What inspired you to set up an Art Therapy support group?
Because of my own lived experience, I am offering an online art therapy group to help support those living with endometriosis. I have worked with all ages and have the privilege witnessing how art therapy can provide a reflective space to support people.
Where will the group take place?
I am based in London, but will facilitate an online art therapy group, so that people around the UK can attend if they would like to. This also means that if you feel unwell or you are recovering from surgery you can still access the group. I hope to be able to facilitate an in-person group in the future too, so watch this space!
Can you tell us why you wanted to become an Endometriosis UK volunteer?
I wanted to be able to support others with endometriosis as I didn’t have any support like this when I was younger. I began volunteering for the Endometriosis UK EDI volunteer committee in 2023-2024 which was insightful as it gave me an idea of the intersectional discrepancies that those living with endometriosis face. This motivated me to approach Endometriosis UK about setting up an art therapy group. I hope that it will be helpful to provide a safe space for people to process some of their lived experiences.
What impact has endometriosis had on your life?
I have had severe endometriosis as well as other gynaecological disorders all my adult life and have had numerous surgeries as well as hormone treatments to manage symptoms. Following a traumatic experience of surgery for endometriosis, I was treated for trauma and my therapist encouraged me to return to artmaking to process my feelings, and I have not looked back. Ultimately, this and other life experiences led me to change my career from commercial artist and art teacher to retrain as an art psychotherapist.
What advice would you give to someone who may be attending this group for the first time?
It is okay to feel nervous, and you really don’t have to be good at art to attend. Art therapy isn’t an art class, you can use any art material you like at home, whether it might be a biro or some old cardboard. It is quite usual to feel a little unsure or worry that it might not be for you, but it is a place to connect, and often people surprise themselves with what they may create, and what the group brings up for them.
Where can people find out more info on the group?
The group email is: arttherapygroup@endometriosis-uk.org and please do feel free to email me if you have any questions. To begin with, the group will run on the following dates in 2026.
- January 29th, 2026
- February 26th, 2026
- March 19th, 2026 (Endometriosis UK action month!)
I will email all group attendees information prior to the group, and what to expect. To get an idea of numbers, I will ask you to register prior to group so register as early as you can. A link will be sent to participants from the group email and some themes can be explored for each group if that is helpful. There will be a check in at the beginning of each session, and time for reflection at the end. Make yourselves comfortable, and if that means having a cup of tea and a hot water bottle to hand, please go ahead!
Lastly, art therapy is a gentle way to perhaps ‘listen’ to our hearts, minds and bodies, and I am passionate about being able to offer this inclusive space via Endometriosis UK. I look forward to welcoming you soon!
Keep up to date with the group and sign up for the mailing list here.
