“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
Carl Jung
What Is Creative Counselling?
Creative Counselling is not about needing to be artistic, imaginative or ready with the right words. It is about having a safe, compassionate space to explore your experiences, emotions and trauma in a way that feels accessible to you. Our work is grounded in a person-centred approach, which means you remain at the heart of the process and in control of what is explored. As your therapist, I will be alongside you, gently supporting you to notice what may sit beneath surface thoughts and feelings, while offering creative and therapeutic ways to explore more deeply. This might include using figures to represent important people or parts of your experience, using art or craft to express something that feels difficult to put into words, or learning grounding techniques that you can use between sessions. This is your therapy journey, and I am here to walk alongside you at a pace that feels right.
What Will My First Session Look Like?
Your first session is a gentle opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another. It can feel daunting to meet a therapist for the first time, especially if you are unsure what you want to talk about or where to begin. We will take things slowly and there is no pressure to share more than feels comfortable. We will also go through some practical information, including the counselling contract, so that you understand how sessions work, what you can expect from me and what is expected from you. This is also your space to ask questions, raise any worries and begin to think about what you would like from therapy.
What If A Client Is Under 18 Years?
Finding the right support for a young person in your care can feel difficult, and we aim to make the process as clear and reassuring as possible. Feather & Flame Therapies offers Creative Counselling for clients aged 4 years and over. For clients under 16, a parent or guardian will need to co-sign the counselling contract during the first session and be listed as the emergency contact. A parent or guardian will also need to be present for drop-off and collection, and remain within a 5-minute travel distance during the session, so that safeguarding procedures are upheld. For clients aged 16 and 17, we can offer a little more flexibility. A parent or guardian will still need to co-sign the counselling contract at the first session and be listed as the emergency contact, but they do not need to remain nearby for future sessions. We simply ask that they are contactable throughout the session in case of emergency.