The arts therapies (or arts psychotherapies as they are sometimes called) are an important part of the specialist psychosocial care provided by Sobell House.

• They provide a form of psychotherapy which allows patients the opportunity to explore the implications of their illness at their own pace.
• They can help support patients across the entire spectrum of emotional and psychological response to their diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
• Arts therapists work closely with the multi-disciplinary team with in-patients, day patients, their relatives and carers both at the hospice and in the community.

Whilst art and music have their own distinctive expressive forms they both offer opportunities to uncover and express important feelings that may often feel “beyond words”.

Patients do not require any previous training or experience to attend music or art therapy and may be referred for a variety of reasons. These may include anxiety or fear around their illness, depression, help with pain or insomnia, loss and bereavement or a desire to explore their own creativity and discover new ways to express themselves.

At Sobell House we try to ensure that art and music therapy are made available to all patients. Referrals to the therapists can be made via the
In-Patient Unit, the Day Hospice or the wider community services such as the Community Nurse Team and Bereavement Service. At Sobell House there is usually a State Registered music or art therapist available all day from Monday to Friday.

Stella Joel Art Therapist
Bob Heath Music Therapist
Contact Number at Sobell House: 01865 225371