MAKE A MELODY
MUSIC THERAPY
Art Therapy
Northern Ireland
Our Art Therapy Approach
At Make a Melody, we believe in the transformative power of art as a therapeutic medium. Our world-class art therapy services span the entirety of Northern Ireland, bringing specialized care to those who need it most. We've built a team of exceptionally qualified art therapists who combine their artistic talents with clinical expertise to create meaningful, personalised interventions for our clients.
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Art therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that uses artistic interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Through creating, expressing, and processing with visual art materials, our therapists address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.
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When you step into a session with one of our therapists, you enter a space where art becomes a powerful tool for expression and connection. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, our therapeutic approach centres on building relationships through creative experiences that resonate with your unique circumstances and goals.
Our Art Therapy Services
Individual Sessions
The heart of our practice often begins with one-to-one art therapy sessions. These personalised experiences create a safe, nurturing environment where clients can explore their relationship with art and, through it, aspects of themselves that may be difficult to express through words alone.
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In an individual session, our therapist's full attention is devoted to understanding and responding to your unique way of engaging with art materials. Together, you might explore different artistic techniques, create original artwork, or work through emotions embedded in spontaneous creative expression. These individual sessions become deeply meaningful spaces where clients often experience breakthroughs in emotional processing, find renewed motivation, or develop skills that transfer into other areas of their lives.
Group Sessions
Art has a remarkable ability to bring people together, creating connections that transcend ordinary social barriers. Our group sessions harness this natural community-building power of creative expression, creating supportive environments where participants experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of making art with others.
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In a Make a Melody group session, you'll find a carefully structured yet flexible approach that balances individual expression with collective experience. Our therapists skillfully facilitate artistic interactions that promote communication, encourage social awareness, and foster a sense of belonging. Group members often discover new aspects of themselves through their creative relationships with others.
What happens in an Art Therapy Session?
The therapeutic techniques and tools we employ at Make a Melody are as diverse as the clients we serve. Each represents a different pathway for engaging with art therapeutically, and our sessions often weave together multiple techniques to create a comprehensive approach.
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Spontaneous Art-Making​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
There's something profoundly freeing about creating art spontaneously, without concern for "getting it right." In these improvisational moments, clients often express emotions they cannot verbalise, discover new aspects of themselves, and experience deep connection with their therapist through this visual dialogue.
Mixed Media Exploration
Working with various art materials offers opportunities for sensory engagement, expressing emotions through different textures and colors, making choices, and experiencing a sense of agency. Our extensive collection of materials includes options accessible to all ability levels.
Collaborative Art Projects
​Working collaboratively with their therapist or group members, clients create artwork that captures their experiences, challenges, hopes, and triumphs. The artworks that emerge become tangible representations of the therapeutic journey—artifacts that can be revisited, shared, and celebrated.
Art Viewing and Reflection
Our art viewing experiences guide clients through intentional engagement with carefully selected artworks. Whether facilitating emotional responses, stimulating memory recall, or providing a container for processing, these viewing experiences harness art's natural impact on our psychological and emotional systems.
Symbolic Expression
Our symbol-based techniques help clients externalize internal experiences, supporting emotional processing, insight development, and the communication of complex feelings. These activities can be adapted for all skill levels and often bring an element of discovery to the therapeutic work.
Visual Journaling
Many of our clients find tremendous value in the thoughtful exploration of meaning through visual journaling. This technique bridges artistic expression and verbal processing, using the emotionally resonant quality of images to facilitate deeper conversations about personal experiences and emotions.
Mindful Art-Making
The meditative quality of focused art-making provides a foundation for present-moment awareness. Our mindful art interventions range from structured mandala creation that supports concentration to the emotional experience of color exploration, helping clients find their center both literally and metaphorically.
Our Assessment Pathway
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We believe that effective therapy begins with thorough understanding. Our assessment process is designed to create a comprehensive picture of your needs, strengths, and goals before developing your personalized treatment plan.
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1. Initial Consultation
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The journey begins with a thoughtful conversation where we listen to your story, your concerns, and your hopes for therapy. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, express preferences, and begin building the trust that will underpin our therapeutic relationship.​
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2. Comprehensive Assessment
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Following this conversation, we conduct a comprehensive assessment that observes and explores your relationship with art materials. Unlike traditional psychological assessments, our art therapy assessment invites active participation through creative experiences, revealing valuable insights that might not emerge through conversation alone.​​
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3. Personalised Treatment Plan
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Based on this thorough assessment, we develop a tailored treatment plan with specific, measurable objectives unique to your circumstances. This plan serves as a roadmap for our work together, identifying priority areas and establishing markers to track progress.
