Hettie Chadwick Dickinson
Art Therapist & Integrative Therapist
I specialise in:
About me
Life is complicated, and it can be hard to put your experience and feelings into words, this can be an overwhelming, isolating and demoralising experience. We get caught in patterns of unhelpful behaviours, thinking, relationships that no longer serve or support us. You may feel really stuck, out of control or uncertain on how to move forward in your life.
Therapy can be helpful by providing a trusting and consistent person and space in which you can begin to make sense of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. However, I recognise coming to Therapy is not a simple decision and this can be entangled with contradictory feelings.
Art making is rooted in play and exploration, which is the first way in which we experience and learn about our worlds. Play and creativity is something adults sadly struggle to prioritise, but it is a fundamental part of being human, and can assist in increasing insight. As an Art Therapist, I will invite you to explore art making in our sessions alongside discussion. Why? Art is a thought provoking and safe tool that can support bringing awareness to the parts of our inner worlds that we may find hard to recognise or reflect on. Art making can help people to express feelings which can be difficult to verbalise, or to explore painful experiences and help to express and capture the uniqueness of your personal experience.
I trained in the UK and have worked within educational, charity and the national health sector, working with a range of mental health and social needs in London, UK. I continue to work with Families in Health and Education and have held a Private Practice for adults and young people since 2020. I have supported people with a range of mental health and emotional needs including, Domestic abuse, sexual abuse, addiction, adoption, life changes/transitions, anxiety and related disorders, depression, attachment and relationships, traumatic experiences, low mood, confidence and self-esteem. If you are seeking therapy but unclear of what you want to work on, i offer therapeutic assessments to help identify your therapy goals.
An important note, to attend Art Therapy, no art experience is needed, just curiosity. I provide all art materials needed for your sessions.
I am passionate about making therapy accessible and I offer reduced fees for those in full time education or that have low income. Please do reach out to discuss further.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
Every person I meet has their own unique set of circumstances and experiences, while many of human experiences overlap, our emotional interpretations of these are often different. Making the decision to attend therapy I understand is not easy. Attending therapy can be very hard and making art can be uncomfortable. I offer a personable and warm therapy space in which you are welcome to come as you are, and feel safe to be authentic, grow and develop.
In sessions we will reflect on your early and past experiences in order to better understand how you approach and feel about your current experience. Therapy helps you to explore your feelings and give clarity.
I completed my Art Psychotherapy training in the UK. I have practised for 8 years in National Health Services, Specialist mental health organisations and charities working with Families, Adults and young people across a range of emotional needs. I have professional interest in the intersection of Mental Health and Neurodivergence, Trauma and Family Dynamics.
My training was informed by Jungian and psychodynamic theory and I bring this theory into my work. I also draw on systemic, existential and developmental theory in order to offer holistic support to the whole life of the people I work with.
I have training and experience of using DBT and CBT, I bring this into sessions where it may feel appropriate to use skills as part of therapy. The use of skills in therapy can be helpful in offering practical ways you can support yourself in your everyday life.
If you are curious about working together, please get in touch to arrange a free consultation. I understand it is important for you to find the right therapist for you!
A note on inclusive practice. I ensure I practice sensitively to your personal needs and experiences. An important part of each persons experience is their culture and identity. My practice is socially engaged and culturally sensitive, non-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and LGBTQ+ affirming.
