FAQ
What to Expect in E/CAT
How will E/CAT work for me in a session?
In an E/CAT session, you’ll be invited to engage with many different forms of creative expression—whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, movement, or writing. We’ll use these materials and techniques to help you access your emotions, explore patterns, or express what’s been hard to put into words. No prior artistic skill is needed—it’s about the process, not the product. I’ll guide you gently through the session, noticing what sits well with you and what you don’t feel comfortable with, and offering support, reflection, and insight as you explore.
What should I expect during my first E/CAT session?
In your first session, we’ll take some time to talk briefly about your goals and any questions you might have. Then, you’ll be guided through a creative exercise designed to help you connect with your emotions and express your thoughts in a new way. The session will be gentle and exploratory, and you won’t be pressured to produce anything specific. You’ll leave with insights about yourself, and we’ll discuss any next steps for you if you choose to continue.
Can I choose the type of art I want to work with?
You’ll have a lot of freedom to choose the type of art you feel most comfortable with. If you’re drawn to painting, drawing, or even writing, you can focus on that. If you feel more comfortable with movement or music, we can explore those too. This is your creative space, and we can adjust the approach based on your preferences and needs. However, as your therapist, sometimes I may encourage you to investigate a new technique or tool, a different one to your regular preference. This can be a challenge at times, when we have found a comfort zone in one area – but there are times when it can be well worth just suggesting and opening a potential new door, even if only for the value of the thought process and open discussion that might follow, whether you’ve decided take the plunge and try out the new medium of modality, or whether you’ve made a decision not to at that point. It’s YOUR process
Should I bring anything with me?.
If you have art materials of your own that you like, feel free to bring your favourite ones. Otherwise, there’s plenty to choose from in the room, and you are welcome to use any of it. Apart from that. I’d definitely recommend a water bottle. Hydration - your best friend! We have coffee and tea available, and you can refill your water bottle at any time.
Also, be sure to bring anything anything that you might need for your health - let’s say there’s a prescribed tablet that you have to take at a certain time - don’t forget it! You’ll know what to do there, and I’ll make sure I have that kind of information on our intake forms so that I am in the loop and I can do my best to support you if you don’t feel well. Remember - I am not a doctor! So check that you have any medication and other physical care needs you may have, safely with you.
Benefits of E/CAT
How does E/CAT help with personal growth and self-discovery?
E/CAT allows you to explore your inner world in a way that words sometimes can’t reach. By engaging in creative expression, you’ll unlock insights about yourself and your experiences, helping you gain clarity, build confidence, and navigate life’s transitions. Whether you’re in a moment of change or just looking to deepen your understanding of yourself, E/CAT serves as a tool for exploration and self-empowerment.
Can E/CAT help with emotional or creative blocks?
Yes, E/CAT is especially helpful for breaking through creative blocks, whether they’re personal or professional. If you’re feeling stuck—whether it’s in your art, career, or life—expressing yourself through creative means can help you move past stagnation and access new ways of thinking and being. It’s also a powerful tool for working through emotional blocks, helping you release and process emotions that may have been held in for a long time.
Can E/CAT help with team-building or group dynamics?
Absolutely! E/CAT can be a powerful tool for improving teamwork and group cohesion. Whether for companies or families, engaging in creative exercises like play therapy, sociodrama, or creating a group canvas can build trust, foster open communication, and strengthen bonds. My training in psychodrama and sociodrama has equipped me with specific techniques designed to enhance group dynamics, increase empathy, and improve collaboration. Whether in a professional setting or a family group, E/CAT offers a space for people to come together, break down barriers, and create meaningful connections.
Practical Considerations
Do I need to commit to a long-term course of therapy?
The beauty of E/CAT is its flexibility. Some people come for a few sessions to explore a specific issue or creative block, while others may choose ongoing work to dive deeper into their personal journey. You can start with a single session and decide from there whether you’d like to continue, or come in whenever you feel called to. It’s about what works for you—whether that’s short-term or more long-term exploration.
If you decide to join one of the extended group courses, though, it is most beneficial for you and the rest of the group if you do your best to commit to and come along for every session, even if you just feel like being quiet and observant on that day. That’s ok. Group therapy relies on the development of trust between individuals, so that a kind of community process starts to emerge. You are an important, integral part of that community for the duration of the course, so your absence on one day is just as significant to the group process as your presence!
Why do I need to provide so many details, and who gets to see them?
Confidentiality is paramount in expressive/creative arts therapy. The details you provide are for my understanding and to ensure that the therapy is tailored to your unique needs. Only I will see the information you provide. However, if there’s an emergency or a situation where you or someone else may be at risk, I am ethically and legally obligated to take appropriate action. In such cases, I may need to share information with the necessary parties to ensure your safety and well-being.
