Anna Stephenson Art Therapy

My Approach

My personal therapy offering is grounded in the same relational, attachment-based, and reflective approach that guides my art therapy work more widely. Through sensory-based activities, you can explore and engage in ways that build trust and support the regulation of body sensations.

I create a warm and welcoming, confidential, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your inner experience, including experiences of study, placement, relationships, and the challenges of professional identity work.

We work creatively and verbally at a pace that feels right for you, using whatever methods best support your process.

Key features of my personal therapy for trainees:

• Weekly or regular sessions that align with training requirements

• A safe and boundaried space to explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns that influence your training and future clinical work

• Support in building self-awareness, emotional resilience, and professional identity

• Confidential therapy outside your academic context

Feel free to contact me.

Why personal Therapy?

Personal therapy is not simply an optional add-on to your training; it is integral to the learning process. UK art therapy programmes, including Sheffield Hallam University’s MA, require students to be in ongoing personal therapy throughout the duration of their training. This requirement supports your emotional resilience, deepens self-reflection, and enhances your ability to work ethically and effectively with clients. 

The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) guidance outlines that personal therapy is a mandatory component of training. It recommends that trainees undertake personal therapy regularly over the course of course to meet professional standards. 

What you can expect

Your personal therapy with me will:

• Be delivered face-to-face in a consistent weekly time slot to suit

• Offer a reflective space to develop self-understanding and professional insight

• Respect your confidentiality while supporting your training journey

• Provide a basis for exploration that often strengthens placement experience and clinical learning

You are not required to share the content of sessions with your course; personal therapy remains confidential between you and me. If needed for course documentation, I can provide written evidence of attendance in line with your MA.

Feel free to contact me.

Contact and next steps:

If you’re a trainee Art Therapist and would like to discuss how personal therapy can support your MA training and professional development, please get in touch:

📧 hello@annastephensonarttherapy.co.uk

We can arrange an initial telephone meeting to talk about consenting and committing to an initial session. It is important to ensure that the therapy fits both your training timetable and your personal needs.  All things made and discussed in these sessions will be treated confidentially.