Holding Space Art Therapy was founded by Kirsty Gbasai, an artist, creative practitioner and HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist.

Kirsty’s journey into art therapy grew from many years of working across community arts, education, youth work and arts for health. Through this work, she witnessed how creativity can support emotional wellbeing and offer ways of expressing experiences that may be difficult to put into words.

Wanting to offer a deeper and more sustained form of support, Kirsty trained as an art therapist, bringing together her creative practice with psychological understanding and relational care.

An approach grounded in relationship and creativity

Kirsty works from a relational and psychodynamic approach, placing the therapeutic relationship at the heart of the work.

Art-making can become part of this shared process, offering another way to explore feelings and experiences when words are difficult to find. There is no pressure to make art, and no previous artistic experience is needed.

Her practice is person-centred and neuro-affirming, with an understanding of how past experiences can shape how we feel, relate and respond in the present.

Kirsty works with adults and young people, including those who are neurodivergent, think they may be neurodivergent or experience differences in areas such as sensory processing, communication, attention and emotional regulation. A formal diagnosis is not required, and people do not need to identify with a particular label.

Sessions can offer space to slow down, reflect and explore experiences such as anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, burnout, difficult relationships and life transitions. The work is responsive to each person’s communication, sensory and processing needs and develops at a pace that feels manageable for them.

Professional background

Kirsty is:

• an HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist;
• a member of the British Association of Art Therapists;
• an artist and experienced creative practitioner;
• over 15 years experience in community arts, education, youth work, arts for health and creative health and wellbeing.

She offers individual art therapy for adults and young people, alongside therapeutic groups and commissioned work with organisations.

About Holding Space

Holding Space is grounded in the belief that therapy does not always need to take place in a traditional clinical environment.

Kirsty currently offers art therapy at Manchester Museum, where she is a Top Floor partner, as well as online. Holding Space also works with organisations to explore how art therapy can be offered within civic, arts and cultural settings.

Art Therapy in Civic and Cultural Spaces

Values

Relational – placing the therapeutic relationship at the centre.

Accessible – considering the different practical, sensory and communication needs people may bring.

Thoughtful – working with care, attention and respect for each person’s pace.