Catherine Chalmers is a Lecturer in Art Psychotherapy in the Occupational Therapy & Arts Therapies Division.
- Overview
- Research Overview
- Research Publications
- Teaching & Learning
Catherine originally studied textile design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee and the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (now Birmingham City University).
She became interested in the role of art making to support improved health and well-being whilst working as a community artist, support worker and volunteer in third sector mental health services in Birmingham. She then trained as an art therapist at Queen Margaret University, qualifying with Distinction in 2001.
Catherine joined the QMU MSc Art Psychotherapy team in 2021, and continues to work as an art therapist in NHS adult community mental health services, with over twenty years experience working in this area. She has also worked as an art therapist in third sector counselling and art therapy community services; in specialist psychology trauma services; and in dementia care.
She is interested in using a mentalization-based therapy (MBT) approach in her art therapy practice, attending training through MBT Scotland and the Anna Freud Centre.
Affiliations (including memberships) to other organisations:
- British Association of Art Therapists
- Health and Care Professions Council
- MBT Scotland
Catherine's main area of interest is in working with adults with relational and complex trauma, integrating mentalization-based therapy (MBT) approaches in her art therapy practice and considering the role of the art form in supporting improved mentalization of self and other. She is also interested in the potential benefits of an art therapy approach to work with somatic experiences of distress, confusion and dissociation.
Catherine is Professional Practice Tutor for the MSc in Art Psychotherapy in the Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies; and module co-ordinator for both the MSc Art Psychotherapy Practice-Based Learning modules.