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4. Regular Progress Reviews
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Throughout our work together, we conduct regular progress reviews, documenting changes, celebrating achievements, and refining our approach as needed. This ongoing evaluation ensures that our therapy remains responsive to your evolving needs.
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Meet Our Northern Ireland Art Therapy Team
​The heart of Make a Melody's success lies in our exceptional team of art therapists. Each brings not only the required master's level qualification and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration, but also a unique constellation of artistic talents, clinical specialisations, and personal qualities that enrich their therapeutic work.
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Our therapists come from diverse artistic backgrounds—painting, sculpture, digital art, textile arts, photography, and more—creating a team with extraordinary creative versatility. This diversity allows us to match clients with therapists whose artistic approach resonates with their preferences and needs.
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Beyond their artistic foundations, our therapists have pursued specialised training in areas such as trauma-informed practice, neurodiversity, dementia care, early childhood development, and mental health. Many have additional qualifications in related fields that bring interdisciplinary perspective to their art therapy practice.
Each therapist serves specific counties and regions, developing deep connections with the communities where they work. This regional specialization allows them to build strong local relationships while minimizing travel time to maximize availability for clients.
Laura Clark
Art Therapist
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Laura is an Art Therapist passionate about using creative expression to support young people in their emotional and psychological journeys. With a deep understanding of developmental needs, she combines therapeutic techniques with art-based approaches to support self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. ​​
Lisa Kelly
Art Therapist
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Lisa is an experienced and caring art psychotherapist. Her approach is non-directive, self-compassion focused and person centred. Through the process of art making, the client is able to explore their experiences non-verbally. We then reflect on this artwork and allow the client to integrate their mind and body experience.
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Who Can Benefit From Art Therapy?
The beauty of art therapy lies in its remarkable versatility and accessibility. At Make a Melody, we witness daily how artistic interventions can support individuals facing a wide spectrum of challenges across the entire lifespan.
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Clients with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental delays often find in art a medium that bypasses traditional barriers to learning and connection. Art provides structured yet flexible experiences that support engagement while honoring individual needs.
Mental Health Concerns
The emotional expressivity inherent in art makes it particularly valuable for addressing anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma, stress management, and emotional regulation. The non-verbal nature of art can be especially healing, offering a way to approach difficult emotions with appropriate distance and safety.
Neurological Conditions
For individuals navigating stroke recovery, Parkinson's disease, dementia and Alzheimer's, or traumatic brain injury, art therapy taps into the brain's remarkable neuroplasticity. Creative expression can access preserved cognitive functions, while tactile elements can support fine motor recovery.
Special Educational Needs
In educational settings, art therapy addresses communication difficulties, behavioral challenges, social skill development, and sensory processing issues with engaging, strengths-based interventions. The natural structure and emotional outlet that art provides can be particularly beneficial.
Physical Rehabilitation
Fine motor skill development, pain management, recovery from injury, and coordination improvements are all supported through the integration of art with movement. Artistic engagement promotes neurological reorganization and provides motivation for therapeutic movements.
These categories merely outline the scope of art therapy's application. The reality we see every day is that each client brings a unique constellation of needs, strengths, and circumstances. Our approach always begins by seeing the whole person, not just a diagnosis or condition.
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Specialised Porgrammes
​The beauty of art therapy lies in its adaptability across the lifespan. At Make a Melody, we've developed specialized approaches for different age groups, each addressing the unique developmental needs and challenges of that life stage:
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Early Intervention (0-5 years)
For our youngest clients, our early intervention programs lay foundations for healthy development. These sessions engage children through playful, art-centered activities that support attachment, stimulate language development, and nurture crucial early social bonds.
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Children and Youth (6-18 years)
Children and adolescents find in art therapy a compelling medium for self-expression during these formative years. Our approach acknowledges their growing independence while providing structured support for emotional regulation, social navigation, and identity formation.
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Adults
Our adult clients come with diverse needs—from managing mental health challenges to navigating major life transitions. Art therapy offers them a refreshing alternative to talk-based interventions, often accessing emotions and insights that words alone cannot reach.
