ABOUT ANNA

I have over ten years experience working in the NHS, and currently work as an art psychotherapist in cancer care, providing therapy for both inpatients and outpatients. Prior to training as an art psychotherapist I worked as a nurse, holding roles in oncology, accident and emergency, sexual health and as a clinical nurse specialist in palliative care. My extensive experience in cancer and end of life care informs my practice, and I am particularly attuned to exploring how trauma and illness can affect a person’s sense of self, relationship with their body and impact upon existential ideas about mortality. Through creative thinking and artistic exploration within the therapeutic relationship we can begin to process these issues.

My other area of specialism is sexual health, with a focus on the psychosocial aspects of sexual identity, sexuality, HIV diagnosis, gender and relationships. I work closely with survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse within my role as Health Adviser at a leading sexual health clinic in Central London, where I provide a safe, contained space in order to begin the process of healing.

In my private art therapy practice I work with adults and children, and have experience of working with children and young adults with Special Educational Needs. Creativity can be a portal into worlds that may have seemed inaccessible, where the possibilities for discovery are endless whilst maintaining a safe framework.

As a freelance illustrator I have extensive experience of working with magazines, publishing houses, record labels and private clients. I have held several exhibitions in London, the USA and Australia, and in 2014 set up my own online magazine exploring the intersections of art and medicine.

Qualifications:

MA Art Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths University - with Distinction

Diploma Adult Nursing - London South Bank University

BA (Hons) Illustration - University of Brighton

Professional Registrations

Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC)- Art Psychotherapist - Registration No: 17011

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) - Adult Nurse - Registration No: O9C1267E

Awards:

Corinne Burton Memorial Scholarship for Art Psychotherapy in Cancer Care - 2017

Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship Award - Creating Legacy Projects for Patients in Hospital, Hospice and Home - 2016