About Me.

• About me.

I am a qualified, HCPC registered Psychotherapist who specializes in working with children and adolescents. I qualified with an MA in Art Psychotherapy from Roehampton University. I have vast experience of working therapeutically in schools and as a SEN TA. I believe that the combination of the healing potential of art together with a safe, nonjudgmental space and relationship can enable an individual to process and work through distressing thoughts and experiences. Art psychotherapy is particularly helpful for individuals who have difficulty vocalizing traumatic experiences as it provides an alternative medium through which feelings can be conveyed and understood. Although I am trained primarily as an art psychotherapist my client centered approach allows me to engage with the client through talking, play, written word or art. For me it is the building of a relationship of mutual trust and respect that is of primary importance. I have experience of working with children and adolescents with autism, depression, bereavement, anxiety, panic, neglect, low self-esteem, stress, loss, eating disorders, bullying and domestic abuse.

My Approach

I adopt a psychodynamic, person centered, approach to Art Psychotherapy.

The psychodynamic approach is concerned with the theories in psychology that believe human functioning to be based on the interaction of drives within the person, particularly unconscious drives. Psychodynamic theory claims our childhood experiences can have a great impact on our adult lives and can influence our personality. Events that happen in our childhood can remain in the unconscious, and can cause us problems as adults.

Psychodynamic theory views our behavior as being caused entirely by unconscious factors over which we have no control.

Our unconscious thoughts and feelings can transfer from our unconscious to our conscious mind through talking therapy artwork made in art therapy or the play that takes place in play therapy.

I appreciate that difficult relationships and experiences can prevent us from living the life we would want to. Low self-esteem, social anxiety, depression, trauma etc can be some of the issues holding us back from personal growth and fulfilling relationships.

I am interested in understanding an individual's perception of their experiences and what has influenced that perception. It is important to me that a client feels valued, accepted and comfortable enough to be open and honest about their thoughts and feelings. My aim is to support a client in a safe, comfortable environment, while they explore their personal identity. I believe that through therapy we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and our experiences. We can also gain a sense of self-worth and self-trust which can enable us to move forward positively.