Alison Hawtin - Art Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Teacher & artist practitioner

I have over 30 years experience of helping people with emotional, spiritual, and psychological difficulties through art, play and creativity. In groups or one-to-one, and more recently online and outdoors too - or a combination of all of these. I am a registered and qualified Art Therapist/Art Psychotherapist; I got my undergraduate degree in Art & Social Context from Dartington College of Arts in 1992 and my Art Therapy Post-Graduate Diploma (MA equivalence) from the University of Herts, UK in 1994. I’m registered (as required by UK Law to practice) with the HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) and BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) as both a Clinical Supervisor and Private Practitioner. I am a Kadampa Buddhist, a buddhist gilder & statue artist, a meditator, a sensitive to the energies of nature, animals, spirituality and an advocate for women’s and oppressed beings rights in a patriarchal world. I have a passion and skill for noticing what often doesn’t get noticed. Artistically when I see something – if it lingers I give it voice through acrylics, collage, digital, animation, photography and poetry. Therapeutically, if it lingers we give it voice through energy, creation, speech and sharing. I’ve published articles, undertaken research and lectured/presented nationally and Internationally since 1997. ”I am passionate about the benefits of Art Therapy and therapeutic arts as a way to help empower you toward self-understanding, connection with self, other, the wider world, and whatever for you is that beyond, emotional expression, and resilience building. My working style is honest, empathic and informed by many theories, experiences and practices”. *YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE ANY GOOD AT ART TO DO ART THERAPY* I will bring a hefty 'tool-box' into your sessions from 30+ years of working as a community arts facilitator, artist, care-worker, teacher and art therapist. Using developmental, systemic, creativity theory/practice, eastern and western psychology and philosophy, amongst many other art and life-based skills, I will use what will encourage and challenge you, without pushing you anywhere you are not willing to go. I always works from the 'now', what you bring into each session verbally, emotionally, creatively, physically and spiritually - bringing them all to play in my attunement with you, your creative expression and your way of being in the world. Even though together we will set goals for your therapy, the essence of ART THERAPY always beats its heart in your sessions with me, through spontaneity, accident, play, working together, shared-looking, relationship and exploration. Art therapy can be fun! Art therapy can also be tough. As with life the weave of these and all other emotions, memories and experiences make the tapestry. I have considerable experience of working with a wide range of people: ART THERAPY is applicable for anyone - those who simply feel lost, directionless or unhappy and want to explore themselves & their inner worlds; right through to those experiencing extreme difficulties, perhaps in need of specialist or support services, with complex needs, behavioural distress and serious mental or physical health issues. ART THERAPY by nature is adaptable and responsive to each person's needs, abilities and wants and as such, helps you feel accepted for who and where you are now. I have a particular skill working with the effect of emotional trauma in all it's guises - to achieve your empowerment, develop your resilience and help you embrace change and hold onto hope.” Maybe you struggle with verbal expression ('can't say it, won't say it, don't know how to put words to it') or you experience fear, anxiety, delusions, numbing/dissociation or any other uncomfortable feeling that is affecting your and/or others in your life? Perhaps you or someone you know has autistic spectrum conditions or is living with degenerative or palliative illnesses? I have worked with people suffering in so many ways...Acute mental health breakdown, physical ill-health/degenerative or terminal disease, bullying, growing up, painful life transitions, loss, bereavement, abuse, trauma (sexual abuse, PTSD), anxiety/depression, Aspergers syndrome, forensic histories, Personality disorders and other attachment issues.