Mizgin Arslan

Hello and welcome!

I am offering individual therapy sessions for children, young people, and adults, as well as running groups for all ages, incorporating a variety of art forms and bodywork techniques.

All individual sessions for children take place in person, using creative tools such as art materials, toys, and games to help clients explore their feelings, express themselves, and build confidence in a safe and supportive environment. I also offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and explore whether my approach is the right fit.

New Therapeutic Art Group for Adults

A new therapeutic art group for adults will be starting at Cufos Community Centre, Muswell Hill, on 23rd September. The group will run from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, and all materials will be provided, from clay to fabric.

For more information, to discuss individual sessions, or to book a place in a group, please contact: shahmarantherapy@gmail.com

Availability is flexible, and sessions can be arranged to suit your needs.

I am a Â鶹ԭ´´-registered Integrative Counsellor with a Master’s degree in Arts, a postgraduate certificate in Therapeutic Arts, and a Child Counselling diploma. I work with both children and young people, offering a compassionate, creative, and relational approach to emotional and psychological well-being.

Working with Children

My primary focus is child therapy, using a child-centred, arts-based approach to help children explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Creative tools such as art materials, toys, sand trays, play, storytelling, and movement support children in communicating in ways that feel natural and non-judgmental. Sessions are child-led and developmentally sensitive, providing a safe space to build resilience, emotional understanding, and confidence. I have experience supporting children in schools, charities, and community settings with a wide range of emotional, social, and behavioural challenges.

Working with Adults

I also offer integrative counselling for adults, combining creative methods with traditional talk therapy. I support adults with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and life transitions, helping them gain insight, process feelings, and develop resilience at their own pace.

My Approach

I tailor sessions to each individual, drawing on a range of methods—drawing, movement, role play, storytelling, and talk therapy—so both children and adults can express themselves in ways that feel most comfortable. Children’s sessions are conducted in person, while adults may choose flexible phone or video sessions from the comfort of home.

In my full-time role, I work in Hackney, supporting a diverse community and welcoming clients from all cultures and backgrounds. I am fluent in two additional languages and bring international experience, creating an inclusive environment where every story matters.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low mood, sleep issues, relationship issues or emotional struggles, you're not alone. Therapy can offer a space to understand what's going on, feel more connected to yourself, and move towards a greater sense of balance and hope. You don’t need to have everything figured out—that’s what we’ll explore together. All that’s needed is a willingness to engage in the process.

I know that starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you've had difficult experiences in the past. Building trust takes time, and we can begin gently. 

I trained at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE), a leading centre in integrative and arts-based psychotherapy. In our work, we may draw on both talking therapy and creative approaches such as drawing, painting, movement, or storytelling. These methods can help access deeper emotional layers that words alone might not reach.

I also incorporate gentle body-based practices, including grounding movements and breathwork, to support emotional regulation and self-awareness. Together, we’ll find the approaches that feel most helpful for you.

Therapy is a journey of discovery and healing. At times, it may stir up long-held emotions—but this is often part of the process of meaningful change. With time and care, therapy can help you feel more empowered, more at ease in yourself, and more connected to the life you want to live.

I offer a 60-minute initial assessment session at the same fee as a standard 50-minute session.

This longer session allows space to explore what’s bringing you or your child to therapy, understand your needs, and see whether we’re a good fit to work together.

When working with children, the initial assessment is held with the parent or caregiver. This session includes gathering information about the child’s developmental history—such as pregnancy, early years, siblings, family dynamics, any Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), sudden life changes, and the family's understanding of the child’s current challenges. This helps form a holistic picture of the child’s world and how best to support them.

The aim of this first session—whether for an adult or child—is to create a safe, respectful space where your concerns are heard, and we can begin shaping a therapeutic plan together.