Dianna has supported children in many different ways throughout her career. For the last 17 years she has supported children who struggle with speech and language.
"Using art based therapy gives the child space, and opportunity to be able to fully express what they are going through, without judgement, advice, or blame. This I believe is what young people need nowadays to be able to be their authentic self and to know that what they say and how they feel is important and having the opportunity to show this in any way that is comfortable for them"
Anthie is a qualified teacher with over 30 years' experience of working with children from aged 3 to 19.
"I had the privilege of working with children with Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Global learning delay and many other conditions. I was the student and staff mental health first aider. I lead on Social, Emotional and Health Education. I also studied for a diploma in Counselling for young people whilst there. The strength of character, resilience and joy for life I learnt from these young people will stay with me forever."
Hayley has a wealth of experience supporting children. Hayley has years of experience of teaching in both primary and secondary schools, she retrained as a counsellor and has a Master's in intergrative counselling.
"I believe in using metaphor and imagery as important in connecting with others especially in their difficulties and regularly use art and playdough in my counselling sessions with students in a to support them with their distress and difficulties, and help them explore their core feelings."
Jess is a person-centred counselor with ten years' experience of working in the mental health profession. She has worked with young people and adults with Autism. As well as having her own counselling practice, she works for a charity as a mental health crisis support worker.
" I have a passion for helping, no matter who or where. Its important to me that people feel heard, and I feel honoured to be part of their journey to recovery. It's important to me that the client finds their inner true self, to find their voice again. To know they are worthy of love, respect, and time."
Debs is a qualified counsellor and teacher. She has worked in education for 14 years before retraining as a counsellor.
"Having a range of experience allows me to tailor counselling sessions to the individual to ensure maximum engagement and best possible outcomes for each client with whom I work. Working in creative ways enables children to access, process, understand and work through their emotions in a safe and contained way. It is a privilege to support CYP in this way and help them to become the best versions of themselves."
Lily is an artist with her own business, she is currently studying counselling. She is very creative and brings her natural creative skills into the sessions with the children she supports.
"I love to work with children and young people who struggle with their mental health. I know that using art to express emotions when children can't find or use words, helps them to understand themselves better, and be understood by others."
Brian has worked in primary and secondary schools for over 20 years. He has also been the Mental Health Lead in a large secondary school and has a Master's in Supporting Children's mental health in schools. He now his own private practice specialising in supporting children and young people.
"Creative therapies , such as art therapy are so very powerful at unlocking stuck thoughts and emotions. I have used them for both adults and children. It is especially useful for children to explore their difficulties without the feeling of blame and guilt."