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ArtPlay Creative

Art Psychotherapy & Creative Wellbeing Services

ArtPlay Creative

Art Psychotherapy & Creative Wellbeing Services

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artplaycreativeuk

✨ Nickie Johnson
🎨 Qualified Art Psychotherapist
🧩 HCPC Registered
🌈 Full BAAT Member
🌼 Enhanced DBS

💚 World Mental Health Day 2025 💚 When the w

💚 World Mental Health Day 2025 💚

When the world feels unsteady, creativity can help us find our footing again.

A gentle brushstroke, a line on a page, the swirl of colour meeting paper - small gestures that remind us we’re still here, still feeling, still human.

This year’s theme reminds us how vital it is that everyone has access to care and support, especially in moments of crisis or change. But care also begins in the quiet spaces - a kind word, a moment of play, the courage to reach out, or simply allowing ourselves to rest.

Art can hold those moments - offering comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging when words fall short.

Be gentle with yourself today. Creativity, compassion, and care all count. 🎨💫

#WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD2025 #CreativeWellbeing #ArtTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #artplaycreativeuk

Finished, and she has a friend… 🌸🧡🖤💜

Finished, and she has a friend… 🌸🧡🖤💜

#artplaycreativeuk #art #artwork #sketchbook #doodle #painting #face #paint #process #mindfulart

Just playing with colour and seeing what comes out

Just playing with colour and seeing what comes out… I’m not quite sure who she is yet, or what she might represent, but I’m enjoying the process of letting her unfold. A little work in progress and a reminder to myself that art doesn’t always need answers straight away 🌿🎨✨

#workinprogress #artprocess #watercolorart #creativejourney #intuitiveart #artplay #makersgonnamake #creativityunfolding #artplaycreativeuk #art #arttherapy #face #woman #redhead #create #mindfulart #reflection

✨Reconnecting with creativity!✨ Lately I’ve

✨Reconnecting with creativity!✨

Lately I’ve been reminding myself of the importance of making time for my own creative practice. As an art psychotherapist, I often encourage others to explore, play, and reconnect with the joy of making - and it feels grounding to practise what I preach.

This piece was created with alcohol inks, a medium I’ve always loved for its fluidity, unpredictability, and the way it invites you to let go of control. Returning to it feels like coming back to an old friend 💫 A reminder that creativity isn’t just something I hold space for in others, but something I also need to nurture within myself. 🌿🎨
Final image at the end… ⭐️

#artplaycreativeuk #artmaking
#creativepractice #arttherapist #alcoholinkart #playandcreativity #artastherapy #reconnecting

✨ Work in progress ✨ Today I’ve been explor

✨ Work in progress ✨

Today I’ve been exploring reflective art making inspired by neurographic art. This process is all about slowing down, following the flow of lines, and noticing what emerges along the way. I love how the unexpected shapes and colours create space for reflection and self-discovery.

Sometimes the journey of the pen across the page feels a bit like untangling thoughts or emotions — messy, organic, and beautifully imperfect. 💭🖊️🎨

Do you ever find yourself zoning out into doodles that become something more?

#ArtTherapy #ReflectiveArt #NeurographicArt #ArtMaking #CreativeJourney #ArtForWellbeing #artplaycreativeuk

🎨 Spaces now available for 1:1 Art Therapy! 🌟

Some of my wonderful clients have recently completed their therapy journeys, which means I now have openings to welcome new people into my practice.

Whether you’re looking for a safe space to explore feelings, process challenges, or reconnect with your creativity, art therapy can help. You don’t need to be “good at art” — it’s all about self-expression and what the process brings, not the finished piece.

📍 In-person sessions in my warm and welcoming Art Therapy room in Doncaster
💻 Online sessions via Zoom, MS Teams, or Google Meet – perfect if you can’t travel or prefer to be in your own space

I’m a fully qualified, insured, HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist, a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists, and hold an Enhanced DBS check.

💌 Get in touch today — message me, call 07835 260386, or email info@artplaycreative.co.uk to book your Free Creative Discovery Session (a gentle first step where we can meet, chat, and see if art therapy feels right for you).

I look forward to hearing from you!

