Gallery of Activities: Past & Present

In February and then from August-October 2017 I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a residential training at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Ulverston, Cumbria.  The art studio there casts, finishes and paints/gilds statues for City based Meditation Centres and traditional Temples around the WORLD!  We made 5ft and 8ft statues of Buddha Shakyamuni, Avalokiteshvara, Tara, Stupas and other Holy objects which I was able to contribute to completing ready for distribution across the world.  

I offered this bespoke course in June 2017 over three days in the heart of Peterborough.  Aimed at anyone interested in pursuing or exploring the world of Art Therapy as a career we explored the overlaps and differences between art for self-healing, Arts and wellbeing/health and Arts Therapies.  Using powerful case studies, art making individually and as a group and much discussion and questions, this was an intense though enjoyable experience for the participants.  It allowed them a space to explore their next steps in the world of work with creativity and people.  

I continue to offer Individual and group therapy from bases in Huntingdon and Peterborough. I can be mobile around Cambridgeshire and Lincs finding an appropriate space in your area or coming to your centre, day service, hospital etc. Do get in touch to see how we can work together.

These are important to me for my own wellbeing as well as aspects to bring into the Art Therapy session.  I often will incorporate found objects, outside sensations and the seasons/elements.

This photo is from Ulverston beach November 2017 

This was a very informative workshop in Derby about the holistic effects and impact of trauma in children by Dr Karen Treisman in late 2017

This is art therapy completely turned on its head!  
As an empath and after many years deeply attuning to others in individual art psychotherapy, I readily make art in response to other's feelings.  I realised this was something that could really benefit others too, by witnessing the making and production LIVE, so you can ask questions as it happens.  

Here, we spend an hour or so together, face to face or online and I tune into YOU as you speak about whatever you choose to. I  intuitively and spontaneously make a unique piece of art that is yours then to keep.  What we have shared in speaking remains confidential and within the T&C's of Art Therapy, though it is not formal art therapy.   

Leaves found on one autumn walk 

Keely Mills a local poet and theatre manager, commissioned me to add a specific type of art group to the catalogue on offer during Crafts & Conversations in May 2015.  This was an afternoon space where I offered a wide range of art materials on various tables and in various ways to enable people who felt less able to join in with the other workshops and groups, the opportunity to come and make art.  Daisy, a trainee Art Therapist from Oundle joined me.  The sessions design was to encourage and invite people to do what felt right for them so as they could come, stay and maybe come back the next week.  It was an atmosphere of acceptance for individuality and we met some great people - some young women and their support workers from SENSE, a young man with severe autism and various others with social anxiety and low confidence.  Thanks for the opportunity Keely!  

This image was part of an online business planning group training I attended with Kat.  It is a unique experience with lots of guided imagery use, so this image was my memory of one regarding my Aims as a business.  

These included ‘PERSONAL AND GLOBAL HEALING’ 

As a member of BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) we can attend various Special Interest Groups and regional activities.  This photo shows a clay-making workshop facilitated by Diana, a potter, Art Therapist and group member (with obligatory cake as you can see!) in Ely, Cambs.  

Supervisees, trainees, colleagues and clients often want to express their gratitude for our work together - I am ever humbled to work with you all.  

Whether in therapy groups, workshops, trainings or other opportunities, I feel most comfortable and skilled supporting you to connect with yourself and others through the medium of art/creativity.  Here is an example of a piece done with a small group of 3 from a training workshop in 2017.  

It is important to nurture and care for myself in the way I encourage you to do so for yourselves too.  Here I attended a flower arrangement workshop in Peterborough which I thoroughly enjoyed (I think I may've been a florist in another incarnation ;-))

Ali Coles and myself represented MAGSIG from BAAT at this Conference in 2016.  I know, what a lot of meaningless letters!  MAGSIG means Museum & Galleries Special Interest Group and BAAT is my professional Body called The British Association of Art Therapists. 
It was a wonderful experience and ours was a well attended talk about the use of Museums and their objects therapeutically, and how Museums can make better use of Art Therapists and our skills to be sensitive to the impact art can have on people and in meeting their community access goals.  We made some great contacts that day and explored developing further training with the National Gallery in London in the future!

I was invited to offer a free expressive space at this festival by METALPeterborough @The Green Backyard, a wonderful community garden in the heart of Peterborough (you can see it as trains go through).  I decided upon creating this vast chalkboard for all to offer firstly their biggest regret, and then their biggest wish.  It was an evolving thing that offered individuality whilst awareness and influence of others....just like life and society.  All people from all walks of life made their mark - it was a great day!
 

Here is a still photo from a live painting I did to show how I work...from spontaneous intuitive connection between me and the canvas.  There is a full video, to be posted asap