Anastasia Voutsa
ART PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Software and Technology
My journey started when I volunteered at the Art Therapy International Festival in Greece. It indicated a suitable career path for me and I went into my Master’s Art Psychotherapy training where I was selected to work in school settings as part of the Place2Be organization with children struggling with their mental health and socialising issues. The next step was to do a placement as part of the NHS in adult mental health wards and now I work as a freelance project coordinator for Art Clubbers setting up LGBTQ+ art therapy workshops and setting up my private practice.
AM
It highly depends on the way you practice art therapy
For example when I work for an organization
- Upon arrival (and after my coffee ) I read the updates and risk events on my patient’s profiles on Rio software.
- Preparation of the art tool kit according to each patient’s needs, levels, and preferences.
- Walk on the ward, liaise with ward staff to see how my patients are doing.
PM
- Meet the patient and start the session! – During this time anything creative, unconscious via transference, and countertransference will take place. Within the safe space of the art room and with specific therapeutic boundaries art-making takes place with reflection, discussion, and introspection!
- After I guide my patient back to their room I spend some time within the space writing down my event notes and drawing a responsive artwork.
- At the end of the day after seeing all my patients I would attend supervision with my manager in which we discuss the patient’s artwork, our views towards the therapeutic goals, progress, and how it is useful for the patient to carry on.
- Don’t forget you are an artist as well as an art therapist! Keep drawing for your enjoyment and expression of emotions!
- When a patient’s case triggers some of your complexes and patterns, it is always healthy to take it to personal therapy and supervision for a contained and safe resolution!
- CPD Courses and workshops- Do continue to learn and educate yourself to grow therapeutically!
MY WORK
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