Expressive art therapy

In expressive art therapy sessions, we explore creative activities like mask-making, working with polymer clay, and sand tray play, all while incorporating mindfulness practices throughout. We regularly use art therapy in both primary and secondary school settings, and the engagement has been wonderful across all ages.

It’s never about being ‘good’ at art – it’s about using it as a tool to express what words can’t always capture. We often invite students to reflect on the mind-body connection, such as where they feel stress or what different emotions feel like physically. From there, we explore simple regulation strategies like “dropping an anchor” or even blowing bubbles to connect with the breath.

Art therapy helps foster creativity, build social skills and resilience, and most importantly, create a safe space to explore emotions and identity. I’m deeply passionate about this work and love seeing the healing and connection that creative expression makes possible.

Mrs Gabrielle Stafford
School Counsellor