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Older Adults
For older adults, art's ability to access long-term memory and evoke life review makes it an exceptional therapeutic tool. Our sessions might involve familiar visual prompts that reconnect clients with their personal histories, gentle creative activities that maintain fine motor function, or spontaneous expression that encourages present-moment awareness.
Settings We Serve
​Art therapy's adaptability allows us to bring its benefits to clients in virtually any environment. Our Make a Melody therapists have become valued members of interdisciplinary teams across numerous settings throughout Northern Ireland:
Educational settings
In schools, preschools, and SEN units, our therapists collaborate with teachers and educational psychologists to support students' developmental and emotional needs through consistent, school-based sessions.
Healthcare facilities
In hospitals and rehabilitation centres, art therapy offers emotional support during medical challenges while contributing to physical rehabilitation goals as part of comprehensive treatment approaches.
Mental health services
In both outpatient and inpatient facilities, our therapists provide a non-threatening medium for emotional expression and regulation for clients who may struggle with traditional talk-based interventions.
Residential care
In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, both group and individual sessions enhance quality of life while addressing specific clinical needs of residents.
Community centres
Youth groups and community programs provide contexts where art's community-building power amplifies the therapeutic benefits, reaching individuals who might not otherwise access support.
Private practice
Our in-home sessions eliminate transportation barriers, while studio-based therapy provides access to a wider range of instruments and resources.
Hospice and palliative care
Our therapists provide compassionate support for both clients and families during end-of-life journeys, using art for life review, emotional processing, and creating meaningful legacy projects.
Across all these settings, our therapists maintain the same high standards of practice while adapting their approach to honor the unique culture and constraints of each environment.
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Art Therapy offered across Northern Ireland
The therapeutic benefits of art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live. That's why we've established a network of skilled art therapists across all counties of Northern Ireland, ensuring that geographical location never stands as a barrier to receiving quality care.
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Our Regional Coverage:
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From the bustling streets of Belfast to the serene countryside of Fermanagh, our therapists bring their expertise directly to the communities they serve:
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County Antrim - Our team supports clients in Belfast, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and numerous surrounding communities.
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County Armagh - We're actively engaged in Armagh city, Lurgan, Portadown, and neighboring areas.
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County Down - Our services extend throughout Newry, Bangor, Newtownards, and beyond.
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County Fermanagh - The communities of Enniskillen and surrounding areas benefit from our dedicated therapists who understand the unique character of the region.
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County Londonderry/Derry - We serve both the vibrant city areas and quieter towns like Coleraine.
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County Tyrone - From Omagh to Dungannon, our therapists are deeply integrated into local healthcare and education networks.
This comprehensive regional coverage allows us to form lasting relationships with clients, families, and referring professionals while developing an intimate understanding of each community's specific needs.
The Science Behind Art Therapy
​​While the emotional and expressive power of art have been recognised throughout human history, modern art therapy is firmly grounded in scientific research. The evidence base supporting our work continues to grow, providing important validation for art therapy's inclusion in healthcare and educational settings.
​How Art Impacts the Brain
Art creation engages multiple brain regions simultaneously, creating neural integration that few other activities can match. When you engage with art materials, your brain activates areas responsible for:
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Emotion processing in the limbic system
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Visual processing in the occipital lobe
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Fine motor control in the motor cortex
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Spatial reasoning in the parietal lobe
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Memory and attention in the prefrontal cortex
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Reward and motivation in the nucleus accumbens
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This whole-brain engagement creates unique opportunities for therapeutic intervention. For instance, when verbal processing areas are overwhelmed by trauma, art therapy can help process experiences by engaging visual and sensory pathways. For individuals with dementia, art activities trigger preserved visual-spatial functions that bypass damaged memory systems.
Evidence-Based Outcomes
The outcomes documented in research mirror what we observe daily in our practice. Studies consistently demonstrate art therapy's effectiveness in:
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Reducing anxiety and stress through mindful engagement and sensory regulation
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Improving mood and emotional expression via creative externalisation
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Enhancing communication and insight through visual metaphor
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Supporting cognitive function through multi-sensory stimulation
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Facilitating trauma processing through symbolic representation
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Managing pain through distraction and flow state
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As researchers continue to refine their understanding of exactly how and why art therapy works, our practice evolves to incorporate these insights. We maintain connections with university research departments and participate in clinical studies that contribute to the growing evidence base for our profession.
