The Wellness Centre is pleased to announce the addition of Art Psychotherapy as a new clinical service.

Art Psychotherapy is an evidenced based mental health profession, which facilitates creativity as an additional or substitute method of communication and expression.

“Anyone, who finds it difficult to express feelings or thoughts with only their words, is an ideal candidate for art therapy,” Shannon Seymour, Director and Registered Clinical Psychologist at the Wellness Centre, said.

“Throughout the therapeutic process, the act of making the art and the final art product is used by the client through the therapist’s support, to examine their experiences, emotions and thoughts,” Anne-Maire Diaz, Caymanian Art Psychotherapist, said.

The aim of art psychotherapy is to provide an experience that brings about mental and emotional growth. Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly.

“The benefit of art therapy can be experienced by individuals with a wide range of medical and mental health needs, as well as individuals with developmental, intellectual or behavioural disorders,” Miss Diaz said.

Art therapy is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients’ needs. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art or art making.

Although influenced by psychoanalysis, art therapists have been inspired by theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy and have developed a broad range of client-centred approaches such as psycho-educational, mindfulness, cognitive analytic therapies, and socially engaged practice. 

“It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable,” Miss Diaz said.

Miss Diaz is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (UK), as an Art Therapist and is registered with the Cayman Islands Council for Professionals Allied with Medicine (CPAM) as a Counselor/Therapist (Art Psychotherapist). Throughout her clinical training and experience Anne-Marie has worked with children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health and behavioural needs in settings which included hospitals, out-patient clinics, schools and homes.

Miss Diaz will be hosting a public information session about Art Therapy on Feb 15^th 12pm – 1pm at the Art Nest, Pasadora Plaza. For more information contact Anne-Marie at [email protected].

Photo Caption: Anne-Maire Diaz, Caymanian Art Psychotherapist.

For further information about The Wellness Centre visit: www.wellnesscentre.ky