Lorena Vila – Integrative Arts Psychotherapist

I am an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, practicing with a person-centred, compassionate and humanistic approach. I believe that everyone has the tools they need, it’s a case of finding ways to access them.

Working integratively means that I use the most relevant theories and research for our work together. Whether it’s affective neuroscience, somatic approaches, attachment theory, psychodynamic theory or another model, I share the approaches I’m using as we work.

The weekly work of psychotherapy can be challenging. It can involve looking at painful parts of ourselves, going back in time and re visiting. But in my experience with clients, the rewards are worth it. Being able to build a more compassionate, loving and fuller understanding of self to be able to form relationships you value and to authentically meet your goals.

I work transparently with you to agree what we will work on together and check in on this at regular intervals to ensure that our work continues to meet your expectations and values. I don’t think I know more than you about yourself and I sit with you as someone who respects your journey and wants the best for you.

My approach is LGBTQIA+ affirmative and anti-oppressive, which means keeping your cultural, social and political identity and values central to the therapy.

Whether we meet or not, I’m wishing you courage in your journey.

Working using the arts (e.g. sand tray, body work, image and clay) can allow you to connect with your creativity and imagination and to access paths of healing, discovery and support.

When we use creativity or imagination to look at our challenges, we’re engaging in bilateral brain hemisphere stimulation, which can offer a new way to understand our emotions, experiences or what is lying underneath. It may not be for you, but if you do choose to try it, the focus is on the process, which is what you are exploring, rather than the product.

Arts can also mean using metaphor, dream work and nature connection to allow a lens to focus on your intuition, your emotions and relationships. It can be difficult to summarise the change that can happen through psychotherapy, as it is so personal, so I can offer a poem for what it has meant for me

:

I have found that travelling in,
slowing down
And having a different conversation
Has changed who I am
At a cellular level

I have 14 years’ experience of working with both adults and children with a wide range of needs and from diverse backgrounds.

My four-year Integrative Arts Psychotherapy training at MA level is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I am fully insured.

I have further developed my skills through Ecopsychology training and Grief Tending in Community to explore the wide-ranging positive impact I can be part of, working with individuals and community in a holistic and creative way.

I have worked in homelessness settings, developing and facilitating vibrant, client-led and trauma-informed Ecopsychology and Therapeutic Arts-based programmes for the last five years.

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Childhood trauma
• Depression
• Difficulties in intimate relationships
• Grief and loss
• Overwhelm and burnout
• Repeating relationship patterns
• Self-belief and existential questions
• Trauma, including complex trauma and CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Understanding and managing triggers

My journey to discovering the power of Psychotherapy started when working in a therapeutic horticulture setting for a homeless charity. I became aware that many people gained value from talking at the allotment, as opposed to engaging in activity, and I just wanted to listen. But I wanted the tools to better understand what trauma really meant, how to work with it and how to support those facing emotional pain.

That was in Jan 2019, and I began my journey in a year long Exploring Ecopsychology training. I became fascinated with the different healing tools we can use to look in, connect and find a sense of lost meaning. I was hooked.

Through my Integrative Arts Psychotherapy MA training over 4 years, I was astounded at the wealth of ways we can support ourselves, explore and heal from trauma. I developed a profound understanding of my own traumas, which is an essential foundation for the practitioner I am today.

I value every piece of work I do with clients and am moved by the ripples of change I am part of.

I offer sessions on a sliding scale, salary dependant, £60-£70 online or £70-£80 in person.

I offer an initial free 20 minute phone call or zoom meeting to give you a chance to get to know me and ask any questions.

I am open to having conversations if cost is a barrier and I have concession spaces available at the moment.

CONTACT ME:

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