Fazila Virmani
London,UK
Summary
HCPC-registered art psychotherapist with 5+ years of experience in NHS inpatient, community, charity and educational settings. Specialises in supporting adults with learning disabilities, adoptive families, and clients impacted by domestic abuse, utilising trauma-informed care for children and young people. Skilled in assessment, formulation, safeguarding, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. CPCAB Level 6 clinical supervisor committed to anti-discriminatory and culturally responsive practices.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
CYP Art Psychotherapist
Bede House Association
London
2026.03 - Current
To work with children, young people and families affected by domestic abuse. (start date pending)
Art Psychotherapist
EK Therapy
London
2026.03 - Current
Remote work to provide 1-1 art therapy sessions. (start date pending)
Art Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Self-Employed
LONDON
2023.01 - Current
- I facilitate weekly, fortnightly, and monthly clinical supervision for newly qualified art psychotherapists.
- Support individual needs through an integrative model approach incorporating art making for deeper insight.
- Assist in creating a safe environment for exploration and professional development.
Studio Manager/Art Therapist + (ongoing cover)
Studio Upstairs
2021.03 - Current
- Supported members at the Dalston and Croydon studio.
- Curated in-house workshops inspired by famous artists.
- Assisted clients both in studio and online during pandemic.
- Managed discussions regarding artwork for self-reflection.
- Guided members on gallery and museum excursions.
- Created art collaboratively with members and engaged in therapeutic dialogue.
- Conducted regular reviews for members to acknowledge progress.
B7 Art Psychotherapist Adult Learning Disabilities
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
London
2024.10 - 2025.11
- Provided 1-1 Art Therapy sessions and Group interventions for Adults with Learning Disabilities.
- Assessment, formulation and evidence based outcomes.
- Clinical notes on Rio, end of therapy reports and advocacy.
- Member of BameX network, LGBTQ+ network, Domestic Abuse Champion and participant of the DA Project.
- Co-facilitated creative and reflective practice workshops for staff and wider community for South Asian heritage month.
- Co-facilitated workshops for mental health awareness day with Music Therapist.
- Presented in anti-discrimination forums and took part in Schwartz rounds.
Bank Art Therapist (band 7)
West London NHS Trust
London
2024.01 - 2024.12
- Facilitated 1-1 Art Therapy and Group Art Therapy on Inpatient wards and Community across two hospital settings.
Mental Health Practitioner
Place2Be
LONDON
2023.04 - 2024.03
- Established Place2Be project at new growing school.
- Provided transition groups for KS2 and circle time for KS1 alongside conducting Place2Talk drop-in sessions and one-to-one therapy sessions.
- Performed assessments and formulation tasks autonomously.
- Collaborated with school’s DSL and pastoral staff, as well as Place2Be’s area manager and supervisor.
- Addressed safeguarding concerns and prepared for early interventions.
Art Psychotherapist
Chroma Therapies
LONDON
2023.06 - 2024.03
- Delivered supportive art therapy to young people and parents to enhance overall well-being and strengthen family relationships among adopted families.
Art Psychotherapist
Thrive Therapy Group Ltd
LONDON
2023.01 - 2024.05
- Assisted adopted families in educational settings on an individual basis.
- Collaborated with social worker, line manager and school's DSL to ensure effective support.
- Delivered one-on-one art therapy and dyadic therapeutic support for parents and children.
Art Psychotherapist
Schools Counselling Partnership
London
2021.09 - 2023.03
- Facilitated weekly 1-1 art therapy sessions for children in primary school to enhance emotional well-being.
Addressed various challenges such as transitions, loss, and bullying to promote resilience.
Managed distress related to peer interactions and friendship dynamics, fostering a supportive environment.
