Art Psychotherapy and Creativity - Angela Rackstraw

15/01/2026

An important read.
Wishing everyone here a year that is kind to you, and a year where you will take time to be creative. And wishing SO much that the madness in the world would cease, or ease at the very least. May tolerance, peace, inclusivity, love and generosity of spirit prevail. 🤍🌿🤍🌿🤍

Engaging in creativity can reduce depression, improve immunity and delay ageing – all while you’re having fun

14/10/2025

So true.

There’s something deeply powerful about giving a handmade gift. It’s not just the final piece, it’s the hours of care, the quiet joy, the little imperfections that make it uniquely yours.

In a world full of mass-produced things, a handmade gift stands out. It says:

✨ I slowed down.
✨ I paid attention.
✨ I made this just for you.

Whether you’re stitching a mandala, embroidering a message, or repairing something they already love, it’s all an act of love - and connection.

What’s the most meaningful handmade gift you’ve ever given or received? 💙

14/10/2025

A morning and afternoon workshop is being offered in Hathern on the 8th and 15th November. Please email me on [email protected] with any queries or requests.
Venue tbc (depending on the needs of participants).
6 places available.

21/08/2025

A lot has happened over the past 18 months to 2 years. Some will call it a delayed midlife crisis! 😆 However if truth be told, following two knee surgeries it was time for change, and I have moved to England to be with loved ones. In spite of new beginnings, it was so difficult and sad leaving friends and family, patients and clients, colleagues and my beloved home and country, but Star and I made the long journey last September.

I apologise for not saying good-bye to so many people, but in the end the actual move happened much faster than anticipated, and I ran out of time in a spectacular way!

I am now settled, and ready to begin work here in Leicestershire / Nottinghamshire. I will be offering online and in-person individual sessions, and will soon start facilitating women’s creativity as well as women’s bereavement groups too.

My email address is still [email protected], so do contact me with any queries.

A reminder as to my special interest and experience:
I work with all ages. I have considerable experience in working with issues around poor self-esteem in children, loss, loss of self in women, depression, illness, end of life issues and bereavement work. I also particularly enjoy facilitating the reigniting of women’s creativity and sense of self.

As mentioned, I am very comfortable with online work, both individual and groups.

I am also available to continue with offering clinical supervision.

Wishing you all well.
Angela.

10/02/2023

After a long absence with regards to my Women’s art-making groups, I am so pleased to be back with two offerings.
There will be an evening group starting on Wednesdays, and meeting for 6 or 8 weeks. That is to be confirmed. There will either be six 2 1/2 hour sessions, or eight x 2 hour sessions.
All materials and refreshments will be covered in the cost. This group will involve stitching stories too, but can just be more ‘art material based’ if participants prefer.
Please email me for further info. This will be stating towards the end of February. We have 2 places left.

[email protected] or 0825516233 (WhatsApp messages)
** Click on the flyer below. **

The second offering is a possible Tuesday morning group, starting in March.
Please let me know if you’re interested.
Thank you.

19/08/2020

New mindfulness creativity workshop dates, to be shared soon.

27/07/2020

**9th August Women's Day online Creativity Workshop.**

On 9th August we'll be hosting our first online workshop. It seems appropriate to do this on Women's Day. We'll be meeting from 3 until 5pm.
Participants will be guided through a creative process, where you will be able to do some journal work, as well as choosing how to work within the suggested framework. You can select your own materials, or buy a specially prepared (custom) creativity pack, which will be delivered / couriered to you.
I am happy to have a short online discussion with each participant, prior to the workshop, in order to give more info about what to gather beforehand, and tge various art material options.
Please send a whatsapp or email to Angela, for all further info. (00 27) 825516233 / [email protected].
A portion of the fees will be given towards care packs for women.
Places are limited to 8.

23/07/2020

It's been a long while since I've posted anything, and I really hope you have all managed as best as possible during this incredibly stressful time. There is so much we need to adjust to, always being mindful of social distancing and staying safe.
After much thought, I'd like to offer the following...

If you're anything like me, you're needing to spend time in a peaceful space, set apart from chaos and busy-ness. You want to feel safe, and yet be transported to a place where you can truly relax, and be creative.
I am offering my garden space, which will be set up with an array of separate small tables. You will be served tea or coffee on individual trays with something delicious to nibble on; these will be brought to you. You will also be given your own activity pack, which will be prepared ahead of the time, by me, practicing hand sanitizing whilst assembling them.
An exact date is to be decided on, and this will have to be weather dependent. I aim to hold the first of these in early August.
I will also be opening my studio again, for one-on-one sessions.
Do message me for any further info. I will see one person per day in the studio. We could also meet in the garden, or on my small stoep, which is under cover.