This detailed information helps me understand where you’re coming from, what you’re working through, and how to best support you. It also ensures I know who to contact or what to anticipate should anything arise during your sessions.
What are my responsibilities?
As a participant in E/CAT, your responsibilities include taking care of your own well-being. For example, if you take any medication or know that you may need an EpiPen in an emergency situation, please ensure you carry it with you during sessions. If you have any physical conditions such as high blood pressure, injuries, or sensory sensitivities, it’s important to manage these and inform me if something doesn’t feel right during our sessions.
I'll do my part to create a safe and supportive environment, and I ask that you also take care of yourself so we can work together effectively. If at any point something doesn’t feel comfortable, let me know—your safety and comfort are a priority. You are also responsible for sticking with the basic rules of the room, which amount to keeping a respectful and safe environment for all of those around you – including yourself, any group members present, AND your therapist :)
Clinical Support and Referrals
Why is it important to work with a qualified therapist in E/CAT?
While art is an incredibly powerful tool for self-expression and healing, working with a qualified therapist is essential to ensure you have the right guidance and support throughout the process. In E/CAT, we’re not just creating art; we’re exploring deep emotions, thoughts, and sometimes even unprocessed trauma. A therapist can help you navigate these powerful feelings safely, helping you make sense of your experience and process difficult emotions in a healthy way.
What’s the difference between therapeutic art and E/CAT?
Therapeutic art and E/CAT both use creativity as a tool for healing, but E/CAT goes beyond just making art—it integrates psychotherapy principles with creative expression. Therapeutic art may be used as a form of personal expression or as a supplemental tool in therapy. However, it doesn’t always have the same intentional framework of a therapeutic approach. E/CAT, on the other hand, is a professional therapeutic process, guided by someone trained in both the art and psychological aspects of healing.
Do I need a referral to see an art therapist?
No, you don’t need a referral to begin E/CAT. Anyone can book a session and start working with me directly. However, if you’re currently seeing a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional, it’s always helpful to inform them that you’re engaging in expressive/creative arts therapy, as it can sometimes complement your existing treatment.
Is E/CAT the same as psychology or psychotherapy?
E/CAT is not the same as traditional psychology or psychotherapy. I am not classified as a medical professional, and I do not diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions in the way a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist does. However, E/CAT is a therapeutic process where we use creativity to access deeper parts of the self. In many cases, psychologists and psychiatrists incorporate art therapy into their practice to complement traditional therapy, as the creative process can help break through barriers that talk therapy alone may not. If I identify that a client may benefit from clinical support, I am trained to recognize when a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist might be appropriate.
What if I need clinical support or am dealing with deeper issues?
If you find that E/CAT is bringing up deeper emotional issues, or if you feel you could benefit from clinical support, I can provide referrals to trusted psychologists or other clinical professionals. My role as an art therapist is to complement your therapeutic journey by supporting personal growth and self-expression, but I am also equipped to guide you toward the right clinical support when needed. My primary goal is to ensure you’re getting the right care, whether that’s through E/CAT or a more traditional mental health approach.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to begin, you can book a session directly through my website or contact me for more information about how E/CAT can support your personal journey. Whether you want to try a single session or commit to ongoing therapy, I’m here to guide you and support your exploration.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to chat about how E/CAT can help you reach your goals.
What can you expect:
Engaging group workshops on varied themes that affect us all from time to time - and can be especially challenging within the expat experience.
A welcoming, non-judgemental environment for everyone, no matter how you show up. The fact that you are showing up in the first place is brilliant.
New opportunities to collaborate and discover forms of expression you may have never tried before.
Opportunities for individual, personalized session work on a regular or one-off basis .
What NOT to expect:
Needing to be “Good” at Art. Not at all. That’s one of the big myths about therapy and/or coaching that involves the arts. You don’t need any prior training or talent in any art form to benefit from our sessions. This is all about connecting with yourself and moving forward on some of your more sticky issues using expression, guided by a professional in this field - not producing a “perfect” piece of work.
Visual Art or Performance Lessons? Nope. We’re not in class! Our focus is on using expressive arts and modalities as a therapeutic tool, not for artistic instruction or critique, You do YOU, here!
Public Sharing of Work: NEVER - unless you want to. Always and only your call. Your creations and personal work will remain private and protected, shared only with your written consent. This space is for exploration and self-expression, not public display. You can be absolutely sure it will be kept confidential unless you say otherwise.