Education
Level 6 Diploma - Art Therapy Supervision
CPCAB Accredited via BAAT
London 2022.01 - 2025.01
Masters Degree - Art Therapy
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield, Hertfordshire2020-07
University Certificate - Arts Therapies and Wellbeing Foundation
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield, Hertfordshire2016-07
Bachelor of Arts - Education and Psychology
University of Greenwich
Greenwich2015-09
Timeline
CYP Art Psychotherapist
Bede House Association
2026.03 - Current
Art Psychotherapist
EK Therapy
2026.03 - Current
B7 Art Psychotherapist Adult Learning Disabilities
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
2024.10 - 2025.11
Bank Art Therapist (band 7)
West London NHS Trust
2024.01 - 2024.12
Art Psychotherapist
Chroma Therapies
2023.06 - 2024.03
Mental Health Practitioner
Place2Be
2023.04 - 2024.03
Art Therapy Clinical Supervisor
Self-Employed
2023.01 - Current
Art Psychotherapist
Thrive Therapy Group Ltd
2023.01 - 2024.05
Level 6 Diploma - Art Therapy Supervision
CPCAB Accredited via BAAT
2022.01 - 2025.01
Art Psychotherapist
Schools Counselling Partnership
2021.09 - 2023.03
Studio Manager/Art Therapist + (ongoing cover)
Studio Upstairs
2021.03 - Current
Masters Degree - Art Therapy
University of Hertfordshire
University Certificate - Arts Therapies and Wellbeing Foundation
University of Hertfordshire
Bachelor of Arts - Education and Psychology
University of Greenwich
Affiliations
- Eclectic reader; practising artist and musician; nature photography; member of University of Hertfordshire's research network; research interest in art therapy and domestic abuse recovery for marginalised groups.
Placement: Skills and Experience
TRAINEE ART PSYCHOTHERAPIST (MA)
- Ben Uri Gallery and Museum 2019-2020:- I worked with the gallery's partnered day centre with clients that had Vascular Dementia. I delivered group and 1-1 sessions for clients. My main aim was to use sensory methods to aid in the therapy sessions.
- Studio Upstairs 2018-2019:- I made art alongside members who had a varied mild to moderate diagnosis of mental health and learning disabilities. I helped facilitate workshops, visits to the museums and setting up exhibitions where members showcased their artwork.
- Place2Be 2016-2018:- I worked in a partnered Primary School with clients in year 5 and 6 facilitation 1-1 sessions. I followed Place2Be's counselling modality which was flexible and enabled me to incorporate art therapy too.
Credentials
HCPC Registered
Title: Art Psychotherapist (MA)
Date: 01.06.2024 to 31.05.2026
CPCAB L6: Clinical Supervisor
BAAT: Full Membership 2026-2027
Howden: Personal Civil Liability Insurance
Date: 07/09/2025 to 06/09/2026
DBS: Update System 2026-2027
ICO: Registration 2026-2027
(all details available upon request)
Voluntary Work
CNWL NHS – Honorary Art Psychotherapist (Inpatient)
Ben Uri Gallery – Art therapy with clients with vascular dementia
BAAT Dual Experience SIG - Co-Led
NSPCC ChildLine – Trained Volunteer Counsellor
Art Therapy for Health - Remote 1-1 Art sessions
WKC: SEN LSA (2016-2019) employed pt
- Assisted college students aged 16+ with learning disabilities in academic subjects including level 2 art and design, functional skills maths, and GCSE English.
- Participated in class trips and annual EHCP review meetings.
- Supported individual learning needs to promote academic success.
Bereavement Break: 2019-2020
- Provided care and support for late father during final years.
- Took time to process grief and complete Master's degree amidst pandemic.
- Developed resilience and time management skills through personal challenges.
Selected CPD
Hakomi Method; Somatic Therapy for Complex Trauma; BAAT Peer Review Training; Autism Trainer Training (Anna Freud Centre); Sandstory Therapy Level 1; Creative Safeguarding with CYP; ADHD Summit; BAAT Annual Conference; Using Fairytales in Art Therapy; A film in a day: clinical settings.
References
References available upon request.