Arts Psychotherapies Service
Arts Psychotherapies developed from the 1940's when artists, actors, musicians, psychiatrists and psychologists recognised the value of art making and creativity for treating psychiatric conditions.
Over the last 60 years the Arts Psychotherapies have developed into recognised professions. In order to practise therapists must be fully trained to Masters level. Practising Arts Psychotherapist's are state registered, have continuing professional development and perform to professional standards laid down by the the Health Professionals Council, The British Association of Art Therapists, The British Association of Drama Therapists, Association of Music Therapists and the Association for Dance and Movement Therapy.
Arts Psychotherapies are also recognised as Talking Therapies, which are integral to the forward planning of the mental health service within the NHS. Arts Psychotherapists have a sound knowledge of the psychodynamic model and work with the conscious and unconscious material that emanates from the verbal interaction and creative processes within the therapeutic relationship. This unique thinking space allows us to work with a wide range of people, including those who have difficulty engaging on social, emotional or verbal levels.
The Arts Psychotherapies profession has been established in Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health and Social Care Partnership NHS Trust since 1978 originally at Fairfield Hospital and in 1987 at Bromham Hospital. Since then we work in three directorates POWA (People of Working Age), SPLD (Services for People who have a Learning Disability) and CAMH (Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
