Marta Alonso
Marta is a warm and perceptive art therapist with a background in psychology and over 15 years of experience in the field of creative psychotherapies. Her integrative approach draws from the scientific field of neuroscience and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help understand the connection between behavior, thoughts, and emotions. This, combined with mindful art and narrative therapy, effectively empowers each person’s deeper understanding of themselves as individuals so they can create a meaningful narrative of their life story, building a sense of identity and purpose.
She offers a safe space of connection and understanding where reflective conversation and the non-judgmental use of creative materials facilitate a process of self-discovery and the building of emotional tools to cope with challenges and learn from life experiences.
Areas of work:
Burnout
Creative blockages – feeling stuck in life
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Aging
Neurodiversity
Parenting and family dynamics
Child and adolescent mental health
In addition to her clinical experience, Marta has worked as a therapist in educational settings, supporting the well-being of young people and school professionals, including SEN schools and SEMH provision. She also offers her services as a supervisor to other therapy professionals and trainees.
Therapeutic approaches:
Art therapy – engaging with art materials in an explorative way allows for a safe expression of feelings and ideas that could be hidden from the conscious mind. It is not necessary to have previous experience with art, just an impulse to enjoy our creativity in a free manner. Becoming aware of unconscious material can be an insightful and liberating process that allows us to take more control over the choices we make in everyday life.
CBT – through specific exercises, Marta will help you understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how to transform unhelpful thinking patterns into healthier self-talk, promoting a more realistic view of yourself and the world around you.
Jungian therapy – understanding the unconscious as a creative tool for self-healing, Jungian therapy seeks development and self-growth at all stages of our life. The use of archetypes and symbols helps reflect on the roles we play in our life and the relationships we hold. There are no set interpretations of symbols; as they are used as a tool to gain perspective and facilitate each person finding their own personal meaning.
Narrative therapy – the way we experience life depends on the narrative we have built about it. Marta will introduce you to exercises that can make you aware of the hidden stories you have built to make sense of your reality. This can help get unstuck from past blockages and make positive changes in life.
Meet Marta for an initial session to explore the possibility of working together longer term and discuss what you would like to achieve through your therapy.
Also see Art Therapy
Marta Alonso
Art Psychotherapist
Psychology BA/BS, Oviedo University, 2003
Art Psychotherapy MA, Roehampton University, 2009
HCPC reg. number: AS 13863
