“Art therapy has long been known to have therapeutic properties. When creating visible images, people ‘draw’ on the right side of their brains – the same side that is used before spoken language is developed. This is also where visual memories are stored.
Using art materials to make images which can be thought about with a qualified and registered art therapist may help relieve difficult or painful feelings and can help increase general wellbeing.
Sometimes it can be difficult to talk directly about difficulties and feelings so communicating through another medium may be easier or more appropriate.
Sometimes words cannot be used or found to describe thoughts and feelings, but the processes involved in image making and the images themselves can help to do so.
Sometime words alone do not seem to be enough, but images and words together may be able to convey what one wants to say.
Sometimes there are just too many words – and they can get in the way of being able to be in touch with emotions.
These are just some of the reasons for the ‘art’ in art therapy”
Text: British Association of Art Therapist
Our Services.
One on one.
The Butterfly Project uses the analogy of the life cycle of a butterfly to reflect the therapeutic process. The chrysalis represents a psychological chasm and the emergence a personal endeavour realised.
We offer therapeutic support for individual clients in a range of ways. These include art therapy, psychotherapy, counselling and therapeutic coaching.
These sessions support clients in working through dilemmas or conflicts they may have, restoring a sense of hope and developing new perspectives.
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​One to one clients work towards:
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changing lifelong patterns
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recognising blocks
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having greater self awareness
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developing a greater sense of agency
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being playful and spontaneous
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Workshops.
Just as the butterfly must do the work individually, merging from its chrysalis, in order to survive. Participants in group work are encouraged to reflect on individual process.
Our workshops use art making, personal reflection and movement to explore narrative themes.
Workshops are run as closed or open groups in partnership with charitable organisations or independently within the community.
Clients may choose to share these experiences through performance or exhibition.
When attending our workshops you will:
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engage creatively and be playful
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explore unconscious process
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use art as a means to explore thoughts and feelings
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feel better
"Art therapy has had a huge impact on my life. I picked up a paintbrush at a time when I was going through something quite tricky. It’s helped me to recover from that and allowed me to look or think about what’s going on inside of me and around me."
Former client