WHAT IS ARTS COUNSELLING?
You don’t need to have any natural artistic talent to benefit from creative therapies: the focus is more on the creative process than on a finished image. It can be particularly helpful for those experiencing distress which they are unable to verbalise, particularly young people who may not be able to fully understand their trauma, or find it too overwhelming.
Most sessions involve a combination of talking and artmaking. However, at times, we may just talk and think together or, alternatively, the artmaking can be the focus. We can use image making, sandtray work, metaphor and imagination as additional tools to explore difficult thoughts and experiences. We can also work with Clayfield Therapy to address traumatic experiences held in the body. Ultimately it is what works for you that matters and so I am guided by you and what you bring to sessions.
If you wish to explore this method, I will support you in using art materials in your own way and at your own pace, encouraging you to reflect on your artmaking process so that together we can begin to make sense of what is happening in your life in a safe and unpressured way.
SENSORIMOTOR ART THERAPY
Our work may involve sensorimotor art therapy, which allows the processing of trauma and painful experiences in an embodied and non-verbal way. Early childhood experiences, medical and sexual trauma often cannot be reached through words, as the cognitive function of the brain was not engaged when they happened. Many traumatic memories involve the sense of touch. Through Clayfield work and Guided Drawing, these memories can be safely transformed into a new sense of self-worth and empowerment.
The Clayfield is a box filled with about 10 kg of smooth clay. Through touching and working with the clay, clients' motor impulses are projected into the field and the sensory feedback they receive from this experience allows them to build a new embodied relationship to themselves, the world, and others. Emerging research shows Clayfield work to be deeply therapeutic, especially for children with learning and behavioural difficulties such as ADHD, and for traumatised adults. It is of benefit to those experiencing aggression and oppositional behaviour, divorce, transitions and bereavement, and in consolidating attachment relationships to self and others.
Some possible benefits of therapy may be:-
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Improving emotional and behavioural issues
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Processing changes to family life, bereavement and illness
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Transforming trauma including early trauma experiences, abuse, neglect and medical trauma
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Attachment enhancement
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Supporting learning and physical difficulties, including ADHD and ASC
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Sensory processing issues
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Self-regulation
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Identity exploration
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Fostering creativity, wellbeing and joy
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Strengthening self esteem
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Making positive life choices