Connecting Education, Art, and Community Development

My deep love for travel and a lifelong curiosity about people from all walks of life have shaped a career rooted in creativity, care, and connection. With a background in photography and over two decades of experience in education, I’ve always been drawn to the power of stories and the importance of creating space for others to be seen and heard.

Today, I work across several roles: as a consultant, I help coordinate international artist residency programmes, build partnerships with grassroots organisations, and support creative exchange between the UK and global institutions. As an art psychotherapist, I work with individuals and groups to explore, reflect, and heal through artmaking. Whether in community settings, educational spaces, or therapeutic environments, I bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach and a deep respect for each person’s journey.

I’m committed to work that is meaningful, inclusive, and responsive—and I hope that comes across in everything I do.

Blending Creativity, Wellbeing, and Expertise

My work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of art—whether through therapy, storytelling, or global exchange.

As an Art Psychotherapist, I am dedicated to supporting emotional well-being and personal growth through creative expression. With over 20 years of experience in education, I have worked with individuals and communities, using art as a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and transformation. My approach is rooted in the belief that creativity can unlock resilience, insight, and meaningful change.

In addition to my therapy practice, I bring my expertise as an Educator and Consultant, collaborating with arts organisations to develop and support international residency programs. I am passionate about fostering cross-cultural exchange and helping artists navigate creative and professional growth.

My work as a Documentary Photographer informs and enriches my practice, allowing me to explore human stories, identity, and the profound connections between art and lived experience.

Explore my portfolio to learn more about my work and collaborations.

Art Therapy

As a qualified Art Psychotherapist, I can deliver individual and group therapy. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative processes like drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms to help individuals explore emotions, develop self-awareness, manage stress, and improve mental well-being.

Photography

My passion for travel sparked my deep engagement with photography. Through my projects, I have exhibited both nationally and internationally as an artist-in-residence, focusing on work that explores identity, culture, and their intersections.

Consultancy

As a consultant and associate for the Something Useful Project (SUP), I play a key role in recruiting and assessing artists for international residency programs, ensuring their suitability for the experience. I also provide ongoing support to both artists and institutions throughout their residencies in, fostering meaningful creative exchanges.

Curious about Sangita?

Based in the North West of England, Sangita Mistry works as an art therapist, photographer, and consultant.

She holds a Master’s in Art Psychotherapy, another in Photography, and a degree in Psychology and International Relations. Sangita is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). With over 20 years of experience working with children and young people, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), she’s also a qualified TEFL teacher. Sangita has led successful national and international projects for community groups and educational institutions. As a practicing artist, she brings a unique perspective to her consultancy work, harnessing the power of art to make an impact.

Testimonials

  • (Service user at Gordon Moody)

    The sessions with Sangita have been the highlight of each week whilst on the (Gordon Moody) programme. I’m going to keep all my work as a constant reminder to stay on the road to recover.

  • (Centre user at Maggie’s Manchester)

    “I enjoyed working with Sangita. She is clear, focused, kind, responsive, skilful and has a spark for life that appeals to me. I really enjoyed the paints- which surprised me! It was relaxing and liberating and I love one of my paintings. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the space, the beautiful environment and having the opportunity to take time to process things. I liked that Sangita made art alongside me as it helped me relax and not feel like focus was completely on my to produce art”.

  • (Centre user at Maggie’s Manchester)

    “I am no longer in denial and much more accepting of my diagnosis and journey. I have found Sangita very professional and great person to work with, whilst enabling and facilitating in thinking of issues that I didn’t always want to discuss, but know I needed to”.

  • (Client in private practice)

    “After doing art therapy with Sangita, I feel positive about the future. The sessions

    are calming – which is great when things outside are hectic/anxious/sad”.

  • (Centre user at Maggie’s Manchester)

    “Sangita and the process of art therapy helped me rediscover the joy of life despite the horror of a cancer diagnosis, the treatment and the sheer implosion of my life! Sangita’s easy-going, flexible and gently curious nature supported me to open upand explore feelings that I had been bottling up”.

  • (Service user at GMRC)

    “Working with clay and focussing on sculpting/moulding felt like another way to free what was on my mind. I have learnt so much about myself through these sessions with Sangita – things that I have buried in the back of my mind. Art therapy has allowed me to start processing these thoughts and feelings in a safe and comfortable way”

  • (Centre user at Maggie’s Manchester)

    “I didn’t think I would find it very constructive BUT I was proven wrong! Art therapy has helped me try to view things less negatively and to try and validate my views as having worth rather than thinking I’ll be overlooked or ignored. Sangita is an incredible art therapist who is real and genuine with warmth. This process has been so enlightening!”