A unique time and space for you.
Individual approach
I offer art therapy sessions informed by psychodynamic theory. These sessions last fifty minutes. They take place at the same time, once a week. The work is confidential and the art therapy room is in a peaceful setting with art materials for you to use if, when, and however you choose to. The work progresses at your pace. The content of the art therapy work is not directed by me. Rather, I am there to facilitate an explorative, reflective and experimental atmosphere.
In time, in this setting, a shared curiosity around material arising in the conversation and art making can develop. This way of working offers a unique opportunity to explore thoughts and emotions linked to potentially difficult or painful experiences personal to you.
This is done within an environment and relationship that values safety, kindness, and thoughtfulness.
Supervision
I offer supervision for fellow art therapists. I have worked as a supervising art therapist for ten years, in private practice, on training placements, and on an MA art psychotherapy training programme. I value an approach that is co-creative, exploratory and largely based in psychodynamic theory. Please feel free to contact me at the email address below if you would like to arrange an initial conversation.
Online sessions
I offer art therapy sessions online. As with in person sessions, we would begin with six sessions as an assessment for suitability. This would provide you with some time to think about whether you would like to proceed. With the art therapy work taking place online, we could think about how you would like to access art materials and art making in a way that best suits you.
About me
I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults in art therapy since 2015. I have been entrusted with the work of listening to, and reflecting with my clients upon the possible effects of their lived experiences.
Often the focus of the art therapy work has been on thinking about the client's interpersonal relationships, and the emotions linked to these relationships.
Each person I have worked with has used the art therapy time and space in a way that is unique to them.
For some who might find words more difficult, the art making may be particularly useful in their explorations. For others, it may be a first opportunity to find words to describe difficult lived experiences in a confidential setting, and feel heard. The art therapy process may provide something meaningful, or transformative in terms of a person's emotional life.
I subscribe to the idea that the developing and unfolding relationship between the client and art therapist is also a key part of the process. The working relationship itself can be very useful when attempting to think about significant relationships that the client has experienced in the past, and may still be experiencing in some particular way, in the present.
I have been lucky enough to work with people from various backgrounds in terms of age, gender identity, class, cultural heritage, nationality, sexuality, neurodiversity, and developmental difference. I have worked with children and adults with experience of domestic violence, various forms of abuse and other traumatic experiences. I have worked with looked after children, and families working with and supported by social services and other safeguarding agencies.
If you think that you might like to try working with me in art therapy sessions, please see the information below. I am happy to be contacted by email for any enquiries further to this. Thank you.
Jonathan Allen - hcpc registered art therapist (AS15090)
Clinical experience
2016 - Present - Working with other art psychotherapists and training art psychotherapists as their supervisor.
2019 - Present - Art Psychotherapist in private practice with adults and children.
2016 - Present - Art Psychotherapist at a mainstream primary school in Waltham Forest.
2019 - 2024 - Associate lecturer and supervising tutor at Goldsmiths College on their Art Psychotherapy MA Programme.
2015 - 2025 - Art Psychotherapist at a mainstream primary school in Hackney.
Education
2012 - 2014 - Goldsmiths MA Art Psychotherapy Programme
1996 - 1999 - University of Brighton Fine Art Painting BA (Hons)
Pricelist
In-person therapy session
£50/hour
Online sessions
£50/hour
In person art therapy supervision
£45/hour
Contact me
If you would like to enquire about the possibility of beginning art therapy sessions, art therapy supervision, or have any questions in the area of art therapy, you can write to me at the email address below.
Jonathan Allen
Health and Care Professions Council (hcpc) registered art therapist (AS15090)
Email: hi_jono_allen@hushmail.com