University of Hertfordshire

Senior Lecturer, MA Art Therapy, University of Hertfordshire

Lead Art Psychotherapist, Cancer Services, Barts Health NHS Trust

Art Psychotherapist in cancer and palliative care since 2004, Megan Tjasink advocates the unique value and potential of art therapy in medical settings.

Megan drives innovation to develop art therapy services, practice and research in health. She champions adaptable, context specific, evidence-informed practice and has developed multiple new art therapy posts and services in relation to patient need, both within the NHS and charitable sectors. 

Megan has developed a practice ethos that is relational and compassion-based, drawing on current research and multiple theoretical models, based on individual need, environment and therapeutic context. 

Megan has a sustained and active interest in collaborative working and interdisciplinary research - particularly to develop the relationship between art and medicine. She is currently engaged in interdisciplinary projects with psychologists and medical doctors, musicians and artists - both in health and educational contexts in the UK and internationally.

Megan holds a Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK and studied Fine Art and Psychology at the University of Cape Town in South Africa where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree. Megan is currently working on her PhD in Psychology. Her proposed area of PhD research is a clinical trial testing the adapted use of art therapy with NHS clinicians to address burnout and work related stress.