P E T R I C H O R
Psychotherapy
petrichor (noun)
'the smell of rain on earth'
Welcome to my online profile. My name is Petra, I am an art therapist, psychotherapist and counsellor. I work one-to-one with adults with different mental health needs. My work is grounded in a holistic approach, respecting all individuals as sovereign and autonomous beings. I work in a psychodynamic, trauma informed and compassion-focused way. I have clinical experience with depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, PTSD, suicidal ideation, childhood sexual abuse, anger, bi-polar disorder, BPD, eating disorders and other causes and symptoms affecting mental health. I also work with children, the older population and art therapy students. I am available for face-to-face and online sessions.
The first step towards wellbeing is acknowledging you are suffering. It takes courage to ask for professional help. The therapeutic relationship is confidential, non-judgemental and respectful of all beliefs. I am a member of the Health Care Professions Council and the British Association of Art Therapists.
Call me on: 07738785781
Psychotherapy and counselling provide a space to identify and in time transform unwanted behaviour and thinking patterns. Unprocessed traumas can be investigated and alleviated by finding new ways to approach problems and regulate emotions. With regular, weekly sessions a strong therapeutic relationship can begin to form. Looking at the containment and projection of feelings, childhood attachment patterns and their bearing on how we respond to challenging situations as adults. To empower people to find their own coping mechanisms and come to terms with events and relationships that are causing them distress, in a safe and meaningful way.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy which places value on the art work created within the therapeutic setting. Art making can be a grounding and rewarding way to explore difficult emotions and shine light on what’s holding you back from living fully. You do not have to be ‘good at art’ to take part, just willing to make a mark. There is no obligation to use art materials in your session; any imagery is welcome, including photography and digital media. Everyone paints a metaphorical picture when they share their personal story. Alongside talking, art making can be a useful tool to help express and interpret thoughts and feelings.
To get the most out of therapy, regular weekly appointments are advisable. Following an initial consultation via telephone or email we will arrange a time and location to meet which suits us both. I am available to meet in Monmouthshire and Herefordshire; I also offer sessions on zoom. Ideally we will agree to work together for a minimum of 6 weeks. Sessions are charged at £60 per hour with a negotiable reduction for students. Fees are payable on the day. 24 hours notice is required for cancellation of a session.
I came to art psychotherapy as an artist and photographer with a love of well-being and a deep sense of connection to the natural world. I was fortunate to spend my childhood in the British countryside where I had the freedom to play, create and explore. After leaving school, I studied at Chelsea School of Art and Birmingham Polytechnic, where I received a BA(hons) in Illustration. Whilst traveling in my early twenties, I became interested in Eastern philosophy and Jungian psychology, alongside an ever-evolving art practice.
As life progressed I began to understand that learned ways of coping with childhood traumas can keep a person locked into unhelpful ways of thinking and reacting as an adult, making relationships difficult and taking their toll on mental health. This awakened a desire to understand the processes towards well-being; to learn how the unconscious mind affects our daily experience; to discover ways to accept and integrate the shadow aspect of ourselves.
I applied to study an MA in Art Psychotherapy at the University of South Wales. During 3 years of study I honed my focus on mental health. As my studies continued, I began researching the subtle properties of different art mediums’ influence on emotive, cognitive and somatic experience, a focus of my 3rd year thesis.
Since qualifying in 2022 I have continued working one-to-one with adults as a psychotherapist and art therapist. I receive regular supervision and am registered with the Health Care Professions Council and the British Association of Art Therapists.
Thank you for reminding me that the light always returns. You won't ever know how much you have helped me. I'm so glad it was you to be beside me on my journey.
I highly recommend Petra as a counsellor to anyone, she really listens and cares, she is empathetic to the core but also is so skilled to know when to bring challenge.
Petra has restored peace back into my world and has been my consistent safe place each week. Counselling has changed my life in such a positive way.
Petra has driven me to work hard on myself and look at things differently and I want to highly recommend her and thank her for walking my journey with me.
Petra has significantly helped me on a journey of self reflection towards my true authenticity and a higher awareness of my subconscious triggers.
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