Jon Martyn
Compassionate art psychotherapy and trauma treatment
Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire
I work with adults who may be struggling with the impact of traumatic experiences, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, or a sense of being stuck or overwhelmed.
I run sessions online and in person. My practice is based at the Sheffield Therapy Collective, 38 Bank Street S1 2DS.
Who I work with
You may be looking for a greater understanding of yourself, support through a difficult period, or a way to move forward from experiences that continue to affect you.
I work with care and sensitivity, keeping you in control of the process and working at a pace that feels right for you. I adapt how I work to meet your individual needs, including working in a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-sensitive way.
I aim to offer a safe and welcoming space for people from marginalised communities, including trans and queer people.
Art psychotherapy
Art psychotherapy, often called art therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making alongside talking. Making an image can give shape to experiences and feelings when words feel difficult or aren't enough, and we then think together about what has emerged. It isn't about making good art, and no artistic skill is needed.
My approach is informed by attachment theory, trauma neurobiology and psychotherapy. This looks at how relationships, particularly our earliest, shape the way we manage emotions and relate to ourselves and other people, and how distress is held in our bodies, and acted out in ways we may be unaware of. Above all, therapy works with the belief that a steady, trusting relationship is the ground for change.
Trauma therapy and EMDR
Trauma work happens in stages. We begin by building safety and stability. When you are ready, we work through what happened, and from there the focus turns to reconnecting with relationships and the life you want. We go at your pace throughout.
I offer EMDR as one way of working through traumatic memories once that foundation is in place. It can help to reduce trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories, feeling constantly on edge, and harsh or critical ways of seeing yourself.
What sessions are like
We create the space together. We might talk, make art, or both, at a pace that suits you.
Sessions are calm and confidential. Therapy is a relationship, and the trust we build between us is part of the work. We'll start by exploring what you need, and I'll adapt how I work to suit you. I can offer art psychotherapy or EMDR separately, or bring them together.
There are art materials available for use. Experimentation, play and mess are encouraged.
Sessions can be weekly or fortnightly, depending on what suits you best, though I recommend weekly sessions to begin with. The length of therapy depends on your needs, and this can be discussed at the beginning of therapy, whether you seek a time-limited, focused piece of work or require ongoing long-term therapy. I recommend a minimum of three months of therapy.
Training and experience
I'm an HCPC-registered art psychotherapist, which means my work meets nationally regulated standards for training, ethics and safe practice. I hold an MA in Art Psychotherapy and have been registered since 2008.
I have over 18 years' experience as a therapist. Throughout my career I have worked with people living with PTSD, complex trauma and a diagnosis of personality disorder, and I have been in private practice for 15 years.
I'm trained to Level 4 in EMDR (2022) and am a member of EMDR UK. To keep developing what I can offer people living with the effects of long-term or repeated trauma, I'm currently in the first year of a two-year specialist training, Complex Trauma: the Tavistock Model (2026–28).
Alongside my private practice, I have worked as Clinical Lead at Share Psychotherapy, lectured on the MA Art Psychotherapy programme at Goldsmiths, University of London, and co-founded the New Art Studio, a therapeutic art studio for refugees.
Full career historyFees and practicalities
- Initial conversation
- Free
- Session fee
- £60 per 50-minute session
- Concessions
- £50 per 50-minute session. I have a limited number of concessionary spaces. If you would like to be considered for one, please let me know when you get in touch.
- How often
- Weekly or fortnightly
- Format
- In person in Sheffield, or online by secure video
- Who
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Supervision
- I also offer clinical supervision, in person and online. About supervision
Where I work
I see clients at the Sheffield Therapy Collective, 38 Bank Street, Sheffield S1 2DS, in the city centre. The room has step-free access.
The Collective is a community of qualified therapists who share a commitment to mental health equality, anti-oppressive practice and making therapy more accessible for people across Sheffield.
About the CollectiveGet in touch
You don't need to have everything worked out before beginning therapy. If you're wondering whether therapy might be helpful, you're welcome to get in touch for a free initial conversation. We can talk about what you're looking for and whether I might be the right fit for you.