We've witnessed remarkable changes in our son since beginning art therapy. He's found a way to express feelings that he couldn't put into words before. The visual journals have become a communication bridge for our whole family. His therapist has a special way of understanding what his artwork is saying
Parent of a 14-year-old client
Frequently Asked Questions
​​​​​We understand that you may have questions about art therapy and how it might benefit you or your loved one. Here are answers to some of the questions we commonly receive:
Q: Do I need artistic ability to benefit from art therapy?
A: No artistic background or skills are required. Our therapists meet you at your level and create accessible art experiences. The focus is on the process and experience rather than creating polished artworks. Our therapists are skilled at adapting creative experiences to match each client's abilities and comfort level.
Q: How long are art therapy sessions?
A: Individual sessions typically last 30-50 minutes, while group sessions may range from 45-60 minutes, depending on client needs and attention spans. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss the optimal session length and frequency for your situation.
Q: How many sessions will be needed?
A: The number of sessions varies based on individual goals and progress. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions), while others may engage in longer-term work. We establish clear goals during the assessment process and regularly review progress to ensure the therapy remains beneficial.
Q: Is art therapy covered by insurance or funding schemes?
A: Some health insurance plans and educational funding may cover art therapy. We can provide documentation to support funding applications. Additionally, we work with various charitable organizations that sometimes provide grants for therapy services. Our administrative team can offer guidance specific to your situation.
Q: How is progress measured in art therapy?
A: We take a comprehensive approach to measuring progress, combining objective assessments with subjective observations. For each goal in your treatment plan, we establish specific, observable indicators of progress. We maintain detailed session notes and provide formal progress reports that can be shared with other professionals involved in your care.
Q: Can art therapy be combined with other treatments?
A: Absolutely. Art therapy often works best as part of an integrated approach to care or education. We regularly collaborate with other professionals to ensure our work complements other interventions. During our assessment process, we'll discuss other treatments you're receiving and consider how art therapy can best support your overall care plan.
Q: What art materials and equipment do you use in sessions?
A: Our sessions utilize a wide range of materials chosen for their therapeutic potential and accessibility, including paints, clay, drawing materials, collage, textiles, and digital media. We also use adaptable tools and materials for clients with physical limitations.
Q: Do you offer online or virtual art therapy sessions?
A: Yes, we do offer telehealth art therapy sessions in situations where in-person services aren't feasible. While we generally find in-person sessions most effective, our telehealth option has proven valuable for clients in remote locations, those with transportation challenges, or during circumstances that prevent in-person meetings.​
Getting Started with Art Therapy
Beginning your art therapy journey with Make a Melody is a straightforward process designed to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective care for your unique situation.​
1. Contact Us
The first step is to reach out through your preferred method—our online form, direct email, or a phone call to our office. During this initial contact, we'll gather basic information about your needs and interests in art therapy.​​
2. Initial Consultation
Following this initial contact, we'll arrange a free 15-minute consultation with a art therapist. This brief conversation helps determine if art therapy aligns with your goals and needs. The therapist will explain our approach in more detail, answer your specific questions, and discuss how art therapy might address your particular circumstances.​
3. Assessment Session
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If you decide to proceed after the consultation, the next step is scheduling an assessment session. This more extended session allows the therapist to understand your relationship with art materials, observe your responses to various creative experiences, and gather the information needed to develop a personalised treatment plan.​
4. Begin Your Art Therapy Journey
Based on the assessment, your therapist will develop a treatment plan with specific goals and approaches tailored to your needs. Once the plan is established, you'll begin regular sessions according to the recommended frequency.
Throughout this process, we emphasise transparent communication, respect for your preferences, and attention to practical considerations such as scheduling, location, and financial arrangements. Our goal is to make high-quality art therapy accessible and to ensure that your experience from first contact through ongoing sessions feels supportive and responsive to your needs.
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Connect With Us
​​​The work we do at Make a Melody thrives on connection—with our clients, their families, professional networks, and the wider community. We invite you to stay engaged with our services and the evolving field of art therapy.
Our social media presence offers regular insights into our work, sharing therapeutic approaches, client successes (with permission), and the latest research in art therapy. For more direct and detailed updates, our newsletter delivers curated content directly to your inbox, including articles, announcements, and practical tips for incorporating art into daily wellbeing practices.
We welcome direct contact for any questions, referrals, or feedback about our services. Whether you're a potential client, a family member seeking services for a loved one, a professional considering a referral, or simply someone curious about art therapy, we're here to engage with your questions and needs.​​