I believe that people affected by cancer and/or bereavement have unique needs that cannot always be addressed by their health care providers and social support networks. I offer a safe, secure, familiar space with access to art materials – where creativity can facilitate wellbeing.
I have a private practice in Cavendish, Suffolk, where I offer one on one sessions to children, adults, parents and families requiring guidance and support when a family member has been given a diagnosis of a long term illness. I encourage individuals and families to explore their feelings allowing them to LIVE as positively as possible with their diagnosis and beyond.
I offer bereavement support sessions to children, adults, parents and families providing a space in order to work with the grief and loss that a death brings. I also provide a space to negotiate the transition of a loved one at the end of life to be full of treasured memories and hope for the future of those that are left to grieve.
I am passionate about Art Therapy because I witness with clients its ability to facilitate hope, courage, strength, ability to communicate, being kind to yourself, and finding the joy in living despite your illness or bereavement.
I believe that good therapeutic support can be beneficial for all of us
because life is ever challenging.
Victoria Tolchard
I worked at Richard House children’s Hospice in East London from 2011 – 2014 supporting children and families both individually and in groups with life limiting illness, end of life care and bereavement.
When we moved to Suffolk in 2015 I took a role as Art Therapist at East Anglian Children’s Hospice supporting children and families to negotiate living with a life limiting illness, end of life care and into bereavement. I also facilitated different support groups in this role including children’s and bereavement support groups.
I work for ‘Maggie’s – a cancer support charity based at Addenbrookes in Cambridge. Here I facilitate adult and child art therapy support groups and work alongside parents to enable them to support their children when a family member has been given a cancer diagnosis. I also facilitate adult and child bereavement support groups.
I am a fully qualified registered Art Therapist with the Health Care Professionals Council and a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists. My work is governed by the ethical codes of both these organisations.
