My Approach
The Arts Part - I trained as an arts psychotherapist which can be helpful for people who find it difficult to put their experiences into words or for particular times in the therapy process. Using the arts allows a space for contemplation and the freedom to step out of ‘trap’ of going around in circles which we can do when anxious, trying hard to work things out or when feeling stuck. My first training was in talking therapy which can also be useful for people to explore their problems.
I draw upon a range of theories to support you to understand yourself and your relationships with others. This means that your therapeutic pathway is unique to you and I tailor any approach to meet your needs and goals. These include:
Psychoanalytic / Dynamic
The psychotherapy part - How what happened ‘back then’ impacts you now (psychoanalytic/dynamic), and developing an understanding of our relational dynamics and patterns (attachment). This includes looking closely at unconscious processes, which are the things that we do that are a result of something that has happened in our past. By bringing these into the open, you can explore them deeply and more fully understand how they affect your current difficulties.
Humanistic
From a humanistic perspective, I work with cultivating awareness and exploring blocks and difficulties in the here and now (Gestalt), the habitual patterns of behaviour we employ, the stories we tell ourselves, the roles we play and the messages we learned as children (Transactional Analysis).
Neurobiology
I am interested in how the research in neurobiology has informed us about trauma, the body and the brain. This offers the potential to work with trauma, anxiety, panic attacks and depression in a different way. It can also be useful to look back at how events, people, situations in the history of the family may be transmitted from one generation to another and still be impacting on our lives.
IFS and Arts Psychotherapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
The IFS part -
I came across IFS a few years ago and have found it has helped me to access core parts of me that I had found difficult to reach and I decided to train with IFS UK.
In IFS, "parts" refer to different aspects or sub-personalities which often develop as coping mechanisms in response to past experiences, trauma, or external influences.
Your life is like a play with several acts. Some of the characters who enter have short roles to play, others much larger... But all of them are necessary; otherwise, they wouldn't be in the play.
Wayne Dyer
One of the goals of IFS is to help you heal by fostering a relationship between you and the various parts that are connected to different issues. This involves acknowledging and understanding the role each part plays and working towards integrating them rather than trying to get rid of them.
IFS is widely used in psychotherapy for a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. It provides a framework for individuals to explore their internal landscape, understand the origins of their thoughts and behaviours, and work towards greater self-awareness and healing.
Arts Psychotherapy and IFS
The integrated parts -
When IFS therapy is combined with arts psychotherapy, it can offer a powerful therapeutic approach. The creative process of making art can help individuals access and express their internal parts in a nonverbal and symbolic manner, making it a valuable tool in IFS therapy.
For example, an individual may create separate artworks representing different parts of themselves, each expressing their unique characteristics, emotions, and perspectives. Through guided exploration and dialogue with the therapist, the individual can gain insights into the roles and functions of these parts within their internal system. The therapist can then help facilitate communication and negotiation between these parts, fostering integration, harmony, and self-cohesion.
Overall, the combination of IFS therapy and arts therapy can provide a holistic approach to healing and self-discovery, allowing individuals to explore and integrate their internal worlds creatively and therapeutically.
The session will take place in person or online.
Please get in contact for more details.
I draw on my knowledge about creativity to explore the issues you bring. These can include:
- dream work
- metaphors
- personal and archetypal stories
- visual art
- visualisation
- postcards
- sandtray
- music
- dramatherapy
- working with the body
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the first session be like?
I usually meet for a free 30 initial session where I can listen to you and your needs and hear about what has brought you to therapy as well as your hopes. In our first session will be a more in depth assessment and you may want to know more about the way I work, so we can talk about that too. If I think I can help you I will suggest ways we may be able to work together and if that suits you, how we can move forward. If I am not the right match for you, I will think about other options or refer you to another therapist/professional that maybe more suitable.
How frequently will I need sessions?
Each session is 50 minutes and usually takes place at the same time every week. The commitment to regular meetings is an important part of the counselling or psychotherapy process, and helps to create a foundation for the work you will be undertaking.
What are the fees for Training?
Fees for training, support groups and one to one sessions are available on request.
How much do the courses cost?
The information will be listed with the course information or link.
What about holidays or breaks?
I will take time off at Christmas, Easter, and the summer holidays. I will give you as much notice as possible and of course you will not be charged for these.
What if I cannot attend a session?
If you are not able to attend, I will try to find another slot in the same week. However, if this is not possible I charge for the session. However, as well as the time I take off, you will have 4 sessions that are not charged for over the course of the year.
© Natalie Kennedy
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