Art Therapy for Ageing Well
Growing older, finding meaning and new paths together.
If you or someone you care for is an older adult in Edinburgh going through dementia, illness, grief, retirement or other life changes, you’re not alone. I offer art therapy for older adults and carers, either through one-to-one sessions at Creative Arts Therapies Space (CATS), or by working with organisations across the Lothians on a freelance basis.
You don’t need to be good at art. The sessions are a space for expression, connection and emotional support. We might talk, create, or simply sit with whatever’s there. Even in challenging times, art therapy can offer small moments of comfort, strength and meaning.
Hi, I’m Joey.
I’m an Art Therapist, born and raised in Hong Kong, now based in Edinburgh. I support older adults and carers through life changes with warmth, creativity and care.
My clinical experience includes working with bereavement, young carers, neurodiversity and individuals with acquired brain injuries in the NHS. I’m currently practising as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Arts Worker alongside the Gypsy/Traveller community, with much of this work focused on older adults and carers. I also have past experience volunteering with a suicide prevention hotline.
These experiences have deepened my belief that whether we talk, make art or simply share quiet moments, there is always space for comfort, meaning and hope.
Working Together
You are in control, it’s your space.
One-to-one therapy
If you’re looking for individual support, I offer art therapy through CATS, a quiet and welcoming studio based in Leith. Working through CATS means your therapy is held within a supportive organisation, under professional guidance and regulation.
Sessions are shaped around your needs and can include creative expression, conversation or simply sharing quiet space. If you're thinking about starting 1:1 therapy, I’d be happy to talk it through with you.
Freelance art therapy for organisations
I offer art therapy on a freelance basis to organisations such as care homes, charities and community groups. This can include one-off sessions, short-term projects or ongoing work, either in small groups or one-to-one.
Each piece of work is shaped around the needs of your setting. You may be looking to support older adults, carers, or both. If you’d like to explore how we might work together, I’d be happy to have a conversation.
At Creative Arts Therapies Space (CATS)
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians
Sessions are shaped by the people who take part. They may include art-making, quiet reflection, conversation or shared moments of stillness. Whether in a one-to-one setting or within a group, there is no right or wrong way to be. The pace and direction are led by those in the space, and I always welcome conversations about how we can tailor the work to meet your needs. Sessions are calm, confidential and supportive, and available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
I currently offer art therapy in two main ways:
The Space
Take a look inside the therapy room at CATS, a warm and welcoming place for in-person sessions.
What others say
What others have shared about working with me, to help you get a sense of my approach and how I support clients.
Joey is a wonderfully patient and caring listener, who accepts clients without judgement and holds space for them to grow.
John Wright (Art Psychotherapist)
As an art therapist, I feel so fortunate to have had Joey by my side as both a colleague and a close friend, as her insight and presence have often felt like having a peer therapist and peer supervisor!
She's definitely one of the most thoughtful, genuine and creative art therapists I've ever known and I truly value the way she has supported my growth both personally and professionally.
Fatemeh Sangi (Art Psychotherapist)
I have known Joey Chan as a peer student on the MSc Art Psychotherapy course at Queen Margaret University for two years. One of those years we participated in an ongoing year-long, Clinical Supervision group with a lecturer as part of our ethical standard and safeguarding practices.
I found Joey to be warm, approachable and willing to use the group fully. She demonstrated a compassionate understanding of both the clients and the correct theoretical and ethical understanding of her work.
She used these sessions well, willing to learn, able to ask for help and willing to learn from both peer and lecturer input. She allowed herself to experience her client work fully, with honesty and integrity. She was methodical and sensitive in her approach and brought both difficult and at times intense case studies again, with a willingness to explore her growing edge and learning with sensitivity and care.
Lorraine Clark (Art Psychotherapist)
So far the service has been great! Smooth booking, clear communication, Joey listens with patience and offers supportive guidance during the sessions. Thank you, Joey
Client
Frequently Asked Questions
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a supportive and creative process that supports emotional wellbeing. It offers older adults and carers a safe space to express feelings, explore memories and connect through creativity. You do not need to be “good” at art. It's about expression, not skill.
Who can benefit from it?
Art therapy can support older adults, seniors, and carers, especially when facing life changes such as dementia, grief, illness, or retirement. It offers comfort, connection, and strength during challenging times.
Do I need art skills?
No art experience is required. Art therapy focuses on expression and connection, not making “good” art. Many people find it helpful simply to create, share, or reflect in a safe and supportive space.
How can I access sessions?
One-to-one sessions take place in person at the Creative Arts Therapies Space in Edinburgh. I also work with organisations across the Lothians to offer group or individual art therapy within their settings. Sessions are available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
What can I expect?
One-to-one sessions are usually 60 minutes and follow your pace. You might choose to talk, use creative materials or simply take time to be.
Group sessions vary depending on the focus and the size of the group. Some are more directive, with prompts or themes to guide the process. Others are non-directive, where participants decide in the moment how they’d like to take part. I always shape the sessions around the needs of those involved. If you're interested in group work, feel free to get in touch to chat about what could work well for your setting.
How do I get in touch?
You're welcome to book a free 15-minute phone call if you're considering one-to-one therapy. This is a chance to ask questions, talk through what you're looking for and see if it feels like a good fit.
If you're part of an organisation and would like to explore working together, I’m happy to arrange a longer conversation to discuss your setting, the people you support and what might be possible.
You can get in touch through the contact form below, or reach out by email, text or phone. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Let's Talk
If you or someone you care for would like to explore one-to-one art therapy, I offer a free 15-minute chat. This is a chance for us to get to know each other, talk about what you're looking for and see if we’re a good fit. If I’m not the right person for you, I can help you find someone who is.
If you're part of an organisation and would like to explore working together, I’d be happy to arrange a longer conversation to discuss your setting and what kind of support might be helpful.
I’ll reply within 24 hours. You can use the form below or get in touch by email, phone or text.
