Express and De-stress

Join us for a creative journey, exploring your emotions through artmaking and learning CBT informed tools to lift your mood!  

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence based talking therapy for low mood that explores the linkage between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Art Psychotherapy helps us to process our emotions and experience through using art, while managing our verbal defences. This workshop blends both approaches into a journey of self-discovery that’s both structured and spontaneous!  

The workshop is not a therapy session, but a space for exploration, reflection, and learning different therapeutic tools to manage low mood.   

Who is the workshop for:   

Over 18’s.  

Anyone who is interested in learning more about themselves or discovering tools to manage low mood. No prior experience in the arts is needed — just bring your curiosity. We’d love to see you there!   

Date: December 6th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Doors will open at 12:45 p.m.   

Venue: Creative Arts Therapy Space, 43-45 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5PL  

Fee: Students/Unemployed £10, Underemployed £12, employed/supporter rate £14 

What should you bring?  

Just yourself. We will provide art supplies and hot drinks! You are also welcome to bring your own art supplies if you prefer.   

Facilitators’ background:   

The workshop is designed and led by Sandy Chan (Trainee CBT therapist) and Sarah McMahon (Registered Art Psychotherapist).  

Sandy Chan is a trainee CBT therapist currently completing her Master’s in Psychological Therapies. She works with young people experiencing anxiety and depression, and is passionate about blending creativity with psychology. Through her illustrations and workshops, she explores how art can support emotional wellbeing.  

Sarah McMahon is a registered Art Psychotherapist.  She works with adults with a variety of mental health difficulties in her private practice at the Creative Arts Therapies Space in Edinburgh. Sarah enjoys supporting people to express themselves and gain deeper self-understanding through art-making.  

 Getting to CATS

We’re easy to reach by public transport:

• Montgomery Street stop (Easter Road): Buses 35 and 1 — about a 3-minute walk.

• Brunton Place stop (London Road): Buses 4, 5, 19, 34, 45, 253 — around 5 minutes’ walk.
  

• Abbeyhill stop: Same buses as Brunton Place and Buses 15 and 26 — roughly 6 minutes’ walk.
  

• McDonald Road tram stop: About a 12-minute walk.

If you’re unsure which route works best, drop us a note and we’ll help you find the simplest way in.

Parking: Parking in the area can be limited. On Saturdays, some streets have more free parking but demand is higher. Free parking is usually available at Meadow Bank Shopping Centre (about a 10-minute walk) for up to 4 hours.

Accessibility: Our building is on the ground floor. The route to the life drawing room includes two steps from reception to the hallway and two into the room. A ramp can be provided to make this step-free. Doorway/turning clearances limit the passable width to 28 inches (71 cm). Given these constraints, we cannot describe the premises as wheelchair accessible, and the route is unsuitable for the majority of wheelchair users, particularly where the chair exceeds 28 inches