How can creativity inform you about my problems?
What a great question! I will try and keep it short, quite simply I believe our intellectual mind shares what it chooses when it chooses and can do a good job at avoiding the thoughts and feelings that are stored away in our unconscious - those below the water line if you like. Talking therapy can of course help us to tell our story and offers those who are able to speak very effective and life changing support, but for those that cannot speak or find the journey too painful it may take quite a time or perhaps appear too daunting altogether. On the other hand our creative actions such as spontaneous story telling, drawing or even taking a photograph, can help to express our deepest feelings without us always being aware, which can lead to great support for the non-talkers! For example the little boy who had been seriously abused could only tell his story by recreating a role as shop keeper - always selling and never buying. This little boy's play was able to explain his sense of feeling like a commodity, something that had to be sold before it could be of use. The therapist was able to hold this little boy's pain and experiences through his story telling and help support him to move forward. In fact everyone uses additional language other than speech to describe their experiences.
I like to offer my clients the choice of how they work - hence 'creative thinking':
[Please Note - shop play is not an indicator of abuse]
Do I have to be good at art or want to draw?
No, not at all. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to try different ways of thinking - but creative work can loosen us up anif piching up a paint brush is a challenge then maybe it gets us used to stretching uncomfortable boundaries?
How do we make a start - especially in the taster session?
In order to work together we need to think about what you would like to achieve from the work, and if you have any goals you would like to work towards - and of course a little about you and your circumstances. The session is confidential and an opportunity for you to see how you feel without making a firm commitment. I do not take notes during a session but I will record your details and any work you may wish to make is kept in a locked cabinet, the work is thought of as private and will remain with me for a period of five years at the end of your time with me - or you can take the work with you - it is your choice. We also discuss my code of conduct during the first session when I will explain that your sessions are confidential and will not be shared under any circumstances, however I am duty bound to disclose confidential information if I believe you are at risk or may put another at risk - I will inform you of any action I may need to take prior to doing so. I also attend regular confidential supervision in order to continue my own professional development and your situation may be discussed but your name will not be revealed.
How am I safeguarded?
I am an accredited member of the British Association of Creative Art Psychotherapists [BAAT]. The BAAT register is also accredited by the department of health, administered by an independent body and accountable to parliament. All of those who work within the caring profession are duty bound to belong to the Health and care professions council and this membership is applied for and renewed annually. There is an online register for any client to check a registration status in real time. - www.hcpc-uk.org