Marsha Bullivant Psychotherapy
Art PSYCHOTHERAPY IN Chelmsford, Essex
Welcome to Marsha Bullivant Psychotherapy in Chelmsford, Essex
A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life
Integrative Arts Psychotherapist in Essex
Most of the time we can handle the difficulties we face, but sometimes when things feel overwhelming, we need support to help us through.
I’m Marsha, I’m an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, and I can provide you with a welcoming, safe and non-judgemental space, where we can work together on the issues you are facing, at your pace.
Being listened to is a powerful experience and in addition to talking, we’ll use different art forms to help you to express the things that are sometimes too difficult to say.
I have had my own psychotherapy, so I understand what it is like to be the client and how daunting it can be to begin this journey. But, I have also experienced how rewarding the process is. The outcomes can be life changing.
I am based in Chelmsford, in Essex. You can find out more about me, and how I work on this site.
About me
I am an HCPC registered, accredited Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and have completed a rigorous 4-year, post-graduate MA training. I have worked within the NHS, in charity and community settings, predominantly with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Before training as a therapist, I worked in education and in various voluntary roles with adults, children and families.
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). These professional bodies set high standards for ethical practice, competence, and ongoing development. My registration means I am committed to working with integrity, accountability, and care, in line with their codes of ethics and professional conduct.
How I work
The most important element of psychotherapy is the therapeutic relationship. Working collaboratively together, my aim is for us to establish a safe, trusting relationship in which you feel seen and heard, just as you are. Taking your lead, we can explore the issues that have brought you to therapy.
My integrative approach weaves together psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives. That means I recognise how our earliest experiences and the ways we adapted to them, can continue to shape our lives. At the same time, I believe deeply in our capacity to grow and to live more freely and authentically. Many of our experiences exist outside of our conscious awareness. It’s often in this hidden space that we find both the source of our struggles and the potential for change. Using the arts can help make these inner experiences visible, offering new understanding and opportunities for growth.
A client-centred approach to counselling and psychotherapy that focuses on the whole person, emphasising empathy, self-worth, and personal meaning. Humanistic therapy supports growth, autonomy, and emotional well-being within a trusting therapeutic relationship.
A form of psychotherapy that explores how early life experiences, unconscious processes, and relational patterns influence present emotions and behaviour. Psychodynamic therapy supports insight, emotional awareness, and lasting psychological change.
My work is also informed by interpersonal neurobiology, an approach that recognises how our brains and relationships influence each other. This understanding guides me to work with both the emotional and embodied aspects of experience. In our sessions, I aim to create a safe, attuned relationship where your nervous system can gently find more balance, connection, and possibility.
An integrative field within psychology and psychotherapy that brings together neuroscience, attachment theory, and relational science. Interpersonal neurobiology explores how the brain, nervous system, and relationships interact to shape emotional regulation, mental health, and resilience.
What might we do?
The arts form an integral part of how I work, and can include using postcards, musical instruments, puppets, clay, movement and a sandtray, as well as visual art materials. All these resources are available each session for you to use if you choose to.
Art is a universal language and although not all of us consider ourselves, ‘arty’, expressing feelings and thoughts through image, gesture and metaphor can be more helpful than words alone. Exploring the images together can bring insight and understanding into ourselves and the situations we face. The process of creating can be both calming and empowering, reminding us of the possibility for change.
Where we'll meet
We’ll work together from a cabin in my garden. It’s a calm and inviting space, deliberately created to support a sense of emotional safety and peace. It’s a supportive place for exploration, where you can experience stillness and creativity while doing the deeper work of therapy.
Contact & Fees
If you are considering therapy, please contact me via the form below and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
We can then arrange a time for a free 15 minute initial telephone conversation to explore what brings you to therapy and whether my approach feels right for you.
Individual face-to-face therapy sessions last 50 minutes and are charged at £65 per session.
Get in touch
FAQs
Do I need to be artistic or creative to benefit from this approach?
Not at all. The work isn’t about artistic skill but about the process of creating and what can be discovered through that process. The arts can help us to communicate feelings and express thoughts that may be hard to put into words. The creative elements are offered as invitations and are always adapted to your comfort level.
How can Integrative Arts Psychotherapy help me?
This approach can support a wide range of emotional, relational, and psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, identity exploration, and the desire for personal growth. Working with both mind and body can help deepen awareness and shift long-held patterns.
What can I expect in the first session?
Our first meeting is a gentle introduction. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, what you hope for, and any questions you may have. It’s also an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work and whether this feels like a good fit for you.
How often will we meet, and how long are sessions?
Sessions are typically held weekly and last 50 minutes. Consistency helps us build a strong therapeutic relationship, though frequency can be discussed to suit your needs.
How many sessions will I need?
Some people come for a short period to focus on a specific issue, while others choose to work more long-term. We’ll review your needs together as therapy unfolds.
What are your fees and payment arrangements?
Individual face-to-face therapy sessions last 50 minutes and are charged at £65 per session. Payment is due 24 hours before the session by bank transfer. Your appointment is confirmed once payment has been received.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule; otherwise, the full fee is payable. I understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and when attendance isn’t possible due to this, I will do my best to offer an alternative time if availability allows.
Is what I share confidential?
Everything you bring to therapy is treated with care and confidentiality. There are rare exceptions related to safety, and these will be clearly explained in our first session.
How secure is my data?
Your privacy is treated with great care. All personal information, session notes, and contact details are stored securely in accordance with GDPR requirements. I keep only what is necessary for our work together, and your data is never shared with anyone else unless required by law or with your explicit consent. We will go over how your information is held and protected in our first session, so you can feel confident about how your confidentiality is maintained.
What if I’m unsure whether this kind of therapy is right for me?
Many people feel uncertain at first. You are welcome to book an initial session to get a sense of the space, the approach, and how it feels to work together before committing further. There are times when another form of support may be more suitable, and if it becomes clear that your needs would be better met by a different clinician or service, I will discuss this with you sensitively and help guide you towards appropriate options. My aim is always to ensure that you receive the kind of support that best serves your wellbeing.
What if I need urgent support?
Therapy sessions are not designed for crisis intervention. If you feel at risk or need immediate help, see the following list for support.
Urgent & Emergency Mental Health Support (Essex)
If someone’s life is at immediate risk, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
For urgent mental-health help that is not immediately life-threatening, call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option (available 24/7). nhs.uk
Local Essex services
- North East Essex Sanctuary — call 0300 330 9492 or visit neesanctuary.co.uk, mnessexmind.org
- Mid Essex Sanctuary — evening / out-of-hours safe space (access via NHS 111 referral); details at mnessexmind.org.
- Mental Health Direct (EPUT) — 24/7 urgent support for mid & south Essex: 0800 995 1000. eput.nhs.uk
National helplines (available anywhere in the UK)
- Samaritans — 116 123 (24/7). Samaritans
- Shout — text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7 text support). Shout 85258
- Mind — helplines and information: mind.org.uk/helplines. Mind
- PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK — 0800 068 4141 (support for under-35s). Papyrus UK | Suicide Prevention Charity
If you’re unsure which service to contact, call NHS 111 (mental-health option) and they will advise and connect you to local urgent support. nhs.uk+1