Ceeka: Art Therapist/ Founder
Ceeka is a qualified Art Therapist based in London, UK, who specializes in exploring the cultural and psychological experiences of the African/ African American/ Black British/ Caribbean Diaspora.
Born in Tottenham, North London, she brings her Jamaican heritage and upbringing in a Pan-African/Rastafarian household into her practice, fueling her passion for understanding how culture and society shape individual life experiences.
With a strong background in visual arts and a solid academic foundation from esteemed London institutions such as Camberwell College of Arts, London College of Printing, and London Guildhall University, Ceeka furthered her expertise by obtaining a Foundation Degree in Art Therapy at Roehampton University. She went on to complete her Master's in Art Psychotherapy at Hertfordshire University, where she was honored with a Commendation Award.
Ceeka founded Inside My Art Project in 2016, driven by her passion to expose marginalized communities to the transformative benefits of Art Therapy and mental health services. Through this platform, she aims to break down barriers and ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have access to the healing power of art. Her commitment to promoting inclusivity and providing a safe space for expression shines through her work, as she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
Ceeka's therapeutic approach is person-centered, placing the client at the core of the Art Therapy process. She focuses on uncovering subconscious behaviors and patterns developed through non-verbal communication during early childhood. Unlike other forms of therapy, her client-led methodology allows for deep exploration of the impact of culture and society on individual experiences.
Her professional experience is diverse, encompassing work with various populations. While her primary focus lies in working with children and teenagers, Ceeka also facilitates workshops for adults. She has extensive experience working with at-risk youth, helping them navigate away from offending, gang involvement, and exploitation. Additionally, she has spent over six years supporting young people with physical disabilities and/or Special Educational Needs (SEN).
During her sessions, Ceeka delves into themes such as self-perception, self-confidence, generational trauma, anxiety, and depression. She encourages clients to engage with a wide range of art-making techniques and materials, including collage, paint, clay, textiles, sand, and pastels.
Recognizing the profound connection between creative expression and mental health, Ceeka believes that Art Therapy provides a safe and effective avenue for processing overwhelming emotions and thoughts that may be challenging to articulate verbally, especially to someone unfamiliar. Engaging in art-making allows individuals to tap into their inner child and peel away layers of life experiences, supported by a qualified therapist.
In addition to her therapeutic practice, Ceeka has designed and produced two innovative Art Therapy resources:
Art Therapy Oracle Deck and My Art Is My Therapy Journal.
These comprehensive tools serve clients and professionals alike, providing intuitive and creative Art Therapy exercises.
The card deck offers unlimited activity and materials prompts, while the journal provides a year's worth of Art Therapy activities and journal prompts, complete with a mini art materials set.
Developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, these resources aim to enhance accessibility to Art Therapy, even in remote settings.
Ceeka's personal journey into Art Therapy was inspired by a brief mention of the field during a lecture on metaphysics.
Already a practicing visual artist and involved in community work with
at-risk youth in Haringey, North London, she recognized Art Therapy as a valuable way to combine her passions for art, community engagement, and psychology. Art Therapy also offered an alternative therapeutic approach to communities that often face barriers in accessing and trusting traditional therapy services.
Ceeka's philosophy on the Art Therapy process revolves around creating a safe space for creative expression, allowing clients to navigate their unique journeys at their own pace. She provides unwavering support in processing subconscious communications that may arise during art-making sessions.
Looking ahead, Ceeka envisions pursuing a PhD to expand her academic pursuits. She is also eager to explore the integration of AI & Tech into her practice and raise awareness about Art Therapy, particularly within marginalized communities.
She holds a special passion for promoting the significance of therapy and fostering open discussions about mental health within the Black community, taking into account historical mistrust and various cultural factors.
With her professional expertise and personal dedication, Ceeka hopes to make a meaningful impact in the field of Art Therapy, bridging the gap between creativity, psychology, and cultural experiences to empower individuals on their healing journeys.
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