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Classified as an Essential Service during Covid-19
As an Essential Service Provider, Patrick is fully certified, Covid-vaccinated and continues to work face to face with solo clients
Art psychotherapy can be utilised among other presenting concerns in the treatment of
Anxiety, low self -esteem, stress, behavioral concerns, attachment and interpersonal relationships issues, communication, learning disabilities, self- confidence, personal development, personal life skills, coping skills, exam stress, separation / divorces, bereavement, cancer support
Gently guiding and encouraging growth and
positive change in people of all ages
The client's privacy is paramount and clients can be assured of confidentiality
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy can help people to acknowledge, unravel and better understand events or situations that might be affecting them on a day-to-day basis. Art Therapy is a safe way to express our emotions and feelings, and if one wishes these feelings can be shared with the Art Therapist.
An Art Therapist, or an Art Psychotherapist, is an accredited mental health professional who helps people/clients/patients improve their lives, develop better cognitive and emotional skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness and cope with various concerns.
Art Psychotherapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental and emotional well-being.
The Benefits of individual art psychotherapy.
• The process involved are non- invasive and can allow people to become aware and express their feelings and emotions
• Revel emotional triggers- enables better coping skills and emotional resilience
• Helps reduce anxiety, stress, and worry
• Helps cope with traumatic memories through an artistic expression
• Can lead to better communication, and act to help people express their emotions
•Enhance low-esteem and build self-confidence
Who am I?
I have been practicing throughout the pandemic as a mandated essential service. I presently work masked - face to face, under COVID-19 health procedures and protocols, with both young people and adults presenting mild, moderate to severe emotional and mental health concerns in both the public and private sphere.
My experience has offered insight into on-going issues and the support that is needed at this present time. I also have my own private practice based in the Wilton area of Cork City. I have had self - referrals from parents, guardians, and carers, as well from several key service providers in the Cork area including – Lisheen House, Brothers of Charity, home-school liaison teachers, family support workers and the HSE social workers.
I am also the resident Art Psychotherapist at the Carrigaline, Ballincollig and Mahon Family Centres and I facilitate a residential group in Bon Secours nursing home in Cork City . My Art Psychotherapy background and experience in mental health is grounded in the psychiatric environment.
Patrick Byrne prides himself in connecting and working with people on a human level, while building a step by step, trusting, safe, non-judgemental and confidential relationship. Patrick believes that: “Therapy begins when someone decides to take the first step and trust themselves to come to an art therapy session“.
Patrick, when working with young people, adults and groups, brings a sense of care, empathy and compassion, always placing his clients at the centre of their understanding of themselves. Patrick brings a lifetime of experience of engaging with people from an array of backgrounds, ages, genders, beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, sexualities and social classes. He treats all of his clients with a sense of dignity and respect. Patrick has experience working in different settings, both with individuals and within group work in schools, universities, care homes and mental health services.
In the process of his art therapy practice, Patrick is mindful that people may be unaware of what art psychotherapy might be. For clients, it does not matter if you are not an expert at painting or drawing. Art therapy is not about being a commercial or fine artist. There is no right or wrong way of working with art-related materials.
Qualifications
Patrick Byrne was awarded a first class honours MA in Art Psychotherapy from the Crawford College of Art and Design, CIT, Cork.
Patrick is fully accredited with the Irish Association of Creative Art Therapists.
Education
2019: MA in Art Psychotherapy, Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork.
2015: Principles of Art Psychotherapy, Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork.
2005: Diploma in Youth and Community Work, University College Cork.
1997: BA Social Science, University College Cork.
Continual Professional Development
2019: "Community access through the arts", residential training at the School of Visual Arts, New York.
2018: "Power, privilege and identity in the therapeutic process", residential training at the School of Visual Arts, New York.
Ongoing Research Interests
Home-based art psychotherapy in Eldercare
Masculinity and art therapy practice
Additional Training
2021: HSE Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Abuse
2021: HSA Return to Work Safely Covid-19 Certificate
2020: Online teletherapy training for Art Therapists.
2018: Identifying & Responding to Distressed Students, University College Cork.
2018: Introduction to Children First Training.
Testimonials
“... Not knowing anything about art therapy, I realised that you do not need to have an artistic bone in your body to partake … Patrick is very good at encouraging people to engage in the experience ... Radiating kindness and respect, Patrick also makes you feel valued and safe. I left the group art therapy workshop feeling energised and more self-assured ...“
Grace – UCC student
Art Therapists use art, media and creative interventions to encourage self-expression and reflection within a therapeutic relationship. The aim is to improve mental health and maintain emotional well-being.
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Patrick's professional fees are based on his accrediting organisation, IACAT's fee structure recommendations.
However, Patrick’s costs are also based on the affordability of clients. There are some discounts that are available to students, the unemployed and those on a low income.
