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What is art psychotherapy?
It is an opportunity to drop the focus on words, and freedom to think, feel, and explore a struggle whilst using art materials - in any way you like. There are no rules about making an end product. 

Do I need to be good at art?
Absolutely not! Anyone is welcome to use clay, plaster, paint and other available materials to make their mark. There is no focus on a finished object, nor does it matter if the materials are all new to you. I work with people from all professions and ages, the freedom to explore is all you need.

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How I work as an art psychotherapist.
My approach is essentially client-led and psychodynamic, working at the client’s pace with whatever the client wants to explore or seeks to understand. I utilise a wide choice of materials and aim to empower clients to find their own voice. Each client is different and therefore the number of sessions a client needs varies. I suggest an initial free 15-minute phone call to answer these and any other questions that you may have, and to see if and how we can work together, with no obligation.

 

How often do I come to therapy?

Sessions are weekly, at the same time each week. I do not offer bi-weekly sessions. If working within a time limit is important for you, please discuss this with me. It is important that we plan ending sessions in just the same way as we plan starting therapy.

 

How will work with you in the studio?
I run my practice from a quiet, spacious dedicated studio, in Uckfield East Sussex. The studio is on the ground floor, with outdoor space.

 

Can I have a blend of art therapy and EMDR?

Yes, and for some people this works best of all. We can explore if this is right for you and discuss what this would entail. For some individuals working with a mixed approach can be especially helpful in case of trauma and neurodiversity for example. 
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
Suitable for many types and severities of trauma, however small or life changing it maybe, EMDR works rapidly to move past the trauma to reach a point in life where the individual can live free of its grip. Although EMDR has become known for its work with PTSD sufferers (Vietnam veterans originally), it can work with phobias, pain, addiction, abuse cases, OCD and many more issues. What is important is a careful assessment for your suitability for EMDR prior to any actual processing beginning. Unlike talking therapy or counselling, EMDR works without the need to voice, describe or detail any issue, which can be important for shame-based trauma work, and in cases of limited speech or non-verbal clients. Please ask for a detailed explanation of EMDR, and I will be happy to help. 

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My Story​

 

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Art has always been central to my identity, and I am lucky as it has always informed my career as well as in my personal life. After much graduate and post graduate study, I eventually managed to successfully blend my love of art and science into a career, until my professional life took me to some pretty uncreative places.

Much earlier in my career, whilst working with vulnerable children I became aware of the work of art psychotherapists, and their positive impact on abused children, particularly non-verbal children. It was this powerful memory that propelled me to retrain as an art psychotherapist.

I welcome different emotional issues, ages and abilities into my practice, and I have experience working with a many different issues. These range to include anxiety, depression, support for autistic and/or ADHD individuals, gender dysphoria, disordered eating, eating disorders, trauma such as PTSD, and sexual and physical abuse and incest. Some individuals need support with issues around past and present life events such as divorce. I have a body of experience working with children and adults affected by terminal illness, life altering conditions, death and grief. Past experience as an art psychotherapist include an NHS adult community learning disabilities team, a children's Hospice and a state SEN school 5-16 years, and a local charity in Brighton. I am available for 1-1 art psychotherapy and small group work, EMDR or combined art therapy & EMDR. Please check this website for updates.
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*Please note that currently I do not have availability to work with children. Thank you for your patience*​

 

 

Qualifications
Art therapy is a Master’s degree Level Training and is a protected title, regulated by the Health Care Professions Council. Art therapists are registered with the British Association of Art Therapists and follow their Code of Ethics.
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Art Psychotherapy MA (Goldsmiths)
​M Phil (University of Manchester)
Post Graduate MA Diploma (Medical Artists Association of Great Britain & Royal. College Surgeons)
​BA Hons (University of Lancaster)
​EMDR Parts 1-3 (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) Therapist (UK EMDR Accredited Training)
EMDR Parts 1 & 2 Children and Young People 0-18 years 
​Level 2 Understanding Autism
​BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) full member No: BAAT reg no: 41344
​HCPC registered (Health Care Professions Council) HCPC reg no: AS15962,

 

CPD is ongoing
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                 Fully Insured (Howdens).                  
DBS registered (Enhanced)
Koestler Arts Mentor
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Please contact me for a free talk and to see if art psychotherapy or EMDR is for you:

email: paularhymesart@gmail.com.    Telephone: 07852912046

My address: The studio, New Olives, High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1QE, East Sussex
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Directions to my studio:  My studio is central in Uckfield High Street, on the same side as Waitrose, walk up to the Pelican crossing, Clarks Shoe shop and Lansdown Health shop will be opposite you, and you will be next to some black railings and a gate, that’s me!  Walk through the black gate in the black railings,  along the path where you will see a blue table and chairs and a pink front door, I will meet you there.

Parking is free in Luxford carpark, or shopping in nearby Waitrose or Tesco also provides some free time, limited parking. Thank you   
 
Testimonials for EMDR and Art Psychotherapy 
"My name is Alice and I'm an actor and teacher living in London. I received online EMDR sessions with Paula over a period of six months in 2023 and I'm so grateful that I spent this time working with her. I found Paula to be a wonderful therapist. I connected to her quickly, even on zoom, and felt reassured by her kindness and professionalism. Paula provided me with the space and support to tackle some really tough traumatic memories, and I continue to use her tools today when I need them. I highly recommend Paula as doing EMDR with her has truly had a lasting positive impact on my life". 
​(A W, London)
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"I had never heard of EMDR until I came to it through art psychotherapy, the two worked really well together, making what was a very tricky time of my life much easier.  I am neurodiverse, and I can get very overwhelmed at times, meaning that I need a bit of time and understanding during therapy, especially as I have experienced a lot of childhood trauma - that's why I sought help, childhood abuse. Thankfully, I can face each day now, without the flashbacks, knowing that a memory is just that, a memory, and they no longer seize my body and stop me in my tracks. Paula has allowed me to find freedom from pain using EMDR and art therapy together and she understood how to work with my autistic mind positively, I am so grateful to her".
(T.O,  ADHD & Autistic, Sussex).​​​​​​​

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"I’ve had EMDR therapy and art therapy with Paula and have found them both extremely beneficial, having come away with different tools to use in the future as well as a much better understanding of myself.

From the first time I met Paula, I felt completely at ease - her warmth and compassion made the experience so much easier. The studio felt like a sanctuary of calm, a safe space in which I could comfortably voice any fears or problems.

I am so grateful to Paula for the help she has given me and wouldn’t hesitate to work with her again in the future."

​(D. Nottingham, 48 yrs, Sussex)

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"Paula helped me through so much and helped me achieve things i didn't think myself capable of. I find myself living a much more full and confident life, where i feel comfortable to be myself and embrace what makes me different, and able to handle difficult moments."

(Trav T, 19 yrs, Sussex)

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