Deirdre Nagle, is in her final semester of a two year Masters in Art Therapy which she is undertaking in Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork. Deirdre qualified as a General Nurse in 2009 and during her training saw Art Therapy being used for the first time and knew it was something she would pursue in the future. Always having a strong connection with her own art and turned to it at various stages throughout her own life. Deirdre returned to college in 2014 on a full time basis to train to be an Art Therapist and is very passionate about the work that she does.
Art Therapy is not an art class nor is its purpose recreational, though sessions can be enjoyable and there is no need for any prior art making experience. Artwork is kept safe and locked away each week until the all sessions are complete and the client then decides the outcome of the pieces. Sessions last between 20- 60 minutes depending on attention span and focus of the client.
Art Therapy can address a large range of issues such as self- esteem, confidence, trauma, loss, depression, stress and anxiety. It encourages personal growth and increases sel- understanding. Art Therapy can help developing self awareness, improving sense of self and identity, encourage self expression, assist in gaining a sense of control over difficult emotions and life situations, promoting resiliency and improve coping skills along with resolving inner conflicts.