Art Cafe

Thursdays 2.15–3.45pm

These are sessions in which anyone of any ability is encouraged to express themselves through a range of media and techniques.

“It’s an opportunity to be yourself, in a social environment, but with no pressure...you can be as quiet as you want, you can engage as much as you want, it’s a very nice environment.”

The art cafe is by referral and assessment only. Contact counselling@coplestoncentre.org.uk

Who can make use art therapy and therapeutic art making?

Anyone can make use of the visual arts no matter what level of skill or experience you may have.  

What is The Art Café?

The Art Café is an art-making social group which offers regular art making themes and materials.  It is a place where you can meet socially and you are encouraged to participate in the group art making projects, but this is never compulsory.  This is not a therapy group but nonetheless has many of the benefits to wellbeing that follow from making art with friends.

Tea and some snacks are offered as part of the group so do alert us if you have any allergies.

The Service

James West is a BAAT and HCPC state regulated therapist 30 years of art psychotherapy practice working in private practice, the community and the NHS.

Fees

As a charity funded by gift aided donations at the Copleston Centre we run a low-cost service and charging a nominal fee for our sessions, dependent on income or earnings per annum. We request a donation of £4 for sessions.  However, if you are unable to offer a donation, please speak to your facilitator about this. This should not be a barrier to your receiving support.

Confidentiality

What is said during groups is confidential and private and so it is expected that in the Art Café that things that are said within the group remain private. This helps everybody to feel safe and trust the space.  However, if things are said that indicate that you or someone else may be at risk or in danger then the facilitator may need to act to protect you or another person.

All therapists and facilitators are supervised in their work. Part of the supervision process is that clinical work is discussed. This means that your facilitator will discuss aspects of your care confidentially with their supervisor and you remain anonymous during the discussion.  The aim of this is to offer you the best possible support and also to offer the therapist support in offering you care. If you have any questions, please speak to your facilitator.

Referrals

We accept self-referrals and referrals via other organisations with your permission. Once a referral has been received, you will be contacted, and an assessment is then booked with the therapist. Appointments are on Thursday mornings at 10.30am. After the assessment, you will be offered a start date and time.