The Art Psychotherapy Service has been available on Mainland Shetland and some of the Islands since 1991. Art Psychotherapy can help people communicate feelings and thought processes that may be too hard to express in words alone.

More effective ways of coping and moving forward are explored as the client develops their own confidence and builds on their strengths.

· No artistic skills are necessary

· Available to children and adults

· Free of charge to service users

· In most cases, sessions are one-to-one for one hour weekly or fortnightly

· The service can be provided outside Lerwick by arrangement

Appropriate Issues for Referral:

- Anger

- Anxiety

- Stress

- Depression

- Panic attacks

- Physical abuse

- Emotional abuse

- Relationship problems

- Eating disorders

- Confusion/indecisiveness

- Bereavement/loss

- Behavioural/social problems

- Feelings debilitated/stuck

- Past problems causing difficulties in the present

- Emotional problems generally

- Substance misuse and addictions

- Addressing offending behaviour

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome

- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

- Self-harm

- Plus a range of added psychological and mental health problems