masterpiece within

ART THERAPY AND EMDR THERAPY IN NEWCASTLE,

NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND

Art therapy offers a gentle path to
self-discovery, healing, and personal growth through creative expression.
No artistic experience needed -
just an open heart

Discover your inner creativity in a safe, nurturing space

WHAT IS ART THERAPY?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual and tactile media as a means of self expression and communication. Art therapists aim to support people of all ages and abilities and at all stages of life, to discover an outlet for often complex and confusing feelings, and
foster self awareness and growth.

Do I need to be good at art
to be in art therapy ?


Engaging in art therapy doesn’t demand artistic expertise. The focus is on the process of creating rather than the artistic skills; it simply invites you to embrace art materials and witness the evolving creative journey, which can be quite delightful and wonderfully unexpected. At times, you might just feel like having a casual chat, and that’s absolutely okay.
Whether you prefer artistic exploration or sharing your thoughts verbally,
they’re all valid expression.

What is emdr therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process and recover from traumatic or distressing experiences. It integrates elements of cognitive behavioural therapy with bilateral stimulation—most commonly guided eye movements—to support the brain in reprocessing difficult memories and reducing their emotional impact.

How EMDR WORKS?


EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach designed to help clients safely process traumatic memories. The therapist first supports the client in identifying specific distressing experiences, along with the negative beliefs and emotions connected to them.

During the processing phase, bilateral stimulation—most commonly guided eye movements—is used while the client focuses on the memory. This helps the brain reprocess the experience, gradually reducing its emotional intensity.

Time Effectiveness

EMDR is recognised as a time-efficient therapy compared to many traditional talk therapies. While each person’s journey is unique, many clients begin to notice meaningful changes within a relatively short number of sessions. The approach focuses directly on the root of distress, helping to create lasting results rather than prolonged symptom management.

EMDR is particularly effective for trauma, including single-incident events and more complex, long-term experiences. It works by helping the brain reprocess memories that may feel “stuck,” reducing their emotional intensity and impact on daily life. This allows individuals to move forward with greater clarity, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of control.Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes, with the number of sessions varying based on individual needs.

Trauma focus

Chiu is a HCPC registered art psychotherapist and EMDR therapist based in Newcastle.
In the past 5 years, Chiu has offered therapy to groups and individuals at various settings such as care homes, SEND schools, alternative provision, daycare centres and council services across London, the North East and Scotland.

My belief lies in the immense power of empathy, active listening, and providing a safe and inclusive environment for each person. I’ve witnessed how art creation serves as a non-verbal avenue, offering glimpses into the subconscious and aiding in processing trauma. My art therapy approach is informed by Attachment-Based Psychodynamic theory, Person-Centred Practice, Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT) and Family Systems Theory.

I am dedicated to adhering to ethical standards, aligning my practice with the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) code of ethics and principles of professional practice, as well as the standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

‍ ‍
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • M.Sc. Art Psychotherapy (qualified in 2024)

  • M.A. Arts and Lifestyle Journalism (Distinction)

  • B.A. Cultural Studies (Hons)

  • EMDR Europe Accredited Training (EMDR Academy UK)

  • HCPC Registered Art Psychotherapist

  • BAAT Full Member

  • TQUK Certified Teacher (Chinese Languages)

  • Certified in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages

  • Certified Pastel Nagomi Art Associate Instructor

  • Trauma-Informed

    I specialise in trauma-informed art therapy, using non-verbal and creative approaches to support healing. I’ve completed CPD training and masterclasses in felt sense and clay field work, deepening my understanding of how to work safely with trauma in a somatic approach

  • Safeguarding trained

    I am trained in safeguarding across a range of clinical and educational environments. I am confident in adhering to the safeguarding protocols specific to each setting, ensuring a safe and protected space for all clients, including children, adolescents and adults.

  • Inclusive & Individualised

    I provide tailored sessions to support a wide range of emotional and psychological needs. These include mood and behavioural difficulties, anxiety, emotional regulation, bereavement, identity concerns, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

  • Identity & Belonging

    I specialise in working with clients navigating diaspora experiences, multicultural identities, and issues of belonging. My approach is person-centred, reflective, and grounded in clinical practice, offering a safe space to explore complex identity-based themes.

💬 Art Psychotherapy
🛋️ In-person / 💻 online

One-to-one sessions in a safe, confidential space. Whether you prefer face-to-face meetings or the comfort of online sessions, we'll work together at your pace.

⏱️ 50-minute sessions

🤍Trauma-informed approach

💬 Group Sessions

🛋️ In-person / 💻 online

A gentle, creative space to unwind and reconnect

👥 Up to 15 person

⏱️ 90-minute sessions

🤍 Restorative Art Therapy Group

💬 Day Centres & Care Homes

🛋️ In-person

👥 Offering compassionate and professional art psychotherapy to support the emotional wellbeing of service users in various settings.

🤍 Customised sessions which tailored to meet the needs of each individual or groups, using creative expression as a therapeutic tool.

🔹 Various service packages available

💬 EMDR Therapy

🛋️ In-person / 💻 online 👥 One-to-One

A structured, evidence-based approach that helps you process and heal from trauma by reducing the emotional impact of distressing memories

💬 Schools

🛋️ In-person

👥 SEN and SEMH specialisation
💬 Curriculum-integrated sessions

🤍 Providing consistent, trauma-informed art therapy support throughout the academic year. Ideal for SEND schools, alternative provisions or mainstream schools looking to offer emotional and creative support to their young person.

🔹 Day Rate – £350 (6 Hours)
🔸 Academic Year Package £13,500

Begin Your Journey

Start with a free consultation to explore how art therapy can support you

Get in Touch

Email

create@masterpiecewithin.co.uk

Free Consultation

Book your initial consultation at no cost