As humans we move in and out of physical and mental health ill health. We can all, at times in our life, experience emotional distress, perhaps brought on by a particular life event or a historical trauma.

As an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, trained in various evidenced based therapeutic models, I endeavour to provide individuals and groups a safe space in which they may begin to explore their emotional pain. The use of the arts aids in this process where there are not words to accurately convey the inner world experience.

I have created this site to provide information on Integrative Arts Psychotherapy in general and to explain my approach to working with my clients. Should you wish to contact me for further discussion or to meet for a consultation please use the contact details provided on this site.  

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a form of talking therapy, where trained psychotherapists support clients, individually or in groups, by providing a safe space in which they can share their painful feelings and thoughts without fear of judgement or repercussions.  Humans are social creatures, and emotional distress is often linked to relational difficulties. Hence, psychotherapists take a relational approach to working with clients to understand their difficulties. Through the catharsis of expressing feelings as well as exploring and developing a deeper understanding of past experiences. It is hoped clients will develop a better understanding of themselves and experience some relief from distressing feelings.  

There are various theoretical approaches and modalities to psychotherapy (talking therapies), none better or worse. In fact it provides clients with the option to explore and choose which modality works best for them. 

Integrative Psychotherapy: I am trained in several theories of human development and therapeutic modalities. They include the following: 

• Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic (Key Authors; Freud, Jung, Klein)
• Object Relations (Key Authors; Klien, Winnicott)
• Gestalt (Key Authors; Perls, Mackewn)
• Attachment (Key Authors: Bowlby)
• Transactional Analysis (Key Authors; Burns) 
• Transpersonal/Existential

When I work with clients I use my knowledge of these modalities to better understand the difficulties they are experiencing, with the intention of working collaboratively with the client 

Arts: I am trained in the safe therapeutic application of the arts. Each art form will have different therapeutic benefits and as a psychotherapist using the arts with my clients it is my responsibility to maintain the safe space in which to explore emotions through creative expression. The arts includes but is not limited to the following: 

• Visual arts; painting, drawing, sculpture
• sand tray
• puppetry
• drama and dance
• music  

A common misconception with the arts is that we must be "good' at it and produce something that is 'aesthetically pleasing". In Art Psychotherapy its quite the opposite, sometimes we need to express something ugly because thats what we are feeling. There is no expectation at all that any client needs to be an artist . 

My name is Heather Solomon-Easton and I am a qualified HCPC registered Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and Social Worker. 

I have over 10 years experience as  a social worker, working with vulnerable children, young people and adults. I have trained to become an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist over the last five years at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, in London. 

I have experience working with clients presenting with difficulties such as (but not limited to): 

• depression  
• anxiety and stress
• work related stress 
• bereavement and anticipatory bereavement 
• historical abuse and trauma
• PTSD 
• bi-polar 
• schizophrenia and psychosis 
• personality disorder
• learning and physical disabilities
• Physical illness  
• relationship difficulties 

I offer both short and long term weekly individual and group integrative arts psychotherapy for adults and young people. Individual sessions are 50 minutes and groups are 90 minutes. 

I work at the clients pace and we will have regular reviews to discuss how the therapy is going.

Confidentiality:

All content, including art creations, within the sessions is confidential between myself and my clients.  I do not share any of the information or art work with anyone but my supervisor who ensures that my practice is safe and effective. In situations where I am concerned about the safety of my client or others I may need to share such concerns with other professionals in order to keep everyone safe. I always endeavour to discuss this with my clients first. I shall discuss this with clients in more depth in the initial consultation. 

Cost:

Individual: £35 per 50 minute session. 

Group: Negotiable 

Initial Consultation: I offer a free 50 minute initial consultation where we have an opportunity to meet each other and discuss the potential work. Should you be interested in continuing we would make further arrangements but there is no obligation. 

As a social worker, I am acutely aware of the need for professional therapeutic support for social care professionals. Despite the passion and optimism that often brings enthusiastic practitioners into the field, the pressures of the job can lead to high levels of stress, lack of self care and ultimately burn out. 

Personal psychotherapy is a mandatory part of any Psychotherapy Training. This is to ensure that the psychotherapist personal lives do not interfere with their work with their clients and that they have a strong network of support . 

There appears to be a gap in the provisions of  therapeutic support for social care professionals. I feel I am in a unique position to offer this support having had extensive training and experience within both roles. It is my hope that with additional support social care professionals will reduce their stress levels and in turn increase staff retention and improve their practice. 

If this is something that you feel you and/or your team would benefit from please to contact me for an informal chat or to arrange a formal consultation. 

REFLECTIONS Integrative Arts Psychotherapy, is a small practice in Bristol, based in the Cotham Practice Rooms; currently open on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Please feel free to email me should you have any further questions or to arrange an initial consultation session. 

EMAIL: heather@reflectionsiap.org

PHONE: 07955156746

Please note: I will only reply to phone and email messages on Mondays and Tuesdays between the hours of 9am and 5pm. If you are in distress and need an immediate response please seek support from your GP, or emergency services where appropriate.