masterpiece within

Art therapy in Newcastle, Northumberland and beyond

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 ?

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.

We’re here for you in any way you need for your personal journey.

Chiu Ue WAN

Chiu is a HCPC registered art psychotherapist based in Newcastle.
Over the last 5 years, Chiu has offered art therapy to groups and individuals at various settings such as care homes, SEN schools, 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).

Clinical Specialism

(SHE/HER)

MSc, MA, HCPC, BAAT

  • I’m trauma-informed

  • I’m trained in safeguarding

I support clients across a wide range of needs. My areas of special interest include—but are not limited to:

  • Trauma-informed art therapy

  • Anxiety and emotional overwhelm

  • Bereavement and loss

  • Diaspora and multi-heritage identity

  • Learning disabilities and neurodiversity

  • SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental Health) needs

  • Grounding and mindfulness-based approaches

All sessions are tailored to the individual, offering a safe, creative, and inclusive therapeutic space.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

  • M.Sc. Art Psychotherapy (Merit)

  • 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


Interested in our services?
Book a free consultation here

  • 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.

    All sessions held at
    Cramlington Parish, Blagdon Terrace, Cramlington NE23 6QQ

    Gateway Studio CIO, High St, Gateshead NE8 1EP

  • Open groups of up to 10 person

    A gentle, creative space to unwind and reconnect

    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 atmosphere

    🖌️ £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.

  • Freelance Art Therapy Services

    Offering compassionate and professional art psychotherapy to support the emotional wellbeing of residents in care settings. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each individual or group, using creative expression as a therapeutic tool. All sessions are led by Chiu, a qualified and HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist who have extensive experience delivering art therapy in both settings.

    Service Options:

    🔹 One-to-One Session
    £65 per session (50 minutes)
    Individualised art therapy for residents needing more focused, personalised support.

    🔹 Therapeutic Art Group
    £125 per session (60 minutes)
    Small group sessions for 6–8 individuals, encouraging connection, expression, and gentle therapeutic engagement.

    🔹 Reports
    £25 per individual
    Includes session summaries, therapeutic insights, and recommendations.

    🔹 Day Rate Package
    £330 for 6 hours (includes all report writing)
    This includes either:

    • 1 group session (up to 8 participants)
      and
      2 individual sessions

      or

    • 4 individual sessions

    All materials and written reports are included.

    Get in touch to discuss a tailored plan that suits your centre's needs.

  • Day Rate Package for Schools & Educational Settings

    1 Day a Week – Term-Time Only (39 Weeks)

    Providing consistent, trauma-informed art therapy support throughout the academic year. Ideal for SEN schools, alternative provisions, mainstream schools or pastoral teams looking to offer emotional and creative support to their students.

    🔹 Day Rate – £350 (6 Hours)

    Includes either:

    • 1 Art Therapy Group (up to 4 students)
      and
      2 Individual Art Therapy Sessions
      or

    • 4 Individual Art Therapy Sessions

    All sessions are 45 minutes long.

    Includes all preparation, art materials, and written reports, including contribution to ISPs and AP reports.

    🔸 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.

q&a

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.