Please share 💜

#artplaycreativeuk #ArtTherapy #DoncasterTherapist #OnlineTherapy #CreativeHealing #MentalHealthSupport #ArtForWellbeing #TherapyWithArt

🎨🐾 Making art, side by side… 💙 With the

🎨🐾 Making art, side by side… 💙
With their emotional support kitty snoozing close by, today’s session became a soft space for colour, expression, and connection.

There’s something special about the quiet presence of an animal during creative work - it calms the nervous system, softens the edges, and makes room for feelings that are hard to put into words.

We didn’t need to speak much. The paint said enough.
✨💛

Artwork shared is my own work created alongside my client 💖

#artplaycreativeuk #ArtTherapy #TherapyCat #EmotionalSupportAnimal #CreativeHealing #ArtForMentalHealth #NeurodivergentAffirming #SafeSpaces #ArtInProcess #TherapyWithCompassion #ArtPlayCreative

🌟✨ “Today you are YOU, that is truer than t

🌟✨ “Today you are YOU, that is truer than true…
There is no one alive who is Youer than YOU.” ✨🌟
— Dr. Seuss

There’s something magical about embracing your uniqueness and creative expression is one of the most powerful ways to do it. 🎨💫

Through colour, shape, sound or scribble, we can show up as our truest selves. No rules. Just YOU. 🌞🌈

Let your light shine in all its creative, colourful glory 💛💖

#artplaycreativeuk
#ArtTherapy #DrSeussQuote #YouerThanYou #CreativeExpression #PersonCentredTherapy #BeYourself #CreativeHealing #MentalWellness #TherapyThroughArt #ArtPlayCreative #SelfAcceptance #Inspiration

💫 “The wound is the place where the light ent

💫 “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” – Rumi 💫

In Art Therapy, we honour the wounds — not to dwell in them, but to gently explore the stories they carry. Through creative expression, we can bring light into the darkest spaces, finding meaning, connection, and healing along the way.

Art doesn’t demand words — just presence, curiosity, and the courage to begin. Whether it’s a scribble, a splash of colour, or a quiet moment of making, each act of creation can help transform pain into insight and vulnerability into strength.

🌈 You don’t need to be ‘an artist’ to let the light in. Just be you.

To find out more about how art therapy could help you or someone you know, email: info@artplaycreative.co.uk

I look forward to hearing from you! 💖🫟🎨

#artplaycreativeuk #ArtTherapy #HealingThroughArt #RumiQuote #MentalHealthMatters #CreativeHealing #ArtPlayCreative #TraumaInformedCare #TherapyJourney #PersonCentredCare #LightThroughWounds

Appreciation post for my client’s amazing and su

Appreciation post for my client’s amazing and super cute emotional support Kitty: Midnight 💖🐈‍⬛

She is the purrfect (lol 😝) companion puss for my client, and the relationship they have is so sweet. Midnight brings a sense of calm and reassurance during the difficult times in therapy, and is always welcome 🤗

#artplaycreativeuk #arttherapy #art #therapy #mentalhealth #creativehealing #emotionalsupportanimal #cat #puss #kitty #blackcat #therapeutic

A huge thank you to KNIT-FOR-NOWT for this incredi

A huge thank you to KNIT-FOR-NOWT for this incredible haul of Worry Monsters & Hand Puppets!! 🤩

I am so grateful to Clare, and the army of Knitters/Crocheters who support this cause! I can’t wait to see how my clients choose to explore their thoughts and feelings, and share their stories through these wonderful characters! 🎨🫟💖

Thank you Knit-for Nowt!!

#artplaycreativeuk #arttherapy
#knitfornowt #worrymonster #handpuppets #MentalHealth #knitting #crochet #therapy

Greetings fellow Artists ☺️ I was wearing one

Greetings fellow Artists ☺️

I was wearing one of my own designed T-shirts yesterday and a couple of people asked me if they could buy it anywhere. So I have added it to my little online shop, and a tote bag too! It’s definitely one of my favourite designs, and I hope you love it too! -Nickie x

Art is My Ally! T-Shirts and Organic Tote bags available now!!

