What is Art Therapy?

My Approach to Art Therapy:

Art therapy offers a creative and therapeutic space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that feels right for you.

Sessions use art-making to support expression and understanding, especially when things are difficult to put into words. A wide range of materials may be used, including paint, clay, and drawing materials.

Talking can also be part of sessions if that feels helpful to you. Using both art and conversation allows for different ways of expressing and communicating.

At times, drawing, painting, building or even tearing materials can feel like a more natural way to express emotions and can offer a sense of release.

Art therapy is not about being “good at art.” There is no right or wrong way to create. The focus is on the process rather than the finished piece, using creativity as a way to reflect, explore, and better understand yourself.

My practice is grounded in psychodynamic, person-centred, and trauma-informed approaches. This means sessions are shaped around your individual needs, and I work holistically, considering how different areas of your life connect and influence one another. We may explore how past experiences affect the present, always at a pace that feels safe and supportive.

I provide sessions to children, young people and adults.

What I can offer:

  • Individual art therapy sessions (50 minutes) online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

  • I offer individual and group art thearpy sessions in a wide variety of settings, including schools, care homes and community settings.

    Get in touch via the contact page for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I offer art therapy to children, young people, and adults experiencing a wide range of emotional, psychological, and mental health challenges.

    Art therapy can support people experiencing:

    • Anxiety and stress

    • Depression or low mood

    • Low self-esteem and confidence

    • Relationship difficulties

    • Self-harm

    • Eating disorders

    • Bereavement and grief

    • Trauma and PTSD

    • ADHD

    • Autism

    • Learning disabilities

    • Life transitions and feelings of being overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected

    I also have experience working with:

    • Refugees and asylum seekers

    • Survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking

    • People living with dementia

    • Children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and complex needs

  • Fees for Individuals:

    Standard Rate: £50 per session
    (online)

    Concession Rate: £47 per session
    (online)

    Session fees can be adjusted if shorter sessions are more appropriate. For example, younger children may benefit from 30-minute sessions, which are offered at a reduced rate.

    If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a concessionary rate, please get in touch.

    Fees for Organisations:

    If you are enquiring on behalf of a school, charity, or organisation, please contact me directly to discuss tailored pricing and service options.

    Initial Consultation:

    I offer a free 20-minute consultation, either online or by phone.

    This is an opportunity for us to talk about what has brought you to art therapy, explore what you hope to gain from the sessions, and consider whether we feel like a good fit to work together.

    You can arrange a free consultation by getting in touch via the contact page.

    Payment:

    Payment is made via bank transfer and is due prior to each session (unless otherwise agreed).

  • During our initial free consultation, we will discuss the frequency and duration of sessions to find an approach that best suits your needs.

    Sessions may be open-ended or arranged in blocks of 6 or 12 weeks. These plans remain flexible and can be reviewed and adjusted as the work progresses.

    To support a safe and consistent therapeutic process, sessions are usually held once a week, on the same day, at the same time and location. This regularity helps to build trust and provides a stable space for deeper therapeutic work.

    While weekly sessions are most common, fortnightly sessions can also be arranged where appropriate.

    Some people prefer short-term work focused on a particular issue, while others choose longer-term, open-ended therapy. We can explore what feels right for you during the initial consultation.

  • For online sessions, clients are responsible for providing their own materials. This might include simple drawing supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, pastels, paints, paper, collage materials, or any materials that feel accessible and expressive to you. I am very happy to offer guidance on selecting materials that suit your needs and budget.

    Clients attending online sessions are also responsible for the safe and confidential storage of any artwork created at home.

  • Your privacy, safety, and confidentiality are central to my practice. I am committed to protecting your personal information and providing a safe, respectful therapeutic environment.

    Everything shared within sessions is confidential. The only exceptions are where there is a legal obligation, or where there is a serious concern about your safety or the safety of others. Any limits to confidentiality will always be explained clearly at the start of our work together.

    I adhere to the ethical standards and professional guidelines set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). I am also registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and comply with current data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

    All personal data is stored securely and used solely for the purpose of providing a professional art therapy service.

    Full details regarding privacy, confidentiality, and data handling are provided in the therapy contract. You are always welcome to ask questions about how your information is stored or used.

  • Art therapy is not a crisis service.

    If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please contact one of the following free, 24-hour support services:

About Me

Phoebe Ramsay-Stagg

Art Therapist

I am a fully qualified Art Psychotherapist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). I hold an MSc in Art Psychotherapy from Queen Margaret University and have experience delivering art therapy across private practice, healthcare, education, and the third sector.

I am based in Edinburgh and Highland Perthshire, dividing my time between a private Art Therapy practice (both in-person and online), my artistic practice producing commissioned work, and the facilitation of community-based arts projects.