Creative and Symbolic Counselling
Creative and symbolic counselling offers a new and different way to explore emotions, challenges and worries.
At Your Space Counselling and Psychotherapy, I take a flexible, personalised approach because everyone experiences things differently. Alongside traditional counselling, I use creative and symbolic counselling-because sometimes, words just aren’t enough to express how we feel.
Creative and symbolic counselling offers a different way to explore your emotions—one that’s visual, expressive, and profoundly meaningful. This might be through varying creative methods like imagery, storytelling, symbols and metaphors, we can explore emotions in a way that feels natural, comfortable, and meaningful.
If this feels like the right fit for you, I’d love to help. I offer sessions in person in Bristol and online, so you can choose what works best for you. For more details about how it all works, including fees, take a look at the 'About Counselling' section.
Examples of creative tools that can be used within the counselling space
(when appropriate and if a client agrees to working in this way)
Why creative therapy?
Not everyone feels comfortable talking one-on-one in counselling, and that’s completely okay.
Traditional talk therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming or limiting, but creative and symbolic counselling offers another way to express thoughts and emotions—one that’s engaging, flexible, and personal.
Sessions should feel supportive and engaging, especially for children and young people, who for some may find it difficult to sit and talk for 50 minutes.
By incorporating creative methods, therapy can become a more natural and enjoyable experience. Flexibility is key, and I always adapt my approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
The best part? No artistic skills are needed—just an open mind! Creative therapy is for everyone, regardless of age, offering a meaningful way to express feelings, reflect, gain self-awareness or a new perspective.
When can creative and symbolic counselling help?*...
*This list is not exclusive and just a few of the many issues that i work with and have been presented with.
Please do enquire so we can discuss together what it is you would like to explore in counselling and how we might be able to work together.
- You find it hard to put feelings into words –
Expressing emotions through creative methods can feel more natural and less overwhelming.
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You're feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed –
Using imagery, metaphors, and symbols can help make sense of emotions in a gentle way.
- You are processing past experiences or trauma –
Using symbols and imagery can provide a safe way to explore difficult memories.
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You’re working through past experiences or big life changes –
Creativity can provide a safe space to process things at your own pace.
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You want to build confidence and express yourself more freely –
Exploring emotions creatively can help you feel more in tune with yourself.
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Your child or teen struggles to open up in traditional therapy –
Creative approaches can make counselling more engaging and accessible for younger people.
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You’re navigating relationships or personal growth –
Understanding emotions in a deeper way can help strengthen connections and self-awareness.
