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.
