Art storage & disposal policy

As part of the art psychotherapy process, clients may create visual artwork during sessions. The following policy outlines how this artwork is stored, handled, and disposed of, in line with ethical standards of confidentiality, respect, and care.

 

Storage During Therapy

All artwork created during sessions will be stored securely by the therapist for the duration of therapy.

Artworks are kept in a private, locked space accessible only to the therapist.

The therapist ensures that all materials are treated with respect and held as confidential clinical material, similar to written clinical notes.

 

Client Access and Ownership

Clients retain full ownership of all artwork they create during therapy.

Clients may take their artwork home at any time upon request. However, it is strongly advised that artwork remains with the therapist for the duration of therapy, where it is securely stored and held as part of the ongoing therapeutic process. This allows the artwork to be available for reflection, continuity, and integration within the sessions.

Should a client choose to take artwork home during therapy, this can be discussed collaboratively to ensure that the therapeutic value and intent of the work is respected and preserved.

 

At the End of Therapy

At the planned conclusion of therapy, clients will be given the option to:

1. Take their artwork home, or

2. Leave it with the therapist for confidential disposal.

If the client chooses to take the artwork, arrangements will be made to collect it promptly.

If the artwork is left with the therapist, it will be disposed of in a secure and confidential manner, such as shredding, cutting, or other methods that maintain client confidentiality and prevent identification.

 

In Case of Unplanned Ending or Non-Response

If therapy ends abruptly or without a formal conclusion, and the client does not communicate their preference regarding their artwork:

• The therapist will attempt to contact the client to clarify their wishes.

• If no response is received within 2 weeks of the last session or attempted contact, the artwork will be disposed of confidentially.

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Use of Artwork for Professional Purposes

Artwork will not be used for teaching, research, publication, or exhibition without the client’s explicit written consent. Any such use would involve a separate consent process and full anonymity where appropriate.

As part of ethical best practice and ongoing professional development, artwork may be shown to a clinical supervisor during supervision sessions. This is done solely to support the therapist in providing safe, ethical, and effective care. All supervision is conducted in strict confidence, and identifying information is not shared unless specifically relevant and necessary.

 

Digital Art and Photographs

In cases where digital images of artwork are made (e.g. for clinical records or therapeutic reflection), these will be stored securely, encrypted where possible, and treated as confidential clinical material.