Clare O’Callaghan
HCPC Registered Art Psychotherapist
I am a HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist and full BAAT member based in Belfast, NI.
I work with children, young people, adults, families, and schools, offering a warm, supportive space where thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be explored through empathy and creative connection.
I completed my Master's Degree in Art Psychotherapy at Ulster University in 2022, having previously gained a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from University of the Arts London. My background in art and therapy continues to shape the way I work, bringing together creativity, curiosity, and a deep belief in the healing potential of human connection.
Sometimes our life experiences can feel overwhelming, confusing, or difficult to talk about no matter what age we are.
Art therapy offers another way of exploring these experiences, using creativity as a means of expression, reflection, and understanding. Art has been a meaningful part of my life for as long as I can remember. Throughout my own journey, creativity has offered a way to express emotions, process experiences, and make sense of things when words alone have not always felt enough.
My approach.
I use an integrative and trauma-informed approach, adapting my work to the unique needs of each person I meet.
I believe that meaningful therapeutic work begins with feeling safe, accepted, and understood. My aim is to create a space where clients can bring whatever is on their mind without fear of judgement and explore things at a pace that feels right for them.
Whether through art-making, conversation, play, reflection, or simply sitting together with difficult feelings, I work collaboratively with clients to help them better understand themselves and their experiences.
Every therapeutic journey is unique. Whether we use art, play, conversation, my work is grounded in compassion, connection, curiosity, and creativity.
Who I work with.
art therapy is for everyone.
People of all ages can benefit from art therapy, but my specialist area is working with children aged 5 and above, adolescents, and young people.
I am passionate about supporting young people as they navigate the many challenges that can arise throughout childhood and adolescence. These might include anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, low self-esteem, friendship and relationship challenges, school-related pressures, life transitions, loss, trauma, or experiences that feel difficult to make sense of.
I recognise that growing up can sometimes feel overwhelming, and children so often feel misunderstood as they learn to communicate and navigate their feelings.
I strive to create a safe and creative therapeutic space where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Experience.
I have over four years of post-graduate experience working as an Art Psychotherapist in charitable organisations such as Barnardo’s and Action Mental Health in addition to developing my private practice.
Much of my work has taken place in schools supporting children aged 4-19. I have also supported children, young people, and families in their homes and other community settings. I value being able to meet people where they feel most at ease, creating a therapeutic space that feels accessible, supportive, and welcoming.
Alongside my school-based work, I worked for three years as a grief specialist/clinician at Experience Camps, a bereavement summer camp supporting children and young people who have experienced the death of a sibling or primary caregiver.
This role has been a deeply meaningful part of my practice, allowing me to support young people through some of the most sensitive and emotionally complex experiences, using creativity, play, and therapeutic connection to help them express and process grief in their own way.
Working together.
Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, and it is completely normal to have questions or feel unsure about where to begin.
Whether you are looking for support for yourself, your child, or a young person in your care, you are welcome to get in touch.
We can start with a conversation, explore what is bringing you to therapy, and think together about whether art therapy feels like the right fit for your needs.
There is no pressure, no expectation, and no need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.