Art therapist Eveleen Murphy has set up a private practice in Killarney town centre with the aim of using creative expression to explore feelings.

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Art therapy is a mental health intervention that uses creative expression to tap into how we really feel. The psychotherapeutic process can be used to soothe anxiety, release emotion, communicate issues and tell our personal story.

Eveleen has worked primarily with children and adolescents in the areas of bereavement, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, issues related to the family unit, learning difficulties, behavioural and self-esteem issues.

She is client led in her approach, promoting emotional regulation, integrating self-identity through art-making, within the therapeutic relationship.

Eveleen is a professional member of IACAT, has a Masters in Art Therapy from CIT and a Masters in Fine Art from NCAD in Dublin.

She is now taking appointments for one-to-one sessions with children of primary school age and teenagers up to 16-years of age.

Self-expression is encouraged through art making, safe holding and can be reflected upon with the art therapist. It is with the aid of a therapist that feelings can be integrated when exploring the image, Eveleen explained.

"Art therapy is not about analysing the image but allows an individual to arrive at an understanding of what is happening internally for them," she explained.

"Art therapy sessions take place within a safe and confidential space and materials are provided to explore themes or individual led art making. Sessions are client led, meaning the young person will direct and control what is brought up in therapy."

Eveleen’s approach is to gently guide individuals through their own feelings around the process of making and the image produced, helping them make sense of their personal experience and the world around them.

An introductory session will identify what goals are to be explored, sessions are 45/50 minutes and carried out weekly, at a set time.

Generally after six sessions a review will be arranged with the parents/carers to understand the best course for the child.

There are many benefits of art therapy for young people:

- Expression of feelings and emotions without words
- Relieves anxiety, stress and tension
- Increases confidence and self-esteem
- Provides self-discovery and meaning making after loss
- Positive coping skills
- Self-engagement and independence
- Emotional resilience and regulation
- Improved communication and concentration.

Art therapy sessions are confidential. Information will not be shared unless there are specific safety concerns. All images that are created are stored securely for the duration of the sessions until the end of therapy. If you are looking for art therapy for your young person, please reach out to Eveleen on 086 3375906 or email eveleen@eveleenmurphyarttherapy.ie.