Q: Do I have to be good at art to participate in art therapy?
No particular skill or expertise is needed to participate in art therapy, you do not need to be 'good at art'.

Q: Will the therapist be teaching me techniques?
Art therapy is not art teaching. The therapist does not seek to impart art skills. While it is not necessary to for the client to be artistic in order to benefit from the process, the development of artistic ability can of itself be therapeutic.

Q: Will the therapist interpret my work and be able to see things about me that I can't?
As it is the client who creates the images, the interpretation and understanding of them is guided by the client, not imposed by the therapist.

Q: What if I'm not able to paint a picture?
Art therapy is not about making a work of art or a finished artwork although this may happen. It's more about finding ways to express ideas and feelings through the use of art materials. Scribbles and marks are fine.

Q: Wil I need to bring paints or brushes etc?
All materials are provided by the therapist.

Q: Will I get dirty?
It can be a good idea, especially for children, to wear something that isn't too precious.

Q: Can I take my work with me?
Generally the art work is kept in an individual folder in a safe place by the therapist. At the end of therapy it is up to the client whether they wish to take their work or not.

Q: Wil I be working in a group?
Art therapy can be provided in a group or individually depending on the setting.

Q: Who is Music Therapy for?
Everyone and anyone. Music Therapy is a flexible intervention which may be geared to suit any personal, emotional, healthcare, special education or social dysfunction situation.

Q:Does one have to be musical?
Music Therapy considers everyone as ‘musical beings’, irrespective of their physical, mental or emotional status. Thus, anyone can engage.

Q:Does one have to be able to play an instrument?

Music Therapy is frequently about interacting with music-sound in a creative play mode. It may involve making improvised sounds with instruments and voice, but no prior training is necessary.

Q:What happens in a Music Therapy session ?
This varies widely, and will depend on the inclinations, preferences and dispositions of the individual client. All ages and all situations are catered for. A Music Therapist will offer different options in instrumental sounds, music patterns, vocalisations, improvisations etc.. playing listening and exploring many possibilities. The sessions are usually client-led, interactive and dynamic operating a free creative zone of personal expression. The sessions may be mostly non-verbal, using the music-sound exchange as a framework of communication.

Q: How does Music Therapy work?
It works on the innate human impulse to engage with, react to, and identify with music-sound. This allows people to explore new possibilities, helping transform and enhance their individual well-being. The therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is crucial in building and sustaining a trusting, non-judgemental shared space of creative engagement.

Q: Is Music Therapy about performance, or learning music?
No. Music Therapy is about processing personal dilemmas, intellectual shortfalls, emotional issues, physical compromise, social behaviours etc. It does not aim to teach, prepare for performance or specialise in any particular type of music. It is an open approach to experiencing music-sound, geared to addressing perceived personal needs.

Q; Do I need to be able to act to participate in dramatherapy?
No. Dramatherapy helps people to use their creativity to work on issues that are important to them.  It does this by using Dramatic and Theatrical processes which are explained to the client but you do NOT have to act to make use of Dramatherapy.

Q: Do I have to role play in front of other people?
No. You will not have to do anything you do not want to do.  While Dramatherapy can involve the process of taking on roles - this is only done if the client wants to do this. There are many other ways in which Dramatherapy can work with a client.  For example through storymaking, using scripts, movement, sound etc.

Q: Do I have to dress up?
No. Again. You do not have to do anything that you do not want to do.  In Dramatherapy the methods used are chosen to suit the client and what he/she is comfortable with.   The use of costume and dressing up will only be used where appropriate and so long as the client is happy to do so.

Q: Is dramatherapy always done in a group?
No. Dramatherapy can be done with individuals and in a group setting.

Q: Will I have to speak or perform?
Dramatherapy is psychotherapy through the medium of drama.  Obviously, for the client to benefit communication is essential.  However, one of the advantages of Dramatherapy is that it offers the client a range of communication opportunities - through movement, sound, facial expression, role, and creative imagination.  The client will not be asked to do anything they do not wish to do – including performing. 

Q: Do I need to wear special clothing to take part in Dance Movement Therapy?

Q: Dancing isn't my ‘thing' - I seem to have two left feet. Would I be able to attend the sessions?

Q: What has Dance Movement Therapy to offer over other types of therapy?

Q: Having experienced recent trauma, I have little or no energy, so the thought of dancing is putting me off. Should I still give it a try?

Q: I don't understand how Dance Movement Therapy could work, please explain.

Q: How can Dance Movement Therapy help a person to express their feelings and work through their personal problems?Details to follow........