Visit: https://artplaycreative.co.uk/product-category/apc-design-studio/printed-products/

To get yours, and let the world know that Art is Your Ally! 🎨🫟💖

#artplaycreativeuk #artismyally #tshirt #printedtshirt #totebag #art #artist #arttherapy #mentalhealth #buynow #gift

What colour are you feeling today? Colours can be

What colour are you feeling today?

Colours can be powerful messengers of emotion. We often “see red” when we’re angry, feel “blue” when we’re sad, or “light up yellow” with joy.

In art therapy, exploring colour can help us connect with emotions we might not have words for.
Which colours do you find yourself drawn to lately—and what might they be saying?

#artplaycreativeuk #ArtTherapy #CreativeHealing #ColourAndEmotion #MentalHealthAwareness #ArtAsExpression

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! 🧠 Mental

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! 🧠

Mental health matters every day—and this week is a special reminder to pause, reflect, and take care of our wellbeing.

Art therapy is a powerful way to explore emotions, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with your creative self—especially when words feel hard to find. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges or simply looking to better understand your inner world, art therapy offers a gentle, person-centred space for healing and growth.

Curious about how art therapy could support you or someone you care about?
Get in touch: info@artplaycreative.co.uk
Or visit: www.artplaycreative.co.uk

Let’s celebrate creativity, compassion, and mental wellness—this week and always. 🎨🫟💖

#artplaycreativeuk
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #Wellbeing #ArtTherapy #CreativeHealing #ExpressThroughArt #HealingThroughCreativity #ArtForMentalHealth #SupportEachOther #YouAreNotAlone #TherapyWorks #MindfulCreativity

Two Years of Art, Healing, and Growth! Today mark

Two Years of Art, Healing, and Growth!

Today marks 2 years since I opened the doors to my private art psychotherapy practice – a space built on creativity, compassion, and connection. I’m so grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey – clients, colleagues, mentors, and supporters.

Thank you for trusting me with your stories and your creativity. Here’s to more colour, courage, and transformation in the years ahead! 💖

#artplaycreativeuk #art #therapy #privatepractice #celebration #ArtTherapy #PrivatePracticeAnniversary #CreativeHealing #ArtPsychotherapist #2YearsOpen #2

Happy Easter from ArtPlay Creative! May your day b

Happy Easter from ArtPlay Creative! May your day be filled with chocolatey delights, joyful doodles, and egg-stra playful moments. Here’s to spring magic, splashy colours, and a sprinkle of gnome-sized giggles! 💖

#artplaycreativeuk #ArtPlayCreative #HappyEaster #CreativeJoy #SpringVibes #ChocolateEggs #WhimsyAndWonder #GnomeGiggles #PlayfulMoments #EasterMagic #ColourfulCreativity

Couldn’t resist playing with AI for a bit of fun

Couldn’t resist playing with AI for a bit of fun with this current trend. Have you done yours yet? 🤣🤩💖

#artplaycreativeuk #cardedactionfigures #ai #trend #actionfigure #fun #artpsychotherapist #lol #haha #arttherapy

Dear Me… This Valentine’s Day, I choose to ce

Dear Me…

This Valentine’s Day, I choose to celebrate the love that starts from within. I am worthy of kindness, compassion, and joy—not just from others, but from myself. Love isn’t just something to give away; it’s something I deserve to receive from myself every single day. Today, I embrace my own heart with the same warmth I would give to someone I cherish 💜

Love Me xoxo

#artplaycreativeuk #art #therapy #arttherapy #valentinesday #selflove #iloveme #selfcare #valentine #happyvalentinesday

February Frostiness 🥶❄️🌲 I’m so lucky

February Frostiness 🥶❄️🌲
I’m so lucky to work next to a park where I get to witness the seasons change and the elements dance throughout the year 💖

#frost #february #seasons #winter #spring #nature #beauty #fortunate #grateful #wrapupwarm

After a long day of sessions, it always feels good

After a long day of sessions, it always feels good to throw some paint down and make a mess 🎨🤪

#artplaycreativeuk #arttherapy #art #therapy #therapeuticart #artmaking #arttherapistsart #longday #processing #processart #regulate #decompress #paint #messy #sketchbook #artist

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