Arts Therapies - Summer School

Brunel University of London’s Arts Therapies & Creative Health Summer School explores the growing role of creative and arts-based approaches within mental health, healthcare, education, and community practice.

Designed for UK and international students, graduates, and professionals, the programme combines academic learning, reflective practice, and clinical insight from practising NHS clinicians, researchers, and internationally recognised academics working across arts psychotherapies and creative health.

Participants will explore how arts therapies are practiced, researched, and developed within contemporary NHS settings, gaining insight into trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive approaches to care.

The programme is delivered collaboratively by Brunel University of London and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL).

Brunel University of London is home to a growing Arts and Health research community and works in partnership with CNWL NHS Foundation Trust to deliver research, training, and clinical innovation in arts psychotherapies and creative health.

• Art Psychotherapy and Dramatherapy in the UK context
• Creative health and contemporary mental health practice
• Arts therapies within NHS and community settings
• Trauma-informed and relational approaches
• Cross-cultural perspectives on creativity, wellbeing, and care
• Professional pathways and HCPC-regulated careers
• Research and innovation in arts therapies and creative health

The programme combines seminars, creative workshops, reflective discussion, and visits connected to NHS and cultural settings across London.

Teaching on this course is led by Brunel academics, CNWL NHS arts psychotherapists, and partner organisations, offering participants direct exposure to contemporary practice across healthcare, education, and community settings.

The faculty includes experienced practitioners and researchers working across:

• NHS arts psychotherapies services
• Creative health research
• Community and educational settings
• International arts and mental health collaborations
• Trauma-informed and socially engaged practice

Participants will engage with current debates shaping the future of arts therapies and creative health in the UK and internationally.

The programme is suitable for students, graduates, and professionals interested in arts therapies, mental health, creative health, education, psychology, healthcare, or socially engaged creative practice.

This includes:
• Students considering postgraduate training in Arts Therapies
• Creative practitioners interested in mental health and wellbeing
• Professionals working in education, healthcare, youth work, or social care
• International students seeking insight into UK arts therapies training and NHS practice
• Individuals interested in the growing field of creative health

No prior clinical experience is required.