Meet MATTS Clinical Lead, Em Inman

Multi-disciplinary Assessment Treatment and Therapy Service (MATTS)

Hello. My name is Em Inman.

I am the MATTS clinical lead and my core therapeutic modality is Art Psychotherapy.

What type of therapist am I?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as a diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing.

Art therapists work with children, young people, adults, and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities, or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural, or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions, and physical illnesses.

Art therapy is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients' needs. It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.

My approach to therapeutic work

My main approach to therapy is relational. This means I focus on the relationship as the main vehicle through which I would hope to facilitate positive and meaningful change. In art therapy we use the images to help us think about our relationships with ourselves, others and the world around us.

My experience

I have mainly worked with children, young people and their families and carers in the NHS community and inpatient services, and through adoption and fostering services. I have worked with adults and young people with complex trauma, severe mental health difficulties and eating disorders. I am a supervisor for other health professionals and training arts therapists and teach at various universities across the UK and Europe.

Professional Registration

You can find out more about Art Psychotherapy at www.baat.org. I am a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

I am a registered allied health and psychological professional – my registration is with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). www.hcpc-uk.org.

An interesting fact about me:

I collect Alice in Wonderland books and I love watersports!