Amelia Mackenzie

I am a registered Art Psychotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a professional member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

• Master of Science (MSc) in Art Psychotherapy – Queen Margaret University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) in Contemporary Art Practice – Gray’s School of Art
• Foundation Course in Art Therapy – British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)

Additional Training:

• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Training – Garvald Edinburgh
• Understanding Autism – National Autistic Society
• Online Remote Counseling Training – Arthur Ellis

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process to help individuals express emotions, process experiences, and explore their inner world. It is not about being skilled at art or creating a perfect piece but about using creativity as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

At the core of art therapy is the therapeutic triangle—the relationship between the client, the therapist, and the artwork. This unique interaction provides a safe, reflective space to navigate emotions, develop resilience, and build self-awareness. Through guided creative activities, clients can uncover insights, foster emotional regulation, and explore new ways to cope with challenges.

Who I Can Help

I work with individuals and families across all ages, including:

• Children and Adolescents: I support young people in processing emotions, building self-esteem, and managing trauma or neurodiverse challenges. My playful, non-directive approach allows children to explore their feelings in a safe, creative environment, helping them develop emotional resilience and self-expression.
• Adults: I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, offering a creative, non-verbal way to process emotions and explore personal growth.
• Older Adults: I provide support for older adults facing age-related challenges, including memory difficulties or dementia, offering a creative outlet for emotional expression and well-being.
• Families: I use approaches such as Dyadic Parent–Child Art Psychotherapy to help families strengthen emotional bonds, improve communication, and build trust through shared creative activities. By involving caregivers in the process, I aim to create a supportive and connected environment for everyone involved.

I have worked across a variety of therapeutic settings, including the NHS, schools, and charitable organisations. My experience spans both in-person and online therapy, and I have supported children, young people, and adults facing a range of challenges.

At NHS Lothian, I established a new art therapy service for children and adolescents, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver person-centred care. With the Teapot Trust, I supported children with chronic illnesses, helping them process the emotional and psychological impacts of their conditions.

Internationally, I implemented Dyadic Parent–Child Art Psychotherapy (DAP) in Fiji, working with children and caregivers in group settings. This approach used culturally sensitive methods to foster emotional connection and resilience within families.