Who are you and what do you do at Granton Youth?
I am an art psychotherapist recently started as a young person’s counsellor at GY. My approach is psychodynamic and I integrate person-centred values into my work. My role involves providing counselling services in schools to support young people experiencing emotional, physical, or social challenges in their lives.

When did you join Granton Youth/what were you doing before this?
Before joining GY I began my career as an art teacher and volunteered at a children’s orphanage in Greece. I completed Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton and then went on qualify as an art therapist at Queen Margaret University. During my studies, I trained as an art therapist in a high school and with the NHS. I spent some time working as a support practitioner for adults experiencing mental health difficulties and then in childcare, before joining Granton Youth, as I always wanted to work with adolescents.

What made you want to work with young people?
In my early life, I found that drawing was an easier way to communicate my thoughts and feelings. Having learning difficulties meant that verbal communication could be challenging at times. Art has been a natural way to express myself and helped me to process challenges during school. This fuelled my interest in supporting young people during this difficult period in their lives. By integrating art into counselling, I aim to create a safe space for young people where they can find their own ways to express themselves.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy being in a community which puts young peoples’ interests first. By working collaboratively, I get to have a positive work experience and learn more about how I can improve my skills as a counsellor. I like working with various professionals aiming to provide holistic support to students, while being in a supportive environment. By counselling in schools, I am interested in learning about the environmental factors affecting the children’s wellbeing and the ways I can support them.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my free time, I enjoy other forms of art, such as dancing, and playing guitar. For me, art is not about the result of what you make, but it is the process of creation and immersing yourself in it which brings a rewarding experience. I like hiking and being in nature, as it makes me feel calm. While I admire how beautiful the natural world is, I also enjoy capturing it with my camera.