I want the world to be a happier, healthier place. Achieving this starts with you, me, and everyone we know. Having personally experienced the benefits of artistic expression on my wellbeing, I became an art therapist so that I can actively support people to better understand themselves and work through their challenges in a safe, containing environment. 

I came to art therapy after having worked with different groups of people as a multidisciplinary artist for over ten years. My artistic practice seeks to find a collective experience of various issues, including mental health challenges, and express them collaboratively and creatively. 

I have worked with various marginalised groups including different groups of women, people experiencing mental health difficulties, refugees, at-risk young people, and residents of a homelessness service. Working in these groups, it felt important to engage continuously in ethical reflections – were participants safe in taking part? Who was the work for? Where was it going? This led one project at the homelessness service to be made in collaboration with and screened only for its participants when it felt unethical to screen this anywhere else. 

Whilst I continue to practice as an artist, I have realised it is important for me to move beyond being a passive bystander in facilitating people’s expression of their experiences. As an art therapist I use my skills and experiences to support people to lead the lives they wish to live. Thinking through the body with materials enables clients to be more connected to their inner thoughts and feelings and better understand themselves. 

My MA Art Therapy training at the University of Chester gave me experience in providing one to one and group art therapy. Whilst at a primary special academy I worked with children with additional needs and disabilities. When placed at a hospice I supported adults with life limiting conditions and their families. I also provided professional development using art therapy for staff of the hospice. Given my multidisciplinary background I am able to offer a variety of innovative methods within art therapy alongside traditional materials. These include filmmaking/animation, bodily expression, and the use of natural materials.

Lydia Powell

Art Psychotherapist