Clare O’Callaghan
HCPC Registered Art Psychotherapist
Hi, I’m Clare, and I’m really glad you’ve found your way here. Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, and finding the right therapist is an important part of the process.
I hope this page offers a sense of who I am, how I work, and the values that guide my practice, as well as what it might feel like to share the therapeutic space together.
I am a HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist and full BAAT member based in Belfast, NI. I work with children, young people, adults and schools and offer a warm and supportive space where all thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be respected and explored through 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.
Art has been a meaningful part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has taught me to see things through a different lens, to think outside of the box, and to hold multiple perspectives at once. This eventually led me to train as an Art Psychotherapist which allows me to bring together creativity, connection, and my genuine belief in each person's capacity for growth and healing.
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.
As someone with ADHD, I’ve experienced both the strengths that come with creativity and the challenges of not always fitting into more structured or conventional environments. These experiences have deeply shaped my practice to be relational, creative, and human, allowing space for things to be messy at times, and always centred on real connection rather than perfection.
Every therapeutic journey is unique, and I don’t believe there is a single way of understanding or working with people. Instead, I aim to respond to each individual in a way that feels thoughtful and attuned to them. 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, however 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.
my experience
I have over four years of post-graduate experience working as an Art Psychotherapist in charitable organisations including 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 at Experience Camps, a US based, no-cost summer camp program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, 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
Ready to explore art therapy? Start here.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.
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.