Dr Tracey Murray | HCPC reg Art Psychotherapist

Dr Tracey Murray| HCPC reg Art Psychotherapist| Reg no:AS07685

North Belfast & Online | Young People, Adults & Parents

Individual Session Fee: £75

I am Tracey, the Founder and Clinical Lead of Heart Therapy NI.  I am an Art Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with 20 years of diverse experience helping people of all ages navigate traumatic and difficult life experiences and challenging issues. I currently work with young people (age 11+), adults and parents/carers. I believe that therapy is a relational process, built on the foundation of trust, compassion and empathic listening to enable a safe exploration of thoughts and feelings without expectation or judgement. My goal is to empower you to realise your own potential, gain a deeper understanding and authentic connection to yourself, and build on your strengths to foster lasting resilience. I am experienced in and work with a wide range of complex issues, using a range of therapeutic modalities to co-create a service tailored to your unique needs and presenting issues.

"I help you find the courage to let go of what no longer serves you, and move forward engaged in your power."

Areas of Specialism and Focus

Trauma

I have extensive experience working with children, young people and adults who have experienced different types of trauma, including PTSD, Complex, Developmental and Relational Trauma. I offer support for  emotional dysregulation; to re-negotiate safety, process fear, rebuild connection and self-esteem. I work with the long-term emotional, somatic and behavioural impact of childhood neglect, abuse, and dysfunction. I also help to process grief that is complicated and traumatic by the circumstances of the loss. 

Neurodivergence and Identity

I have over 20 years experience working with and supporting people of all ages with neurodivergence, including Autism and ADHD. I offer support to explore identity and relationships to move towards self understanding and self-acceptance. I help support masking & burnout to reduce the physical, mental and sensory impact often caused by meeting the demands of everyday life. 

Relationships and Self-development

I work with teens and adults to help them explore and understand themselves better, how they relate to others and how their relational patterns impact on their social, emotional and behavioural aspects of life. 

Parent and Carer Support

As a practitioner with personal experience in the complexities of care-giving, I provide focused intervention for those in a care-giving role. I help parents/caregivers move beyond burnout by identifying unique stressors and establishing sustainable, practical ways to manage. I provide explorative support to help navigate the challenges that can arise within SEN, care and family systems. I aim for parents/caregivers to be heard, seen and understood, to engage with their strengths and ensure they too are supported.

My Therapeutic Approach

Art Therapy

Using art materials as a non-verbal expression and creative means to externalise your inner thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Relational Sandtray Therapy

Using minatures and small objects to explore how you understand yourself and your interactions in relation to others.

Trauma-informed Body-orientated Therapy

Focusing on the mind-body connection to process trauma. We work with the nervous system to help you understand how your body reacts to stress, helping you find appropriate ways to build safety, re-regulate, and regain control.

Gestalt Therapy

Focusing on the present moment 'here and now' to help you fully process your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, promoting self-awareness and personal responsibility.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Exploring how past experiences shape your current thoughts, behaviours and relationships.

Professional Qualifications and Trainings

  • Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Art Therapy (Queen's University, Belfast)
  • Master of Science Degree in Art Therapy (Queen's University, Belfast)
  • Master of Fine Art Degree (University of Ulster)
  • BA (hons) Degree in Fine Art Sculpture, (Gray's School of Art,  Aberdeen)
  • CPCAB Level 6 in Counselling Supervision 
  • ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management
  • Level 1 & 2 in Dyadic Parent-Child Art Psychotherapy (BAAT)
  • Traumatic Bereavement: Working Therapeutically with Children and Young People (Anna Freud Trauma Centre)
  • Trauma and the Body: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute)
  • Somatic Experiencing Introduction (SE Ireland)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
  • Connections Link Life Suicide Prevention Training (Fresh Minds Education)
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Adult & Child Safeguarding Training (Volunteer Now)
  • Autism Training: Sensory Processing, Fundamentals of Autism, Autism and the Teenage Years 
  • Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA Society)
  • Member of the British Association of Art Therapists (reg no:24475)