Therapeutic interventions to help young people and the support systems around them.
Art psychotherapy is a unique therapeutic intervention which I use to support children and young people who are faced with challenging life circumstances. I have extensive experience working with individuals in multidisciplinary settings including schools and social care environments. I am a practitioner who understands and treats a range of presenting issues, some of which can be trauma-based. I integrate a holistic approach and thinking towards the therapeutic work, and understand the ‘biopsychosocial’ system that can impact an individual.
Art psychotherapy uses the art-making process – as well as talking – to visually express feelings, thoughts and life stories that can help reconnect ourselves and positively reframe our lives.
My services support educational institutions, care homes, and social services for children and adolescents, as well as consultancy and training for allied professionals. I have a specialism in working with ASD populations and am trauma and developmentally-informed in my practice. I have a particular interest towards how young people formulate relationships, the influence of digital media, and how individuals navigate identity-based issues.
I also hold forensic experience and am AIM3 trained, working with harmful sexual behaviour in adolescents. An HSB therapeutic intervention aims to resolve historical trauma and address distorted thinking and healthy relationships using a psychodynamic and psycho-educative approach.
Health Care Professions Council registered and fully insured
I aim to help individuals explore and understand their internal world through art therapy. I believe that self-knowledge and understanding can lead to personal change, pro-social attitudes and overall wellbeing.
ONE-TO-ONE OR GROUP SESSIONS
For young people or staff within institutions. I also work privately on a one-to-one basis in Brighton and Hove
CONSULTANCY
For teachers, senior leadership, social care managers, social workers, support workers, and special needs coordinators. Workshops, presentations and advisory services on therapeutic interventions, the effect of trauma, and harmful sexual behaviour.
SUPERVISION
For trainees and practitioners in the South East of England area for in-person ongoing professional support. I am available online too.
CASE STUDIES
CASE STUDIES
LET’S CONNECT
Use the Contact form below. Or call. Or connect with LinkedIn.
LET’S MEET
I speak with your team, visit your facility, and review your materials
PARTNERSHIP
Let’s agree a package of art therapy services that works for your team
Want to set up therapeutic services in your own social/educational institution?
I have helped many social care and educational institutions set up therapeutic practices for young people’s wellbeing.
Workshops and presentations about art psychotherapy for teachers, support workers, and special needs
Team workshops to build ideas and team dynamics, using art-making processes to facilitate.
3 reasons to consider group art therapy sessions
1) Participants can discover similar problems and anxieties
2) Safe place to share. Peer support and trust
3) Opportunities to build meaningful relationships
years experience working in the therapeutic, social, educational fields supporting children and adolescents use art therapy to overcome challenges
educational settings served
art therapy groups delivered
“I have known Sam Leicester as trainee and subsequently as a colleague. He is a professional, motivated and talented art psychotherapist. I highly recommend him.”
Dr Jill Westwood
Programme Convenor: MA Art Psychotherapy – Goldsmiths, University of London
HCPC Art Psychotherapist
“I feel a completely different person and have never been happier.”
Client
“Sam has been working with the young people in our care for 3 years now and has made a significant difference to their lives. He has been successful in breaking down barriers that previously prevented them from accessing the therapeutic support they so needed.
As an organisation, we feel very strongly that our investment in having Sam as our Art Therapist has been so valuable to the young people that costs involved have been totally outweighed by the great results we have seen in those young people making use of the service he provides.
His ability to form strong, therapeutic relationships with our young people has surpassed our hopes and expectations and we would happily recommend Sam to any person/s or organisation wishing to improve their services and outcomes.”
Kim Owens Therapeutic Services Director
Southern Adolescent Care Services Ltd
(southernadolescentcare.co.uk)
Find my professional history on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/sam-leicester
Let’s Talk
Simple add-on services to your existing schedules. Flexible session structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses both art media and talking as its primary mode of communication.
How does art therapy help young people?
The relationship between client, therapist and image or artefact offers another way of communicating. This can be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express thoughts and feelings verbally.
What happens during an art therapy sessions?
We will meet regularly in a space with art materials to explore. In addition to sharing feelings and thoughts verbally, clients are invited to use art-making process to express themselves.
What is the link between art psychotherapy and neuroscience?
Science has helped us understand the brain using abundant neuroscientific data, and has enhanced and complemented the profession of art psychotherapy. Art psychotherapy has been recognised as allowing individuals to identify thoughts, reframe their experiences that in turn can enhance one’s quality of life. Art therapy can be particularly helpful with young people as their brains are still developing. As the practice of art therapy is non-verbal and emotionally lead, it can allow access to this particular part of the brain – the amygdala – and can help unlock memories associated with the hippocampus.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions are either held in a group (for an hour and a half) or done individually (50 minutes).
The overall length of the therapeutic intervention is agreed between client and art therapist.
What do art therapy sessions cost?
Please contact me for further information regarding prices for hourly individual sessional work. Full or half day fees within institutions can also be quoted on request.