Hello, I’m Nickie Johnson and I’m a qualified and HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist, and the Founder of ArtPlay Creative.
A little about me…
As a child, I was always drawn to art, and pursued Art and Design throughout my education – specifically Photography, up to Graduate level, when I decided to join the NHS and focus my career as a Clinical Photographer and Ophthalmic Imager. Throughout this time, my relationship with the visual arts was on and off, and eventually I started to feel that there was something missing. As I got older, I realised I missed it and needed more art in my life – not just photography, but all arts, crafts and colourful forms of expression. I started to make art again and through a personal battle with depression and anxiety I found that it was such a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. It was then that I decided to pursue a career change into art therapy.
I earned my Master’s degree in Art Psychotherapy Practice from Leeds Beckett University and have been practicing as a student and qualified Art Therapist for approximately 3+ years. During this time, I have worked with a variety of wonderful Service Users, including children, teens, adults, and seniors, and their families where appropriate. I have also worked with adults and children who are on the autistic spectrum and/or have been diagnosed with ADHD.
My approach to art therapy is person-centered and trauma-informed. I believe that every service user is unique and deserves to be treated with respect, empathy, and compassion. Time and space is such an important and sadly rare commodity these days, and I feel every person deserves those things, where they can feel safe and held whilst processing some of the issues that might be troubling them. I use a variety of techniques in my practice, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture, to help clients express their emotions and work through their challenges.
Outside of my work as an art therapist, I enjoy nature, reading, and most of all spending time with my family (including my cat) snuggled up binge watching a TV box-set, or rewatching the Harry Potter movies for the millionth time!
If you’re interested in learning more about how art therapy can help you, your child, or someone you know, please feel free to contact me at: info@artplaycreative.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you
Nickie x.