Art therapy (also known as art psychotherapy, analytic art psychotherapy, psychodynamic art psychotherapy and integrative art psychotherapy) is a mode of psychotherapy in which creative use of various physical materials to produce images and objects is integrally part of the therapeutic relationship and process. Art therapy focuses on the making, manipulation and interpretation by client(s) and therapist of visual images, objects and materials (paintings, drawings, constructions etc.) in the presence of the art therapist in a safe setting. The image, object, material process is not considered simply a symptom, but the means through which the subjective and objective nature of the client’s experience is connected, mediated, explored, integrated, and clinically informed. Material engagement leads to self-expression that is processed both verbally and non-verbally.

In general, art therapy aims to restore or enhance the client’s functional competence and emotional balance in a way appropriate to their life context. Art therapy is effective for individual, group and family work, may be directive or non-directive, and ranges from short term interventions to long term therapy. Art therapy is context-sensitive and aims to be appropriate to local conditions as far as possible. Art therapy practice is constantly evolving to reflect the cultural and social diversity of the people who engage in it.

Art therapy practice requires knowledge and understanding of visual art (painting, drawing, sgiipture, and other art forms) and the creative process, as well as human development, psychological and counselling theories and techniques. In addition to psychotherapy theories, art therapists are informed by theories of attachment and systems, as well as neuroscience research and they may integrate a broad range of approaches such as: psycho-education; mindfulness; mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR); mentalization-based treatments; compassion-focused, sensorimotor psychotherapy: cognitive behavioural and cognitive analytic therapy; dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT); trauma focused therapy; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) into their practice.

ART THERAPISTS

ALISA RAY

Qualifications:

BA Honours in History of Art and Archaeology in Africa and Asia SOAS BA Honours Archaeology UCT
BA Honours Art Therapy UJ
MA Art Therapy UJ

ANGELA RACKSHAW

Qualifications:

MA Art Psychotherapy 2001;
Psychological First Aid (John Hopkins University); PG Dip Art Therapy 1996, Reg Nurse and Midwife and Animal Assisted Therapy

An experienced Art Therapist with 30 years of experience. Currently in the UK so only offering online work. Specialises in working with issues around illness, loss, anticipatory grief and bereavement. Has worked extensively with mothers and women experiencing the above, as well as loss of self and identity. Also open to clinical supervision. I work in a client-led, psychodynamic way. I also enjoy facilitating small online women’s creativity groups, which generally meet for 8 weeks.

GILLIAN LASKER LAURENCO

Qualifications:

BA Honours in History of Art and Archaeology in Africa and Asia SOAS
BA Honours Archaeology UCT
BA Honours Art Therapy UJ
MA Art Therapy UJ

JULIE GURNELL

Qualifications:

Goldsmith College, University of London

KAMAL NARAN

Qualifications:

MA Art Therapy

Kamal Naran is a certified HPCSA-registered Art Therapist whose practice supports children, adolescents, and adults through individual and group art therapy. Their approach integrates psychodynamic, trauma-informed, person-centred, and arts-based therapies to create a collaborative, compassionate, and reflective therapeutic space. Kamal has a particular interest in LGBTQIA+ affirming practice and supporting people navigating gender and sexuality diversity. They also work with clients experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, life transitions, and personal growth. Drawing on experience across schools, universities, non-profit organisations, and community settings, Kamal believes that creative expression can help people explore experiences that may be difficult to express in words alone. Rather than focusing on artistic skill, art therapy offers a way to deepen self-understanding, process emotions, and build resilience at a pace that feels safe and meaningful for each individual.

KATE DODD

Qualifications:

BA Fine Arts (Hons), MA Art Psychotherapy, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Johns Hopkins University Online

KRISTIE NEL

Qualifications:

BA Fine Arts with Psychology (Stellenbosch University), MA Creative Arts Therapies (Art Therapy) (University of Haifa, Israel),
Psychological First Aid (PFA)(Johns Hopkins University, Online)

MICHELLE BOOTH

Qualifications:

Msc Art Therapy (Queen Margaret University College)

NATALY WOOLLETT

Qualifications:

PhD, MA

SAMANTHA DAVIS

Qualifications:

BA Psy, PgD Art Psychotherapy

TESSA WHYATT

Qualifications:

M.A. Art Therapy

Tessa has a BA in Fine Art and Psychology from the University of Cape Town (2002), and an MA in Art Therapy (2005) from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. She is also a certified Grief Educator and trained facilitator. Tessa works in private practice with individuals of all ages, as well as running groups in the NGO sector. She specializes in grief and loss work, boosting resilience and wellness, as well as supporting people with anxiety. Tessa teaches and supervises on the Masters in Art Therapy program at the University of Johannesburg. Her interest in Positive Psychology led her to further training in coaching – Tessa is a qualified Enneagram, Time To Think, Management and Resilience Coach. Her special interest is in transition coaching, wellness and building EQ.

DR. NATALY WOOLLETT

Qualifications:

ELSE ROOS

Qualifications:

Else Roos is an art psychotherapist and founder of Sacred Studios, an integrated sanctuary where clinical art psychotherapy meets the living landscape. Operating from a private homestead adjacent to indigenous forest and sugarbush fields, Else offers a gentle space, moving from the studio to the garden, where the “perfectly imperfect” layers of the human experience are celebrated. Her clinical focus supports clients in navigating life’s transitions, processing health journeys, reclaiming personal narratives, and cultivating resilience and insight through the creative process and nature-based, embodied creation. This blend of clinical and organic practice honours artmaking as a quiet, restorative act of inner wisdom and self-discovery.

SAXON KINNEAR

Qualifications:

I hold an Honours degree in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a Master’s degree in Art Therapy. As one of the first art therapists trained in South Africa, I have been actively involved in the development of the profession. Alongside my private practice, I work for the South African Journal of Arts Therapies and as a research supervisor at the University of Johannesburg. My approach is person-centred and psychodynamic, offering a collaborative space where clients can explore their experiences and inner worlds through materials and artmaking. I have a particular interest in neuropsychology and currently work with many individuals living with dementia. I am passionate about resilience and the role of artmaking for preserving strengths, fostering connection, and supporting meaning-making.

MADRI JANSEN VAN RENSBURG

Qualifications:

KAMAL NARAN

Qualifications:

UJ Art Therapy programme

KARA SCHOENMAN

Qualifications:

UJ Art Therapy programme

Claire Woollatt

Qualifications:

UJ Art Therapy programme

Client-centered approach, with a special interest in neurodiversity and chronic health.