LOCATION: Ship Street, Brighton and Online
AVAILABILITY: Tuesdays 10-6pm, Wednesdays 10-6pm, Thursdays 12-6pm
PRICE: £60 - £70 per session
SPECIALISMS:
Relational & attachment trauma
Gender dysphoria
Anxiety
Depression
Identity
Childhood trauma
Self harm
Body image
Disability & chronic illness
Abuse
Traumatic events
Self-esteem & Confidence issues

Training

Jemma is a fully clinically trained Art Psychotherapist accredited by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). This means that she abides by a code of ethical standards, alongside a commitment to regular training, enhancing both her learning and professional development.

Jemma studied a Masters Degree in Art Psychotherapy at The University of Roehampton, completing clinical placements in secondary education and NHS CAMHS settings.

Since then, she has continued working in primary and secondary educational settings with looked after young people, and those on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register. Here, Jemma facilitated therapeutic groups focused around grief & loss, communication & emotional regulation.

Recently, she has been working with young adults at Ditch the Label - a mental health charity - working with people from ethnic minorities and those who have less financial access to therapy. In her private practice, Jemma supports adults, adolescents and children.

Approach

Jemma brings warmth, compassion and empathy to the therapy room, aiming to gently challenge, offer new perspectives whilst bringing a source of light in the darkness.

Adopting an approach which is psychodynamic & psychoanalytical, we can focus on both past and present experiences. Exploring attachment theory, noticing repeating relational patterns, cycles of conflict, and thinking collaboratively about how you can begin to break free from these.

Encouraging you to develop kindness and compassion towards yourself, to think holistically by tuning into the whole person; mind, body, and family system, considering the impact of the wider social environment on your wellbeing.

Art therapy can help articulate & process traumatic experiences, holding and containing some of the unspoken pain. Together we can share curiosity about what emerges in the imagery, how it felt connecting to the materials, and to think about what it might be telling us about your life experiences & sense of self.

Children and Young People

Jemma is an experienced Psychotherapist who has worked with children and young people for over 15 years, both as a Psychotherapist and working in education. Her background gives Jemma a deep insight into the pressures and challenges faced by this age group, including:

School-based anxiety and school refusal
Self-harm
Unhealthy or unsafe relationships
Risk-taking behaviours
Identity and gender dysphoria
LGBTQIA+ experiences
Eating disorders
Body image concerns

Taking a person-centred approach, Jemma offers young people patience and the space to bring what matters most to them into the therapy room. Valuing each young person’s unique perspectives and life experiences. With the belief that effective therapy is about building a foundation of trust and a safe base, meeting clients where they are currently at and able to go. In sessions, a nurturing environment is provided to explore difficulties around communication and emotional regulation. Using creative expression, art making, metaphor, play, psychoeducation, and conversation to work through present challenges and current fears whilst also nurturing hopes for the future.

Neurodiversity Autism, ADHD

Having worked extensively with neurodiverse adults, children, and young people with Autism, ADHD, and ADD in a variety of settings, Jemma understands some of the daily challenges which might be faced. Such as navigating overwhelming environments, difficulties in social communication, and the increased likelihood of experiencing bullying and discrimination. Whilst also celebrating the many strengths that neurodivergent brains bring to our world such as creative and innovative thinking, integrity, and high levels of resilience.

An affirming space is offered where neurodivergent identity and culture can be explored and celebrated, while supporting you to develop both agency and self-compassion. Jemma has recently undertaken further training in neurodiversity-affirming approaches, strengthening her ability to work sensitively and effectively in this area.

By moving away from the traditional talking therapies, art therapy can offer symbolic and visual ways of processing experience, providing a valuable form of communication when words alone are not enough. Jemma’s therapy room and materials are selected with sensory needs and sensitivities in mind, she provides a calm and low-arousal environment where clients can feel supported to emotionally regulate and explore their inner worlds..

Grief and Loss

Grief can feel overwhelming and difficult to put into words. Through art therapy, Jemma offers a safe and supportive space where clients can use creativity to explore their experiences of loss. Art therapy is not about producing “good” art, but about giving shape to feelings that may be too complex or painful to express verbally. Using integrative art approaches such as clay, found imagery, poetry, objects, or photographs, you are invited to honour memories, process emotions, and begin to discover new ways of living whilst honouring the loss of relationship and the continuing bond to your person.

Jemma approaches bereavement work with care and compassion, walking alongside each individual to support their unique journey through grief. This includes holding space for navigating other difficult life transitions and challenges such as the ending of a significant relationship or the loss of a job.

Other information

Alongside being a therapist, Jemma is an artist, spending her spare time making tiny collages and drawing found objects she has picked up on trips along the British coastline. She can often be found in her happy place - the garden - with her dog.

A concession rate is available for those receiving benefits or on a low income.