E85: When Words Aren’t Enough with Lesley Andrew – How Art Therapy Speaks for You
Guest: Lesley Andrew
Released: 15 April 2026
Themes: Creative expression · Emotional regulation · Trauma & recovery · Nervous system · Lived experience
You can be “fine on paper” and still feel like your nervous system is on fire. That’s why we sit down with artist and registered art therapist Lesley Andrew to unpack how art therapy works when talking isn’t enough, and why the smallest creative act can be a turning point for stress, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and low mood.
We get clear on what art therapy is and what it is not: not a graded art class, not performance, and not about producing a perfect final piece. Lesley explains how images, color, texture, and even mess can become a safe language for emotions that feel too tangled, too painful, or too hard to name. We also talk about the myths that keep people away, including the belief that you have to be “good at art,” and why creativity can be especially powerful for people who tend to overthink and intellectualize their feelings.
The conversation widens into education and culture: what happens when schools cut arts, phones fill the empty space, and young people lose healthy outlets for expression. Lesley shares what real sessions can look like, how different materials can help regulate the nervous system, and how tiny wins like tolerating a mistake without erasing can build resilience over time. You’ll also hear practical ways to start today with low-pressure tools, plus how to find qualified support through NHS pathways, charities, private practice, and professional directories.
If this resonates, listen now, share it with someone who’s carrying too much, and subscribe for more honest conversations about mental health, self-development, and tools that actually help. After you listen, what’s one creative habit you could try for five minutes this week?
Lesley Andrew:
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A New Pace Podcast
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