Nicola Gratus
I am a qualified Art Psychotherapist and Mentalisation Based Therapy practitioner with over 25 years’ experience of working in the NHS secondary care specialist mental health psychological services.
Prior to training as an art psychotherapist, I worked as a community artist. This ignited my interest in the power of art to connect communities, tell stories, and build bridges. It led to beginning to offer art groups in hospital settings as part of patient’s rehabilitation, physical and psychological, where it became clear that creating imagery, individually or with others, not only promoted social connection, wellbeing and emotional resilience but the artwork meant something. The images seemed to be a communication from the self to the self. This led me to training as an art psychotherapist.
Over the years I have developed my practice, adapting to client need and incorporating further training. I now position myself as an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist with creativity being a central component of my practice. This approach recognises that each person’s needs are different, and I draw on a variety of models and techniques such as psychodynamic, mentalisation based therapy and trauma informed therapy. This allows me to adapt the therapy to your specific needs as they arise, so you get the most benefit out of the therapeutic process.
My aim is to support you to work through any emotional challenges you may be going through to achieve better emotional health and understanding.
Areas of Interest and Experience
I have experience of working with people experiencing a wide variety of difficulties, from depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation to struggling with life transitions, change, loss, illness, or the aftermath of abuse.
While I am listing a couple of areas that I have a particular interest in this is not exhaustive or exclusive. I am interested in people, their lives, experiences, and challenges with the aim of helping individuals process complex feelings, gain insightand promote healing.
I have a particular interest in working with people who identify as neurodivergent andthe impact of living in what could be seen as a predominantly neurotypical world.
Integrative arts psychotherapy offers opportunities to express oneself using a variety of implicit and explicit means from art making, images, sound, movement or verbalisation. Sometimes words are just not enough.
I provide a neurodivergent affirming approach which promotes self-advocacy and the development of a positive neurodivergent identity.
I am also interested in and have experience of working with young adults (18 and above) who face many challenges as they transition into adulthood and navigate aworld which can feel extremely pressurised. Art therapy can offer a powerful and transformative outlet for young adults, especially during a time of intense emotional development and identity formation.
As a young adult you may struggle to articulate complex emotions. Art can provide asafe, symbolic way to express feelings without needing words. It can also help externalize and integrate difficult memories, making it especially effective for those healing from trauma or abuse.
In all my work it is important to say that I use a trauma-informed approach where I prioritise safety, trust, collaboration, and compassion.
Professional Registration
Art Therapists/Psychotherapists are state registered with the Health Professionals Council (HCPC) https://www.hcpc-uk.org/ The British Association of Art Therapists BAAT https://baat.org/
Cost
My fees are £70 for a one-hour session. I have a limited number of low-cost spaces available for people on very low incomes or who are art psychotherapy trainees. Please contact me to discuss.
Getting in touch
Please make initial contact by email nicola.gratus@cc-psychotherapy.com and I will reply to arrange a 10-15 minute phone conversation (free of charge) so that we can get a sense of whether I could be the right therapist for you.
Psychotherapy trainings
Mentalisation Based Therapy Practitioner Training, Anna Freud Centre
PG Art Psychotherapy Goldsmiths University of London
Foundation in Art Psychotherapy Goldsmiths University of London
Academic Trainings
BA in Fine Art Edinburgh College of Art
What is Art Psychotherapy?
Art Therapy is an established and regulated form of psychotherapy. It uses a mixture of art making and talking and can be extremely helpful for people who struggle to verbalise their distress. It offers the opportunity for the non-verbal expression and communication of your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes we do not know what keeps us stuck, repeating behaviour which causes us distress, or we may not have the words. Art Therapy offers a non-verbal, symbolic language—allowing thoughts and feelings that might be difficult or overwhelming to communicate through words to be expressed visually.