Jemma Timberlake (she/her)
About me
Since qualifying as an Art Psychotherapist (MA, HCPC, BAAT) I have worked therapeutically with both adolescents and primary aged children in schools, in a CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) outpatient setting, and with adults in a mental health charity. Prior to this, I completed a degree in illustration before gaining extensive experience supporting children on the autistic spectrum in education. This led me to begin to facilitate creative wellbeing workshops within the charity sector, supporting service users with extensive brain injuries and those who were accessing homeless support services. ​​​
My practice
I bring warmth, compassion and empathy to the therapy room, aiming to gently challenge and offer new perspectives whilst bringing a source of light in the darkness. I have a particular interest in (but not limited to) working with neurodiversity (autism, ADHD), trauma, low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement, intergenerational patterns, and gender transition/dysphoria.
Adopting a person centred and non-judgemental approach which is psychodynamic & psychoanalytical, where we can focus on both past and present experiences. Exploring attachment theory, noticing repeating relational patterns, cycles of conflict, and thinking collaboratively about how you can begin to break free from these.
Encouraging you to develop kindness and compassion towards yourself, to think holistically by tuning into the whole person; mind, body, and family system, whilst considering the impact of the wider social environment on your wellbeing.
Art therapy can help you to articulate & process traumatic experiences, to hold and contain some of the unspoken pain. Together we can share curiosity about what emerges in the imagery, how it felt connecting to the materials, and to think about what your creations might be telling us about your life experiences & sense of self.​
It is my belief that effective therapy is about building a foundation of trust and a safe base, meeting you where they are currently at and able to go. We can use creative expression, art making, metaphors, play, psychoeducation, and conversation to work through present challenges and current fears whilst also nurturing hopes for your future.
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What is Art Psychotherapy?
​Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, delivered by trained art therapists (also known as art psychotherapists).
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​Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth. During art therapy, you are supported by an art therapist to use art to express and articulate often complex thoughts and feelings through art making. This may be following difficult or traumatic experiences which may be hard to talk about.​​
British Association of Art Therapists
​No previous art skills/experience are required to participate in Art Psychotherapy sessions, with the focus being on the process, not the end product.
Accessing the unconscious through the act of creating can increase feelings of empowerment, agency and ownership of your own story, when words alone are not enough.​
The Practice Rooms
Art Psychotherapy sessions are for 50 minutes and charged at £70 per session. I am able to offer a limited number of reduced sessions to those who are receiving benefits.
My practice is based in the wellness centre at The Practice Rooms on Ship Street in the centre of Brighton.The space is easy to find, with many bus routes close by and is a 11 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station.
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The therapy room is a calm and comforting environment with natural light, plants and homely furnishings.​
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​Inclusive, de-medicalised and trauma sensitive Art Psychotherapy sessions are provided. I hold a welcoming space for clients from all backgrounds, where culture, identity and difference can be explored.
Long or short term work is offered. Sessions can be done online or in person. All wet and dry art materials are supplied. Please contact me to discuss my way of working.​
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The Practice Rooms, Brighton
Ship Street
Brighton
BN1 1AF