masterpiece within
ART 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.
Chiu is a HCPC registered art psychotherapist based in Newcastle.
In the post 5 years, Chiu has offered art 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)
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
💬 Individual Sessions
🛋️ 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
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For navigating personal challenges
Discover creative expression as a powerful way to support your mental and emotional wellbeing. No artistic experience is needed—just a willingness to explore.
Through one-to-one art therapy sessions, you'll embark on a supported journey of self-discovery. Together, we will gently explore your inner world and work through past experiences, emotional pain, and personal challenges in a safe, non-judgemental space.
Common areas of focus include:
Anxiety and stress
Depression and low mood
Self-worth and self-esteem
Trauma and emotional overwhelm
Social connection and loneliness
Session Options
🔹 Free 15-minute introductory consultation (via phone or video call)
A chance to ask questions, explore your needs, and see if we're a good fit.🔹 Initial 50-minute Art Therapy session – £55
🔹 Ongoing 50-minute sessions – £60
Includes personalised support and resources to carry with you beyond the session.Concession rates available for individuals on low or no income and students aged 18 and over. Please reach out to discuss.
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All in-person sessions held at
Cramlington Parish, Blagdon Terrace, Cramlington NE23 6QQ
Gateway Studio CIO, High St, Gateshead NE8 1EP
All online sessions held at Teams or Zoom
💬 Group Sessions
🛋️ In-person / 💻 online
A gentle, creative space to unwind and reconnect
👥 Up to 15 person
⏱️ 90-minute sessions
🤍 Restorative Art Therapy Group
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Join a supportive group art therapy session designed to help you relax, express, and explore through art. No artistic skill is required—just come as you are. These sessions are ideal for anyone looking to slow down, process emotions, and experience the calming, grounding power of creativity in a shared space.
🔹 Each session includes:
A guided theme or creative prompt
Time for free expression using a range of materials
Optional group sharing and reflection
A calm, confidential, and non-judgemental space held by a registered art therapist
🖌️ £15 per person
✨ All art materials are included.
These sessions are open to adults (18+) and held in-person in Gateshead and Cramlington.
Limited spaces available to keep the group small and personal—please book in advance.
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All sessions held at
Cramlington Parish, Blagdon Terrace, Cramlington NE23 6QQ
Gateway Studio CIO, High St, Gateshead NE8 1EP
All online sessions held at Teams or Zoom
💬 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
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🔹 One-to-One Session
🩵 £65 per session
⏱️ 50 minutes
Individualised art therapy for residents needing more focused, personalised support.🔹 Therapeutic Art Group
Encouraging connection, expression, and gentle therapeutic engagement
🩵 £125 per session
⏱️ 60 minutes
👥 Group size 8 people🔹 Day Rate Package
🩵 £330
This includes either:1 group session (up to 8 person)
2 individual sessions
+all written reports
or4 individual sessions
all written reports
All materials and written reports are included.
Get in touch to discuss a tailored plan that suits your centre's needs.
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I offer art therapy across most of the NE postcode area, including (but not limited to) Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Northumberland. Some of the towns I regularly travel to include Cramlington, Bedlington, Blyth, and Ashington.
If you're unsure whether I can reach you—just drop me a message! I'm always happy to chat and see what’s possible.
💬 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
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Includes either:
1 Art Therapy Group (up to 4 students)
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2 Individual Art Therapy Sessions
or4 Individual Art Therapy Sessions
⏱️ All sessions are 45 minutes long.
🔹 Includes all preparation, art materials, and written reports, including contribution to ISPs, AP reports and contribution to EHCP.
🔸 Academic Year Package£13,500
1 day per week, 39 weeks (term-time only)
Includes all clinical reports and progress updates across the year.Let’s work together to create a nurturing, creative, and emotionally safe space for your pupils.
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I offer art therapy across most of the NE postcode area, including (but not limited to) Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Northumberland. Some of the towns I regularly travel to include Cramlington, Bedlington, Blyth, and Ashington.
If you're unsure whether I can reach you—just drop me a message! I'm always happy to chat and see what’s possible.
Begin Your Journey
Start with a free consultation to explore how art therapy can support you
Get in Touch
create@masterpiecewithin.co.uk
Free Consultation
Book your initial consultation at no cost
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Art therapy can help with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
Managing stress and anxiety
Processing trauma and grief Improving self-esteem and self-awareness
Enhancing communication and interpersonal skills
Coping with depression and mood disorders
Exploring and resolving conflicts Promoting relaxation and emotional well-being
Fostering creativity and personal growth
Addressing behavioral and developmental challenges
Supporting overall mental and emotional health
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Yes. Art therapy can be especially helpful for non-verbal clients and individuals with SEND. Because its trauma-informed approach and non-verbal expression. Art therapy encourage creative, visual, and sensory-based expression, it allows clients to communicate thoughts and feelings without needing to rely on words. Art therapy creates a safe and flexible space tailored to each individual’s needs, helping them explore emotions, build self-esteem, and develop coping strategies at their own pace.
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Absolutely. Art therapy can be delivered in a variety of settings, including schools, care homes, community centres, and organisations.
We’ll need:A private, quiet room for sessions
Lockable storage for clinical notes, art materials, and client artwork
The capacity to maintain a static therapy timetable
Group art therapy can be offered as either open (participants can join at any time) or closed (a fixed group for a set period).For individual participant, we recommend starting with a block of 6–8 weekly sessions following an initial consultation. If your organisation would like to commit to a block, we’ll have a planning meeting first to:
Confirm a list of regular participants
Ensure all relevant consent forms are signed
Set a consistent timetable to create a stable, safe space for participants
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You don’t need to bring anything—just yourself. All art materials are provided. However, if you have any personal artwork, projects, or objects that you’d like to talk about during therapy, you’re very welcome to bring them along.
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We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and appointments can be rescheduled up to 48 hours before the scheduled sessions. Otherwise, sessions will be charged as agreed price.
If cancellation or rescheduling is requested within the first 24 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued. -
At Masterpiece Within, safeguarding is central to my therapeutic work. I am committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals I work with—whether children, young people, or adults.
As a HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist, I follow the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
When working in schools or partner organisations:
I fully adapt to each setting’s safeguarding protocols and psychosocial models. Any safeguarding concerns will be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or appropriate safeguarding officer within the organisation. All actions will be fully documented, and referrals will be made where necessary.
In private practice (Masterpiece Within):
In a private context, I follow the North and South of Tyne Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual for child safeguarding, and The Care Act 2014 for safeguarding vulnerable adults.
All safeguarding actions are recorded accurately and handled with sensitivity, professionalism, and in full compliance with GDPR and data protection laws.
If you are a client or commissioning organisation and would like to see my full safeguarding procedure or data policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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This is for private practice 1:1 client only
Yes, we believe in making therapy accessible to everyone, including students, and we’re committed to supporting young person’s well-being.
We offer a 20% off student discount. Please include a copy of a valid student id in you enquiry.