Inspirational Story

Name: Laura Marsh

Role: Art Psychotherapist at Red Kite View – Children’s and Young People’s Inpatient Mental Health Service

Pronouns: she/her

What did your education journey look like?

A levels: Art, Biology, Psychology and Religion & Ethics

Undergraduate degree: Art & Design at University of Leeds

Masters degree: Art Psychotherapy Practice at Leeds Beckett University

What influenced your choice of profession?

When I was considering University courses I couldn’t decide which I liked more – Art or Psychology. Then my art teacher suggested I look into Art Therapy which I had never heard of.

I focused on my art degree and when I was nearing the end of my third year started thinking again about my career options. I had totally forgotten about art therapy until one of my friends suggested it.

I’m very lucky that I get to combine my two main interests in my profession.

What does your role look like day to day?

I offer both one-to-one and group art therapy sessions but am also involved in various multidisciplinary team meetings, family intervention, formulations and staff support sessions.

No two days are the same and I often have to show flexibility and be ready to adapt to the needs of the young people and the service.

How did you come to be in the position you are in now?

I have worked in mental health services since I qualified in 2014.

These have included working in crisis services and in the children and young people’s secure estate.

Working as an art therapist in a children and young people’s inpatient unit is my dream job and I was so excited when I saw it advertised!

What do you love about your role?

I love supporting young people to find ways different ways of expressing their feelings. And I love that I get to be creative every single day!