore have kinder and more trusting relationships with themselves and others, to feel safer in relationships and lead more fulfilling lives.
We help people of all ages and abilities who find it hard to use words to describe or understand their feelings. This is especially useful when emotions are too confusing or overwhelming to talk about. Because of this, they might struggle to explain their problems and get the support they need. This often includes people who have experienced significant adverse life experiences, have mental illness or disabilities, or have been diagnosed with a personality disorder.
The art form supports a therapeutic framework that helps people connect and build trust, which they can then use in their daily lives. This trust can impact their ability to make decisions and how they interact with others. We offer psychological therapy that focuses on the individual, either in group sessions or one-on-one, depending on what the patients need. We often use a treatment called Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT), which works well for many of our patients.
How to access Arts Psychotherapies treatments
Currently, we cannot accept self-referrals from the public for Arts Psychotherapies treatments. We only accept referrals for individuals already connected with other NHS Lothian services. This includes those using inpatient services, children and young people involved with Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and referrals from Community Mental Health Teams across Edinburgh and the Lothians. As a small service, we aim to prioritize those most in need.
If you are interested in accessing Arts Psychotherapies, the best first step is to discuss your mental health and wellbeing with your General Practitioner (GP). If your GP agrees that a referral to your local Community Mental Health Team is appropriate, they will make the referral, and you can then inquire about Arts Psychotherapies.
If you have any queries about accessing our services then do please contact us
This is how it works
Arts Psychotherapists are psychological therapists with experience in arts such as Art, Music, Drama, or Dance, and training in psychological interventions. They are registered health professionals with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Our therapists help individuals use art forms to express emotional experiences that may be distressing or difficult to understand. For instance, an image or a musical interaction can carry deep meaning. When explored with the therapist, this can help individuals with complex issues make sense of their experiences, feel heard and understood, and gain a sense of control over their recovery.
The creative focus also encourages a flexible approach to situations, helping individuals move away from rigid thinking.
When to consider Arts Psychotherapies
Arts Psychotherapists work with individuals of all ages and abilities at various stages of life across different services.
Arts Psychotherapies can be beneficial for those who struggle to identify or express their difficulties, making it hard for them to access suitable support. It can also help individuals who find the close interpersonal interactions in psychological treatments challenging to maintain.
If you are a clinician interested in how Arts Psychotherapies might benefit the people you support, please contact our team. We can discuss potential treatment options. Our service is organized into teams that support inpatient, community-based patients, and children and young people. Contact our Team Leads
Feedback from service users
I was able to feel more at ease in myself sharing difficult memories and helping me process this. I feel listened to and not judged.
patient experience
By having that space to explore emotions and using materials to express myself – it freed up head space over time which helped me to focus on myself and recovery.
patient experience
It has not only enabled some patients to be engaged therapeutically where otherwise they may not have, but also provided some insight into patients experience which we otherwise would not have known to think about in our approach.
Senior Charge Nurse, Acute Psychiatry
After a very long period of very low self-esteem, I feel when I create, I have a sense of achievement, not judging what I’ve made as good/bad. This is helping me be a bit more confident in doing other things too.
patient experience
It has made me more mindful of my negative thoughts and try and address
patient experience
them before they overwhelm me. I have learned to listen to others more and respect their feelings and not take everything personally.
