“To use the arts expressively means going into our inner realms to discover feelings and to express them through visual art, movement, sound, writing or drama. This process fosters release, self-understanding, insight and awakens creativity” – Natalie Rogers

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As an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, I use a combination of art forms including: movement, drama, music, creative writing, collage, clay, painting and sandplay to facilitate self-expression. I am also an Environmental Arts Therapist. I have completed additional training enabling me to work outdoors, using nature to support self-expression and wellbeing. 

 

While many counsellors qualify with minimal training, I have a Masters in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy and an additional qualification in arts and play-based counselling for children, enabling me to work proficiently with both adults and children. Likewise, my psychotherapy training enables me to offer both art therapy and talking therapy. The arts are always on offer and there is no need of any prior art experience. Art therapy is not about creating something that looks good, it is about expression and communication. 

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As an integrative psychotherapist I am well versed in different psychotherapy approaches. My work is client-led, meaning that I adapt my approach to the individual needs of my clients. I provide a non-judgmental, safe space, in which clients can express themselves, work through pains and difficulties and move toward greater wellbeing, choice and flexibility.

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While my approach is founded on offering clients safety and support to express and discover themselves, I also believe that an appropriate level of challenge is integral to growth. I offer challenge and bring my humanity into the space. I seek not to be a spectator but to be a companion on life’s journey, a companion who shares an important therapeutic journey and, at its end, is no longer needed.

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My practice is trauma informed, meaning that I have attended trainings related specifically to working with adults and children with PTSD or who have experienced trauma.

The arts can give voice to pre-verbal experience or things that are difficult to put into words. Art is used therapeutically and can offer a safer means of processing traumatic material than talking. However, clients are never required to do anything that feels uncomfortable, just talking is fine too.

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I have several special areas of interest including: learning disability, autism / ASD, pre and post-natal depression, emotional abuse, identity issues, low self-esteem, relational issues, self-development, spiritual growth and exploration. I do not promote any form of spirituality, I respect and work with the cultural and religious beliefs of my clients, acknowledging the importance of spirituality within the therapy where it is of personal significance.

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I also enjoy working existentially with big transitions. Transitions occur throughout life and, though often painful and challenging, can provide an opportunity for growth and development. Examples of transitions include: a change in school, a separation, a diagnosis, an impasse with work, retirement, children leaving home, menopause, pregnancy, birth, death et cetera.

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I am passionate about my work and feel genuinely privileged to witness clients expanding and evolving their self-understanding and experience of being in the world. I am never the expert, I do not believe it is possible to be an expert of another person's life or experience. However, I do think that it is useful to have a genuinely interested and caring person to tell your story to, to reflect you back to yourself and sometimes (where possible/appropriate) to provide a lantern in the dark or an anchor when you feel particularly lost or unhinged. Since the aim of therapy is to provide clients with a sense of choice, empowerment, wellbeing and flexibility, the ultimate goal is for clients to discover their own light and become their own anchor.

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It is important to meet a therapist before deciding whether or not they are a good fit for you. For this reason, the first meeting is free of charge. Fees thereafter can be found under the 'bookings' section. Fees are commensurate with income and also depend on time of day and my availability. If I feel I am not the right therapist for you, I may refer you to other services or professionals.

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