New art psychotherapy service established
Funding from the Corinne Burton Memorial Trust has enabled the LJMC to set up a new art psychotherapy service at the LJMC. It is with great pleasure that we welcomed Shona Elrick to this new post at the beginning of the year
The benefits of counselling have long been recognised and this service has been a cornerstone of the LJMC’s work since it first opened. Giving people the opportunity to talk about their thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive manner has helped many hundreds of people through the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies a diagnosis of cancer.
Art psychotherapy provides another outlet for patients to express themselves where emotions are too painful or difficult to put into words.
Shona studied at the Gray School of Art in Aberdeen before launching her professional career. As well as undertaking her own work and commissions, she worked
with people with learning difficulties and ran children’s workshops in London. These experiences inspired her to train as an art psychotherapist, an intensive course at the University of Hertfordshire that included developing her counselling skills.
Shona explained to ‘Open Door’ a little more about her work.
“Art psychotherapy provides a safe space to express feelings which may be difficult to put into words. Whether someone is angry or frustrated, depressed or scared, art psychotherapy provides a way to explore these feelings.
“An art psychotherapist is there to help name and understand these emotions by exploring the personal significance of the artwork. How much someone wishes to think about their artwork is up to them – an art therapist will be sensitive to each individual’s needs.
“There is a wide variety of art materials available from which to select – different materials work for different people and I will help them if they are not sure.
“Many people believe that you have to be good at art to benefit from art psychotherapy but this isn’t the case at all. It’s not about producing a piece of work to exhibit – everything a patient does is private and kept confidential.
My role involves helping and encouraging patients to resolve personal issues through the medium of art. I’m not there to judge the artistic merit of their work.”
Shona is working both with individuals on a one-to-one basis and also with groups. “Many patients prefer individual sessions but, for others, a group setting can be a better way to explore issues,” explained Shona.
“In a group, patients may find support and comfort from others who have gone through a similar experience. I have often witnessed people sharing encouragement and empathy with each other which may be priceless for someone feeling alone and isolated.”
It will also be possible for Shona to visit patients on the wards of the Cancer Centre. Equipped with a basket of portable art materials, paper and board, she can provide a bedside service. She is sensitive to the needs and comfort of patients so sessions may be a little shorter, depending on how the patient is feeling.
If patients are feeling stronger, they can hold their sessions in a quiet, private room off the ward. Art therapy on the ward provides a creative outlet which may enable patients to take back some control for themselves.
Patients who are interested in art psychotherapy can find out more by contacting the LJMC Helpline on 01923 844014.
Corinne Burton Memorial Trust
We are immensely grateful to the Corinne Burton Memorial Trust for funding the new art psychotherapist post, augmenting the important work of our counselling team.
The Trust was founded in 1993 in memory of Corinne Burton, a talented artist and illustrator, and is the only charity that specialises in funding art psychotherapy in cancer care.
During her treatment for breast cancer, Corinne Burton gained support and strength from art and drawing, finding it helped take her mind off her illness and treatment.
It was with this in mind that her family and friends sought to commemorate her all too short life by establishing the charitable trust that bears her name.
A key area of the work of the Trust involves funding bursaries for art therapy students at Goldsmiths, University of London.
It also funds an art therapist at Barts Hospital in London and promotes the development of art therapy services in hospices.
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Last updated: 17 March, 2010
Shona Elrick
Corinne Burton Art Psychotherapist