Amber Bartlett

I run my private practice Monday- Saturday with some evening availability 

I believe therapy works best when a young person feels safe, listened to and genuinely understood. I take time to build a trusting relationship before expecting them to talk about difficult experiences. There is no pressure to share more than they are ready for.

As an Art Psychotherapist, I use creativity alongside talking therapy. Art, drawing, painting and other creative approaches can provide a different way for young people to express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. There is no expectation to be “good at art” and no judgement about what they create.

I adapt my approach to each individual young person. Some may want to talk, while others may communicate more comfortably through creative activities. Sessions are guided by their needs, interests and emotional development.

I work collaboratively, helping young people develop a better understanding of their emotions, build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation and develop strategies that they can use in everyday life.

Where appropriate, I also work alongside parents and carers. I recognise that supporting a struggling child can be difficult and that parents often need understanding and guidance too. My aim is to help create positive change not only within therapy, but in the young person’s wider life and relationships.

Above all, I offer a calm, accepting and non-judgemental space where young people can be themselves, feel heard and gradually develop the confidence to move forward.

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You may have noticed that they are struggling with anxiety, becoming withdrawn, having frequent emotional outbursts, losing confidence or finding school and friendships difficult. Perhaps something has happened that has left them feeling overwhelmed, or you simply feel that your child isn’t quite themselves. Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to work it out alone.

I’m an experienced Art Psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, teenagers and young adults aged 4–25. I provide a warm, safe and accepting space where young people can explore what they are experiencing without feeling judged or pressured to find the “right” words.

I work with anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, trauma, bereavement, school difficulties, communication and relationship difficulties. I also have extensive experience supporting autistic and ADHD young people.

Art therapy can be particularly helpful when feelings are difficult to talk about. Your child doesn’t need to be artistic or “good at art” — creativity simply provides another way to communicate, understand feelings and make sense of experiences.

My approach is individual and child-centred. I take time to build trust and work at your child’s pace, helping them develop greater confidence, emotional understanding and resilience.

I’m also trained in Dyadic Art Therapy, supporting parents and children to strengthen their relationship and connection.

If you’re worried about your child, please get in touch. Sometimes that first conversation can be the hardest step, but it can also be the beginning of things feeling more manageable.

Your first session

I understand that making the decision to seek therapy for your child can feel like a big step. My aim is to make the process feel clear, supportive and reassuring from the very beginning.

Before I begin working directly with your child, I offer a bespoke assessment session with parents or carers. This session takes place without your child present and gives us the opportunity to talk openly about your concerns, your child’s development, their experiences and what you have noticed at home or school. It also allows me to understand what has brought you to therapy and what you hope will change.

I use this information to build a fuller picture of your child and carefully consider how best to support them. Every child is different, so I do not use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Once the assessment is complete, I begin developing a therapeutic relationship with your child. The first sessions are focused on helping them feel safe, comfortable and understood. There is no expectation that they will immediately talk about difficult experiences or explain how they are feeling.

Depending on their age and individual needs, sessions may involve talking, art-making, creative activities, play or other therapeutic approaches. Your child can work at their own pace, and I take time to build trust before exploring more difficult areas.

Throughout therapy, I maintain appropriate communication with parents and carers, while protecting the young person’s confidentiality and helping them develop a sense of ownership over their therapeutic space.

I currently have some availability for new clients aged 4–25 across my private practice in Hertfordshire and Essex.

I offer appointments during the week, with some flexibility around school, college and work commitments. Sessions are available both in person and, where appropriate, online.

My practice is particularly suited to children, teenagers and young adults who may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, difficulties with emotional regulation, communication difficulties, school attendance difficulties, trauma, bereavement or challenges around identity and self-expression.

I also have specialist experience supporting neurodivergent young people, including those with autism and ADHD.

For younger children, I offer Dyadic Art Therapy, which can involve parents or carers and focuses on strengthening relationships, communication and emotional connection.

I understand that finding the right therapist can feel daunting, particularly when seeking support for a child or young person. I offer an initial conversation to discuss your circumstances, what you are looking for from therapy and whether I may be a suitable therapist for you or your child.

Working hours: Monday–Friday with some flexibility for daytime and after-school appointments. I can offer parent meetings on weekends if planned in advance 

Please contact me through this profile if you would like to discuss current availability.

Hello, my name is Amber, I am fully qualified art psychotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council to work with Children, Teenagers and Adults. 

Your child might be suffering with anxiety, having panic attacks, be stuck in a low mood, struggle to process their feelings, feel angry often with a short temper, talk negatively about themselves with low self esteem. They may have gone through a specific traumatic event that has impacted on their mental health such as a bereavement or accident. They might be unconfident and struggle to make friends. However big or small it might seem, you know your child best and can tell when something doesn’t feel quite right. Overcoming these challenges can make a huge difference to a young persons life.

I specialise in working with children, teenagers and young adults. I also work with adult clients, usually parents themselves who are looking for a holistic approach or sessions to reflect and process stress. I work with parents of SEND children who may need some time themselves to process their own experiences with the extra energy required in parenting children with Autism or other additional needs.

I take time to really get to the heart and roots of what might be happening for your child, and the impact this might be having on them and your family. I take a holistic approach making decisions with you about your child’s care and progress. 

Sessions can involve using a combination of talking and art making, some young people can feel like this is a huge relief, knowing that they can choose to sit quietly with thoughts and feelings, or put their feelings into an artwork to show feelings that might be difficult to put into words. 

I am qualified to use a Dyadic approach for parent and child sessions, this involves attending sessions with your child. This approach places a focus on nurturing the shared relationship parent child relationship through various art making and relationship based activities.

Sessions can be delivered in any of my two therapy clinics either in Harlow (Essex) or Stanstead Abbotts (Hertfordshire) , or online if deemed appropriate.

I complete an initial assessment with parents for 1.5hrs to prepare to work therapeutically with a child. This is charged at my hourly rate. 

The first one to four sessions with the young person are used to assess whether they can benefit from sessions and whether they/parents would like to continue.