I am Caroline Eliza Lyttle the practice owner and principal art therapist at True Nature Art Therapy.
Introduction
I have always been creative, drawing, painting and making from childhood, escaping into the woods in rural Ireland, with my apple, colours and sketch pad, to return home with an armful of treasures - bones, rocks and chestnuts !
During difficult times in adulthood, creative expression became the reliable light in the darkness.
Professional academic training in Art Therapy consolidated a commitment to the practice. I have an assured competency in counselling skills embedded within my art therapy practice, understanding of psychotherapeutic theory and an eclectic range of tools and approaches to call upon to guide clients.
With extensive experience in running groups I also have a wide knowledge of art skills, techniques and processes to share. I value my artist identity and that of art therapist with equal measure, one nourishing the other.
As an art therapist, I embrace a person- led approach, with a strength- based focus. A compassionate listener, I will respect and honour your choices, goals and decisions, and will be your fellow traveller on your journey toward enhanced well-being. My aim is to support and inspire you to be creative in whatever form you choose. I will work with you therapeutically; to increase your self-awareness, to be flexible psychologically, to feel well in body, mind and spirit, to be at one with yourself, so you can relate openly and honestly with others, and to experience a zest for life.
I also embrace the approach and philosophy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT), as it aligns well with art therapy, and find it most useful when working one -on- one with clients, aiming to establish a rich and meaningful life, based on values they hold dear.
“All Shall Be Well” - Julian Of Norwich
While creative expression can be a mindful practice in itself, I am also a trained and experienced meditator and enjoy sharing this practice of stillness with others.
Key Qualifications
Masters of Art Therapy AThR. Post Graduate Diploma in Education | BA in Visual Arts and Contemporary Crafts | BA, Honours in Home Economics | Professional registration with the Australian, New Zealand & Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association(ANZACATA).
Key Areas of Practice
Whilst I prefer to avoid labelling people, I have experience in working with clients with presentations linked to; mental health- especially anxiety and depression, disabilities and disadvantage, attachment issues, addictions, trauma, eating disorders, cancer care, existential concerns, palliative and spiritual care.
A growing area is working with clients on the Autism spectrum, and children with ADHD.
Presently, I devote myself to private practice, offering individual Art Psychotherapy and Child Centred Play Therapy all year round, and groups as and when they are requested.
